This is my favorite time of the year for YAT, because we can look back on the year and forget all of the stressful things that happen during our productions and just relive the moments of joy that we get to experience with our YAcTors on stage. This season, particularly, feels extremely gratifying because we have put on the highest quality shows during some of the most stressful time.
It is hard to believe that it has been a year since we put on the incredible Newsies, so beautifully directed by Marissa Musgrove, with her artistic team of Matt Ignacio as Music Director and Brice Cloke as Choreographer. The quality of the production was stellar with choreography that was through the roof. And of course, as the last production in our beloved Encore Theatre, it’s story was especially poignant with a message of strength and unity.
Our first adventure into a new venue was Bring it On, directed by Chrissy Burns. Choreographed by Jenn Harris with Music Direction from Jerrica Stone and Eboni Muse, this show was nonstop entertainment. It was exhilarating seeing our students performing so many incredible cheer moves onstage!
Next up in the season was our junior production of Camp Rock, led by Brice Cloke. As the director/choreographer, he had a lot of hats to wear and he had the incredible Mary Rose Vadeboncoeur as his Music Director. Together they turned out a delightful production that gave so many of our junior students some great opportunities to shine.
We took a different approach with our Jingle production this year and made it more of a Cabaret type of production instead of a staged musical. This worked out great in our new venue at Grossmont Center, and as usual, the music was spot on with the wonderful Matt Ignacio leading our students.
I had a wonderful time directing Little Shop of Horrors with our senior division. Working with Kim Hendrix-Racine as Music Director and Anthony Vacio was truly a wonderful experience. I enjoyed working on this show so much, and it was fun seeing our YAcTors really show off their abilities, especially in a new venue!
Lastly, our Juniors put on Disney’s Finding Nemo directed by Christine Cordova. As usual, Christine has the ability to take the magic of Disney and bring it to life on stage, with the assistance of Kailee Ash-Ray as Music Director and Olesia Winbush as Choreographer. There were so many magical moments in this show and the audience loved it!
Included with this delightful season was our A Look Back at Encore! Theatre Cabaret, where we welcomed back some of our alumni to recreate some favorite roles, the Princess Party, and a couple of incredible 24 Hour Musical Productions, which truly rounded things out for a complete season.
As I sit here reflecting on the amazing year that we have had, it seems like the changes that we have had to abide, have always been a part of our routine. I marvel at the resilience and persistence of our staff, teachers, artistic teams and students. I am so proud of each and every accomplishment that you have all made, and it is truly such a collaborative effort.
I’ve loved watching our students’ become parts of the artistic teams, and leading our tech. I marvel at the dedication and persistence of our stage managers and I’ve loved the creativity of our costumers and set designers. But mostly, I feel that our Board President, Jess Reed and Executive Director, Kristina Petrea, deserve a giant standing ovation for leading us through this incredible season of change. Their leadership has been exactly what we need and I value them and the entire Board of Directors!
Congratulations to all of you, who have made this theatre community feel like home!
With much love,
Jean Isaac, Founder and Artistic Director - Young Actors' Theatre
