Youth Musical Theater Company

I love YMTC. You most likely would stop at the word Youth (in Youth Musical Theatre Company) & probably think it's like an unprofessional & cheap performance and wouldn't care much. Well, if you think that, you would be 100% WRONG. 'Wrong' as in, NOT correct.
Just by seeing the first few minutes of a production they put on, or even the vibe you get from the audience who have seen YMTC performances previously, you can see that so much effort, time, & production is put into the making of the show. Doubt it, just come see a future production. I hear they are doing Sweeney Todd & Urinetown soon! Can't wait!

This group offers exemplary services to Berkeley's children

When it comes to YMTC, I have mixed feelings- as do most of the people I've talked to. Theater as a whole always has three sides to consider: The audience, the stage, and everything outside of those two worlds that consists of management, advertising, etc. I have had the luck to be part of all three of these worlds at one point or another in varying capacities ranging from actor to production team. People have commented that YMTC shows are filled with the underserving children of wealthy parents. Yes, many of the students who perform with YMTC were lucky enough to be born into providence, but not all of them, and the strong majority are most certainly deserving of their parts in the production. One person who posted previously said that kids leave YMTC with a sense of entitlement, and that roles can be bought- this is a grossly erroneous claim. Many of the actors that I have worked with have proven time and time again through timeliness, proper decorum, and an ability to receive feedback, that they fully understand what is expected of them as actors. The one person I do know who was part of the YMTC community and had a gross sense of entitlement, had this sense long before entering the community, and after graduating has yet maintain high standing with any group they work with. The process the actors are put through, while extremely condensed and not as well organized, bears a striking resemblance to the processes of professional and college companies I have also worked with. The product, which is more often than not slightly substandard, is one community theater, and should not be judged so harshly as one might judge a regional or commercial theater production. Ticket prices I cannot defend. However the things I learned by watching people work and getting involved myself during the rehearsal and technical processes has been invaluable to me and many others over the years, and I have YMTC to thank for that.

YMTW produces extremely high quality performances. I'm so impressed!

I was in the previous YMTC show RAGTIME! AND I LOVED the opportunity to be in a professional theater production! While being cast as the lead of this show in the role of "Coalhouse Walker Jr." I got to see the show from so many perspectives. One, being that i a former foster child got to play the lead, even though i had never done a musical, that was big for me personally. Two, i noticed that there wasn't a lot of diversity in the cast, I'm not sure how to view that, however, regardless of that the people in the cast are amazing and talent is not even a question when it comes to there shows and productions, i even stayed at one of the cast members house while the production was in play because i had become homeless at the time. Three, i feel as though YMTC has a lot to offer and deserves to be noticed by many, but they should think about how they run the organization, i'll just say that. In closing, overall YMTC is an amazing theater company in which i learned so much from and grew as an artist and a person. YMTC is sadly not apart of my life anymore but i thank them for everything that they have done for me. ~Dawon Davis

YMTC produces three astonishing musicals every year. They audition kids from middle school through high school and then, over just a few weeks, blend those kids into an almost-professional troupe of actors, dancers, and singers. Every show is amazing. The director, choreographer, and costume designers put together shows that are a pleasure to behold. I have seen "Fiddler," "Jesus Christ Superstar," and most recently, "West Side Story" during the past few months. YMTC is a Community Treasure and should be regarded as such. We are unbelievably lucky to have them right here in our very own East Bay community. Long May They Perform!

YMTC has been inspiring me for many years, since long before I became a part of the company. I have seen or been involved with every show since 2008. Every performance is practically perfect in caliber and, what's more, the actors bring a freshness and an emotion to their characters that I have rarely experienced even in many Broadway shows. I have left the theater after every YMTC show I have seen filled with many emotions, a huge deal of inspiration, and a sense of wonder at how a group of teenagers and younger can be counted on to produce such a work of art. I have also performed in many shows with YMTC, and each one of them was a life-altering experience for myself and my peers. Although I could not afford to pay full tuition for these shows, I was never denied the same opportunity to perform that was granted to the actors paying full tuition. I know I am not alone in saying that YMTC has monumentally changed my life for the better.

