The Target Young Audiences Program (YAP) does much more than just bring young people to the theatre. Teachers and select students attend a half-day of instruction in the themes and creative elements of the play. Using the information and Discovery Guides from the conference, students and teachers together prepare the rest of the class to see the show.
Our Target Young Audiences Program has ended for the 2008-2009 season. We have taken quite a journey this year – traveling from Spring Awakening, to The School of Night, to Taking Over, Pippin, Frost/Nixon and finally Ain’t Misbehavin’. While these plays differed widely in style, time period and genre, certain themes kept appearing: the need for truth and authenticity, the need for our stories to be told, the need for the voiceless to be given voice and the invisible made visible; ideas both universal and deeply personal.
In post-show discussions with our high school audiences we explored being a teenager in Spring Awakening, the role of the artist in The School of Night, neighborhood change in Taking Over and the need for apology in Frost/Nixon. Our middle school audiences reflected upon their own “corner of the sky” in Pippin and shared why humans need music in our lives following Ain’t Misbehavin’. We also had the great pleasure of sharing Darwin with elementary schools and families as part of DouglasPlus, and with our audience, discovered the power of compassion and creativity.
At all the shows, the students had the great pleasure of meeting some of the artists involved. Questions ranged from inquiries about the artists’ training and background to curiosity about the themes in the plays. The artists were so generous – sharing both their art and their passion with our young audience members.
The School of Night
By Peter Whelan
It’s unanimous. Students make the best audiences. So says the cast of The School of Night. Over 1000 Los Angeles area high school students participated in the Target Young Audiences Program on November 19 and 20, 2008.
“Thank you for sharing these great experiences for the past 3 years! I had fun each and every time I went. I’m not a play person, but I wish I could do this many more times.” – Edgardo G.
Taking Over
By Danny Hoch
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Gentrification is a complicated issue. The over 750 Los Angeles area high school students who came to see Taking Over on February 3-6, 2009, had a lot to say about it. Here is a sampling of their letters to Danny Hoch.
“I want to personally thank you for giving me a voice.” – Zachary L.
Frost/Nixon
By Peter Morgan
Over 1,000 Los Angeles area high school students came to see Frost/Nixon on March 25 and 26, 2009. Before and after the show, they talked about the ideas of apology and forgiveness, and asked insightful questions about the real-life characters and the actors’ experience playing them.
“Frost/Nixon helped me understand that each situation has two sides. … I would like to know if the cast or crew thought the play was biased. And if not, what was the hardest part of presenting the play in order to keep it unbiased?” – Aubrey L.
“I loved the use of the many intelligent fixtures to follow the actors around the stage. The sound, especially the ambient noise of the lights, doors closing, and the television screen were all amazing additions to the performance. With much appreciation to all the techies and actors…” – Ryan J.
“Frost/Nixon was an amazing fusion of theatre and television technology. The television screen let the audience see the subtle acting of Frost and Nixon’s eyes. … for the first time I saw Nixon as a person. Thank you very much for the brain tingling show.” – Katie C.
Requirements: The Target Young Audiences Program is open to all schools on a first come, first served basis. All teachers are required to attend the educational conference prior to the performance (see dates above). Teachers may bring up to 4 students to the conference.
Fees: Enrollment is $50 for each 30 students, up to 150 students. Enrollment fees defray development costs for the educational materials and conference—theatre tickets are underwritten by our generous donors. Each play is booked separately.
Can't find what you want?
Center Theatre Group offers more flexible dates and a wider selection of productions through its Group Services office. Teachers can arrange for a group of 15 or more students to attend shows at discounted rates.
With an extensive selection of plays and performance dates, this option is suitable for teachers who cannot attend our educational workshops. Teachers can still enrich classroom learning and the theatre-going experience with P.L.A.Y.'s Discovery Guides.
Download them for free!
Support for the Young Audiences Program is provided by the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs.
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Main Photo Credit
Students in "Access."
Photo by Craig Schwartz.
Inset Photo Credits
Post-play discussion for "Blazin'."
Photo by Craig Schwartz.
Students watching "School of Night."
Photo by Kathryn Indeik
Denise Uyehara in "Sez She."
Photo by Craig Schwartz.
