Peninsula Youth Theatre

PYT is a source of consistent joy, especially in its Stories on Stage series of works from children's literature. Adventurous and imaginative shows that are a great and affordable way for young audiences to learn about theatre and for young actors to hone their skills.

Peninsula Youth Theatre provides youth in the Bay Area to learn and grow through theatrical experiences. PYT offers classes, camps, black box plays and elaborate main stage musical opportunities. All of the programs are educational, and participants enjoy the social and emotional benefits of working together as a team to produce a high-quality end product. Many kids in the community who come to see PYT shows are exposed to the performing arts for the first time. So, whether a participant, and audience member, or both, Peninsula Youth Theatre is an important resource.

My son's experience with the Peninsula Youth Theatre has been fabulous! As a newcomer to theater, he has been able to explore his creative side in a positive learning environment. The PYT staff is terrific in providing support, encouragement and enthusiasm for all participants regardless of their experience. PYT is a great community organization that encourages the arts for young people.

I started performing for PYT when I was eight. I didn't have any prior experience in theatrical arts or performance, but I did find singing and dancing extremely fun. During the course of my first show, I learned about performing and discovered it as my passion. I'm sixteen now, and after my nineteen shows at PYT, I have built a strong support system of friends and approachable adults with whom I maintain lasting relationships. That's one of the amazing things about PYT: the memories of a show and the frienships formed remain even after significant time has passed. The environment of the entire process is amazingly professional for a youth-based, non-profit organization, yet it is simultaneously light-hearted and extremely enjoyable. PYT has been a very positive influence in my life. It has allowed me to meet so many talented and wonderful people that I would not have been able to meet otherwise. One of my best friends lives twenty minutes away and is home schooled, and we would not have met if it had not been for our shared love of musical theaterand access to PYT. Additionally, PYT has enabled me to enrich my passion for theatrical arts with their diverse array of professional directors, choreographers, and music directors. Every staff member I have worked with has taught me a skill or been a great friend to me. The production staff always looks for a way to bring the best out of us, and they challenge us to better ourselves on a daily basis. During my eight years of working with PYT, I have learned important life lessons, built a sturdy structure of frienships, and worked to perfect my skills.

My kids have grown up with PYT starting with their wonderful program, Theater in the Park. Through these summer camps, my kids discovered their love of singing & acting. All of my kids were very shy originally & the stage has turned them into confident young adults. PYT provides an incredible program designed for all kids --- whether they want to work behind the stage, just sing in a group or be a star onstage. This type of community activity is crucial to providing access to the arts to younger people. It instills an appreciation for the arts that continues into their adult life.

PYT is our other family! We have had 3 children participate over the last 12+ years. They have each performed, worked backstage, helped with auditions and have made friendships that will last a long time. This organization is a true community.

I've been involved with Peninsula Youth Theatre (PYT) since I was about five. My older sister, Katherine, had decided to give acting a try, and being the young tot I was, I was dragged along. My sister fell in love with the stage, and I did too. It was and still is magical to see the transformations people make when they're on stage. Off stage, they could be subdued or outcasts or "losers" or whatever. But on stage, they become a new person, a better version of themselves, what they wish they could be. And for a glorious two and a half hours, they can be that person. PYT has given me and so many others the opportunity to do just that. The directors are all amazingly talented actors and actresses themselves, and guide us young actors into exploring the vast expanse of our theatrical ability. The classes are marvelous, and help shy kids come out of their shells. Theatre in the Park, a summer theatre camp geared for younger kids, is an especially great example of this. I interned over the summer for the 6-8 year old age range, and there was one child that was shy and didn't want to talk to many people except me. But because of the group activities led by the wonderful teachers and the acting/imagining exercises they did, he slowly opened himself up and started playing with the other kids. This type of progress is one of the many reasons why I love PYT. I myself experienced bullying and the feeling of not fitting in at school. But at PYT, I fit in completely. It was like I found the missing piece to my puzzle. I can't imagine life without my wonderful PYT family. Everyone there, all the staff, has watched me grow up and have all helped teach me important life lessons that I'll take into my adult life and use to continue to be successful. Best of all, I feel loved and welcomed in the familiar PYT studios. You know how people say Disneyland is the happiest place on earth? Well, in my book, Disneyland takes the back seat to PYT. There is no happier place to be, than at PYT.