I have thought long and hard about whether to write a review for YMTC, obviously, I have decided that a review is worthy of my time. I am not a parent, relative, actor, or professional judging this company, I am a teenager who has done backstage work for YMTC going on three years now. At first, looking at all the glowing reviews from parents - I was a bit aggravated, YMTC is not perfect, there are many flaws in this program, and people suggesting that it's life changing and so incredible and professional - while valid, doesn't exactly ring completely true. However, I do not agree with the people on here saying that YMTC is a complete and utter waste, and should not be supported, yes, YMTC has its flaws, it isn't perfect, no company is, but to say that because they flooded your inbox they're a bad Youth Theatre company? I don't think so. For me, YMTC has been a good, if not great way to gain experience. Yes, many of the kids who study with YMTC have money, and yes the tuition is a lot, but whoever said that it's for rich kids must not have heard about Ragtime - over half the students were on tuition assistance. As for the quality of the YMTC shows, it's community theatre, not broadway. It isn't going to be as perfect or as polished. I personally have seen some incredible YMTC shows, Ragtime being among them. Now YMTC does have it's problems - communication being one of them. I have continually felt that I was given far too much responsibility and not enough credit for nearly every show I've worked on with YMTC. I have worked incredibly hard, only to be demoted time and time again. Now this is partly my fault - but I also feel that the people in charge of YMTC have so much on their plate that sometimes they let everything else slide. Still, I have gotten great experience working backstage on YMTC shows, and I am proud of the caliber of the productions i have worked on and helped to produce. Is YMTC perfect? No, absolutely not, but it's growing and changing, and to sell it short and not give it and the people who run it the benefit of the doubt would be a complete and utter travesty.

YMTC's West Side Story was spectacular! The dancing, the singing, the acting! It was better than the movie--which was fantastic--because it was a huge cast of young people who had so much talent, the audience was entranced! What a treat! I could have come back and seen them again the next night, but they were sold out!

I've been thrilled to be a part of three YMTC shows (and plan on being in many many more). Never before in any aspect of my life have I been treated with as much respect as a professional despite my 15 years of age. Beyond this, I now have three distinct new families to rely on and grow with. Being in a YMTC show provides a perfect blend of meeting new people and quickly falling in love with them and a very real and very professional theater experience. Jennifer Boesing is, hands down, a genius in her unique interpretation and execution of all shows obsqure and well-loved; she provides Broadway quality musical theater with a fraction of a Broadway budget by inspiring and relying on the kids in her shows instead of doubting their ability on the basis of their age. It has been an absolute blessing to be a part of the YMTC community these past few years, and I am certain that the geniuses now running the company will continue to astonish bay area natives and kids alike as they work to create masterful theater.

There should be a sixth star choice for YMTC! My wife and I have been to almost every show for the last five years. They just keep getting better and better. Everyone from the Director to the youngest and newest actor gives 110% at every show. With the new sound crew, sound being the bain of proformances, even sound is almost perfect. You NEED to see these shows. West Side Story just completed had 45 actors, actresses and a 31 piece orchestra. The best production ever!

I began seeing YMTC shows because of a wonderful young man I new who was performing in them. I had no idea when I saw his first show that I was going to be attending the 'Theater'. It is easy to forget that the show is primarily young people. The talent, sets, direction, music, house management is all exceptional. This company is committed to offering scholarships to young people who would otherwise not be able to be involved... i could go on and on. This company is a gift to our community and I am proud to support them and recommend that you check out one of their shows- you are sure to be moved!

My husband and I have been to three performances by YMTC, and they have been outstanding. These young people work hard and perform as if they were on Broadway. One of the many aspects of this organization that impresses us is the 'taking on' of challenging material. We are happy to pay admission and are also donors. We are looking forward to seeing many more YMTC shows.

YMTC is afaabulous group of zvery talented young people who perform with professional polish and technique. Congratulations to Jennifer who inspires these young people to perform as young professionals.

My child has been in two YMTC productions, one as a cast member and one as part of the production staff. Each production was its own new community; the way in which that community developed over the many weeks from audition to closing night was a lesson for me, and I hope for the kids, in how hard work and a shared goal can create a spectacular result. Speaking of which, this is not your average "kids, let's put on a show" youth theater company: the quality is outstanding. We went to the most recent production even though our child wasn't involved, and if that's not an endorsement, I don't know what is!

My first experience with YMTC was "Jesus Christ Superstar" which was awesome and amazing. We just recently saw "West Side Story" which was also fabulous. The young adults were incredible performers, the sets were beautiful and fun, and the experience was delightful. We will not miss another show!

