Young Artists at Play 

Young Artists at Play (YAAP), a successful summer theatre program for students in grades 1-12, includes theatre camps, performance seminars and musical theatre workshops.  Begun in 1998, the mission of YAAP is to utilize theatre to teach and reinforce life skills of teamwork, problem solving, creativity, analysis, and critical thinking while promoting an understanding and appreciation of the theatrical art form.  Age-appropriate programs are designed to spark the child’s imagination, encourage their social and listening skills, and build self-confidence. Theatre professionals and guest artists teach the collaborative process of theatre that requires these diverse and important skills. Children broaden their knowledge of theatre through a number of assignments, including reading and analyzing scripts (including content and character development), and working with fellow actors, directors, and designers to produce a cohesive final project.

Chandra Pieragostini, a professional theatre educator, designs each YAAP workshop especially for the grade and skill level of the students. The youngest students develop a sense of cooperation, enhance their listening skills and develop stronger self-esteem by participating in a variety of theatre games, creative play, storytelling, music, movement and art projects.  Older youths work as members of an ensemble. Problem-solving among the older youths varies from creating an improvisational script to designing sets and costumes. All students analyze scripts as the basis for making decisions regarding costumes, masks, sets and acting, in addition to analyzing the use of language, subtext and meaning. Workshops, which are taught by skilled and experienced visiting artists and arts educators, run from 1-4 weeks, depending on the depth and scope of the program. A final presentation for invited guests culminates each workshop.

Merrimack Repertory Theatre offers the YAAP Scholarship Fund for children from low- to moderate-income families in the Greater Boston, Southern New Hampshire and Merrimack Valley area. The YAAP Scholarship Fund encourages families who would otherwise be unable to afford to attend to send their children to these workshops. Scholarship award criteria include financial need, a demonstrable intent to participate and artistic potential.

Multiple studies have shown that students who are able to participate in constructive, safe activities develop skills that enable them to succeed in life. YAAP provides educational and fun workshops that encourage confidence-building and positive social interaction in a conducive and safe environment. 

For more information or an application, please contact Mike LaChance, YAAP Registration Coordinator, at 978.654.7550.

2010 YAAP Brochure