I have been at PYT since I was 4 years old. I began as a Munchkin Player and just kept growing from there. I am now a seventeen year old who has participated in over 30 shows in the community just by my start at this great organization. I participate in their Stories on Stage program which is unique to this company in the sense that those who have participated in this program have grown to be very strong actors. It shapes you as an actor to really hone your skills in acting without the distraction of music and dancing. I also love that in Stories on Stage many of the roles are written with certain actors in mind. For example I can say I have been the original Slab in "How I Became A Pirate", I am the original Cayenne Kate in "Pecos Bill and the Ghost Skeletons", I am the original Mrs. Kringle in "Auntie Claus". I mean I could go on and on about how much I have learned just in that one program. I also am involved with the Dickens Carolers who go at Christmas time and dress up in Dickens era costumes and sing Christmas Carols. This is another great program because it teaches us how to be in a choral setting as well as giving us great cultural enrichment. Each year we go to many different places and spread holiday cheer. It is a great program.

Our family got involved in PYT when our daughter was in the 6th grade, and became interested in performing onstage. She appeared in multiple MainStage shows, worked as a camp counselor for PYT'sTheatre in the Park, served as President of PYT's Youth Advisory Board, and even after graduating from high school, she performed in Alumni shows. Her commitment to PYT stemmed both from the great experience and learning about all things theater that she received, but even more from the deep friendships that she maintains to this day.

PYT provides a safe and supportive environment for children of all ages to learn and grow their theatrical skills, but also their leadership and team skills, which are critical to success as adults. And it is a true family environment where my husband and I met wonderful people and truly enjoyed our volunteer experience.

I have been involved with PYT since it began. As a parent, I loved the sense of community that PYT offered me and my daughter. Everyone works hard to put on great shows, but the quality of the show is never as important as making sure that the children all have positive experiences and feel a sense of belonging. I am now a board member, and even though my daughter is too old to do PYT shows, the organization is still an important part of my life.

Our family first became involved with PYT when my daughter did a main stage show 10 years ago. She had so much fun that her brother tried it too. He ended up doing 8 shows in a row! It is a terrific family activity and the shows are very high quality. Best of all, the values PYT promotes and fosters in children are invaluable. We have all learned many things while being involved at PYT that serve us well every day of the year.

I started participating in shows at PYT as a 12 year old looking for a new theatre experience with a new youth theatre company. I grew up with PYT performing in their productions and eventually working for them both as choreographer and class instructor. I am also now an active member of the PYT Alumni Association (PYTAA), serving on the Alumni Council since 2008. PYT has given me so many opportunities to learn, make new friends, and grow with a supportive and nurturung theatre family. The company is dedicated to creating the best theatre experience for kids and I will always be grateful for my time spent with them.

My daughter's involvement with PYT has been a very rewarding experience all around. She has participated in numerous productions that have provided her with expertise teaching and have encouraged her growth and self confidence. She has had the opportunity to volunteer and work directly with the kids which is a great way for her to give back to the community. Recently she traveled with a choral group from PYT that performed and participated in a workshop at Disneyland.

My family has been involved with Peninsula Youth Theatre (PYT) for 10 years, since my daughters first theatre classes at age 4. Our kids have experienced programs from every part of the organization, from participating in professional quality MainStage muscials to educational offerings at their school.

PYT reaches a very wide slice of the community through its classes, in-school theatre programs and summer camp programs. While some kids, like mine, will move on to some of the more advanced programs, many others gain an appreciation for performing, and build self-confidence that they can use in other outlets.

If your child has any theater interest, try out Peninsula Youth Theater in Mountain View. You will not be disappointed. They have many different types of theater programs on site and through local school or camps. My youngest son has been involved with PYT for almost 3 years and it is the best thing he has done to promote self confidence and his theatrical talents...

From 1999 to 2009, I stage managed over 20 main stage productions for PYT. I've been very proud of my association with this exemplary company. Their production standards are high but more important, their values are strong: education, collaboration, self-discipline. The performers were always encouraged to support each other. Watching these talented and dedicated kids grow up and develop new skills was a joy. Thinking that perhaps I had contributed to this process was most gratifying.

My 6 year old son was excited about theater after participating in his school play, so we signed him up for one of their two-week camps. When we arrived the first day, he refused to be in the play. The staff at PYT was great - they worked with him and got him to participate so that at the end he was so excited to be a part of the camp. He made a great friend there too. I would highly recommend this program.