At age 73 and lover of musicals, you can imagine how many West Side Stories I've seen, (I was even in one!) but this one presented by Youth Musical theater ranks a 5 star chills-down-the-spine winner. There are no 'kids' here, but rather incredible believable talented All-Stars. It''s a great show directed by Jennifer Boesing - we were teary, we were elated and thrilled, I vote 5 stars! Annie Hershey, El Sobrante, CA.

Our son was a YMTC member for the final years of high school. All of his and our interactions with the organization - teachers, administration and volunteers - were thoroughly positive. He came with some experience in acting, but singing and dancing were new to him. With the help of the YMTC directors he grew tremendously through his experience. if it had not been for the generous scholarship program, he would not have been able to participate. YMTC passes on a valuable sense of community, respect for the individual and the collective art of theater that we wholeheartedly support and commend.

I love everything about the good work of YMTC. I think they put on stellar musical productions and that they are a major part of the education and training for many young musicians in this part of California. They deserve all the accolades that a grateful community has given it over the last decade. Thank you Huffington for recognizing the achievements of Jennifer Boesing, Dave Moeshler & others in guiding Berkeley's Youth Musical Theater Company.

My family's first exposure to YMTC was their production of Les Mis, and I still can't get over their polished and professional production. I've seen every performance since. My daughter took, and loved, YMTC workshops. She credits YMTC for her subsequent involvement in college chorus and a capella groups. Jennifer's talents as a teacher and director have been well stated by others. Yep, fantastic. I'd like to add that I have also been impressed by the awareness these young performers develop for the social context of the musicals they perform. I came away from Les Mis, for example, feeling these kids really grasped realities of that era. I also appreciate that the company stepped out of Broadway with"Mothers of Ludlow", a new production about the Ludlow miner's strike. I am looking forward to their next production.

The professional production values and talent of this show reached far beyond my expectations. The set design, choreography and music were creative and well rehearsed and again very professional. I would encourage all teens interested in Musical Theater in the SF Bay Area to audition for this incredible company. They would have a very rich and diverse experience working with their peers who share a vision and love of musical theater and dance.

My daughters and I saw West Side Story and thoroughly enjoyed it. The talent was far beyond what we were expecting in a "Youth" organization. The orchestra was outstanding, the sets were simple yet professional and appropriate, and the lead actors were convincing enough to recommend bringing a tissue. WELL DONE!!!!

What a professional show! I was so impressed with the high level of talent, energy, dedication of the cast. The Jet boys, especially, blew me away. They all did, really. To be able to dance, act and sing so flawlessly is quite an accomplishment for kids ranging in age from middle-schoolers through college. Bravo to the cast and crew of West Side Story!

YMTC is a Youth Musical Theater Company, with emphasize of “Youth.” Nevertheless, their productions are amazing! For example, last winter they preformed Ragtime. In my humble opinion, it was better than the original Broadway production. The director (Jennifer Boesing) and her stuff are doing wonderful job in bringing the young actors to perform at the highest level.

This last season I saw YMTC's production of Ragtime as was blown away. I had seen their other shows and had really enjoyed them, but this was far different. I see many plays and I am a very harsh critic, but Ragtime was among the best shows I had seen from any company, including top equity companies, in years. So I was so delighted to join the cast of YMTC's West Side Story this summer. It was the best experience I have had as an actor in over ten years. As a professional actor with over over thirty-five years in the business, and having been in over one hundred plays, I can honestly say these guys have it. The leadership, the student actors, the quality of the production were all above board and just amazing. I have never been more proud to have shared the stage with any group of actors. These "kids" taught me and reminded me what a joy it is to act on stage. I'm sure that in fifty years, when I am in my nineties, I will remember the summer of 2012 and the wonderful young actors I learned from at YMTC.

As a teacher and director of theatre productions I am always encouraging my students to seek out quality training and education beyond what I provide. YMTC provides high-level, solid professional training beacause students have the opportunity to work with professional directors, musicians and choreographers. It has been thrilling for me to observe several of my students over the last several years perform challenging roles in a supportive and inspiring environment. While the productions are entertaining, there is a depth and emotion to these student performers characterizations that is remarkable.

I recently saw a performance of West Side Story put on by YMTC. My friend and I enjoyed it immensely. It was very professional all around. We did not know of this group and will purchase tickets for their next wonderful show!

I think this company produces STELLAR productions. Unfortunately due to the state of the lack of funds for the arts in general, it does cost a lot to be in the production, however they do offer scholarships and do not cast based on ability to pay. I've met the directors and know some company members and roles are strictly based on talent and suitability for the role. They work very hard and as I said the show are top notch. Keeping the arts alive and thriving is important!

My first contact with YMTC was a December 2010/Jan 2011 a few days after returning from a 12-day trip to London where I saw 18+ West End theatre productions including many musicals such as Mama Mia (yes, some days, I went to two or more!). So, the bar was set pretty high when I attened my first YMTC show which was Parade. It was a masterful production set in the South of the early 20th Century. As a psycholinguist, I was astounded at the authenticity of the English dialect of these youthful performers. My astonishment at their language performance was matched by my astonishment at the performers acting abilities and singing abilities (the orchestra was 1st-rate as well). These youthful performers were every bit as compelling as artists on stage as the global megastars that I'd just seen in London! It was an extraordinary evening for me and I've been to most of YMTC's performances since. All have been singularly outstanding. I should say that none of this would be possible without the single-minded, one-pointed, dedication of YMTC's passionate director, Jennifer Boesing. Her unwavering committment to getting only the best possible from each of her talented cast members in terms of acting and voice is laudable. She is the great unsung heroine in this marvellous company. She gives life and a future to her kids in the unique way that only she can. My hat is off to her EVERY time I witness one of her many achievements. West Side Story -- a couple of weeks ago --- was so extradorinary that the performers brought tears to these jade eyes and cheeks of mine -- not once but on several occasions (-: Long may YMTC maintain such standards of excellence!

It seems to me and many others that the student actors who audition for this company basically pay to be in their productions. Leaving out many theatre students who can't afford to pay to be in a play. Yes they do offer scholarships.. But bottom line the students pay to be on stage while the producers make money from the Kids and their parents. The company is also busy casting "ringers" - who they pad their productions with. These ringers don't pay to be in the shows and at times are paid to be part of the production. Consider these thoughts before awarding this company any honors.

I saw this group's work for the first time this month when I attended their production of West Side Story. This age group is the future, which is of course an overused phrase, but I was truly thrilled for the future of Music Theatre. I had two friends involved with the show so while I was visiting from LA, my family and I wanted to be supportive. I'm a Music Theatre actress/singer with Broadway credits, my husband is a composer and my daughter attends a performing arts high school in LA. We were all so impressed and so pleased that we happened to be in town during the run of the show. We had a delightful evening and were so taken with the attention to details and the acting commitment of the company. We cared about the characters and felt a true cohesiveness in the company as actors and as characters. What a lucky group of young adults to be a part of this company with what is undoubtably a group of dedicated professionals calling the shots. If I lived in the area I would love to be a part of what is going on in this company. Seeing talented kids like this is invigorating and reminds me of why I got into this business in the first place. It's exciting to see them at this stage with so much ahead of them. Bravo to all involved!

YMTC is the reason I do theater. In high school YMTC took me on as an assistant stage manager, despite my complete lack of experience, and showed me the ropes. Before long I was stage managing full-fledged productions for them. And now, after coming back to YMTC for many summers, I've graduated from Oberlin College with a degree in theater and a passion in life. YMTC showed me the power of theater, for both participants and audiences. YMTC taught me how to collaborate effectively, and how to stay level-headed in high-stress situations (both invaluable skills). YMTC taught me how to teach, and showed me that it's possible to create an environment wherein everyone feels respected, safe, and encouraged to discover their full potential. And not only did YMTC embrace these values, they did so while holding themselves to an incredible artistic standard. They still do, which is why I still go to every YMTC production I can. I continue to be blown away both by the amazing performances (both onstage and off), and by the knowledge that every young person on the stage, or backstage, or in the booth, is feeling some version of the excitement, joy, and gratitude that I still feel for this amazing company.

Aside from the astounding quality of the shows, I think the very special thing about YMTC is the absolute commitment to training the kids with real challenges and real skills. This organization truly, truly gives enormous benefit to its community and to the arts everywhere... Be on the lookout in the coming years for prodigious accomplishments by their alumni. We are lucky to have YMTC.

My daughter participated in YMTC productions for 3 years during high school, and I volunteered at times too. The adults behind it, whether producers, directors, choreographers, or set designers, are extremely talented and professional. What they brought out in the kids is nothing short of amazing. While these kids are only in high school, honestly, many of the productions rivaled professional theater shows. My daughter really blossomed and gained skills and confidence that will serve her for the rest of her life. Several of her peers have moved on to professional careers of their own. I am so grateful that YMTC is around to provide such a wonderful program for the kids, and great pleasure to the audiences as well.

I have only been to two YMTC productions, but I have a lot of experience with theater both as a performer and patron. I was hugely impressed with the levels of professionalism and maturity I saw in these young actors. The material they tackled was on the challenging end of the spectrum, and their work was on a par with many adult troupes I have seen. My now eleven year-old daughter was with me at both shows, and left feeling very inspired, and has since become involved in theater in her school. That perhaps speaks the most to the success of this program.

I love musical theatre and have kids who love performing, so we've gone to several of YMTC's shows. I am always impressed with the hard work and talent of the performers- it's hard to believe they are so young! And the supporting staff and volunteers who create the costumes, live music, props and beautiful set designs are simply amazing! This is an incredible resource in our community- go YMTC!

This outstanding group of young actors exemplifies what live theater is all about. The students bring an honesty and emotional integrity to their roles that brings their productions vividly to life, while teaching them the truest meanings of teamwork, commitment to excellence, and the joys of creation. Bravo!

I'm not just a "general member of the public", I am grandmother to an up and coming musical theater star who is getting the best start I can imagine through YMTC. She's gone from the new "youngest" kid in the chorus to featured roles - singing, dancing, acting and, learning professional skills. And most of all she is experiencing the give and take, the camaraderie and the team work it takes to put on a first-class theatrical production. I was absolutely blown away by the quality of YMTC performances and would see them and recommend them even if my granddaughter wasn't participating. The YMTC community reaches out to include and grow its audience base. What a fine resource for our community!

This companychanged changed my life. I had been seeing shows of theirs for many years, but i never could have imagined that I would be in one. They gave me a chance, and now im headed towards my fourth show through them. YMTC has helped me become a greater, less self-conscious person, and has let me express myself through the stories of others.

My first exposure to YMTC was in 2004, when my younger daughter performed in YMTC’s first production of ‘West Side Story.” She went on to perform in six shows over the next four years and went to on pursue a degree in theater, in part because of how inspired she was by working with YMTC. I have been volunteering in support of fund-raising for YMTC (usually by baking) since 2004, and believe strongly in their mission to make top-flight musical theater training broadly available to young people. I have always been impressed with the passion and professionalism that Jennifer Boesing, Pam Crane, Dave Moeschler, and all the other people who direct the work at YMTC bring to every production, and how, every time, the kids rise to the occasion with extraordinary performances. Even after my daughter went to college I maintained my connection to YMTC. It has been a real privilege to watch so many young performers grow up in the company, maturing both as people and as artists. Many of them go on to do exceptional work in college and beyond. YMTC has great production values, and its shows are nothing short of inspirational.

Having trained, performed, and watched theater in various settings, I believe YMTC is the best company for giving valuable training in the process of putting on a production. The directing and production team believe we are worth the investment it takes to have the highest production quality possible. We students learn acting, singing, and dancing techniques not only from the amazing staff, but also from watching each other. In my first production (at age 14), the older actors inspired, mentored, and included me. In the next 4 years at YMTC, I recognized in myself growth as a performer, but more importantly, as one of those mentors and leaders I had aspired to be. Hearing this from younger students was among the most fulfilling experiences of my life. Yet even in my latest production, I continued to learn from other students my age and younger. Now in college theater productions, I hope to help create similar cast dynamics of mutual respect and learning. YMTC fosters an open, nurturing environment where students learn to be excellent performers and great people, building strong community and lasting friendships. It has shaped who I am as a performer and person, and for that I will be forever grateful.

I've been watching the work of YMTC for 3 or 4 years and love the committed and honest performances that Jennifer and her crew constantly get from her casts. The students are engaged with tough issues and tough musical material and the struggle to grapple with this type of content and difficulty (musically, emotionally, and conscientiously) is what makes this work a valuable and exciting night of live theater.

I've been going to the YMTC shows for a few years--started because a friend's son was in the group. Now I know because I know I'm going to see wonderfully produced shows with talented, enthusiastic actors. The most recent was West Side Story--what a thrill to see it with young actors, all shapes and sizes, just like real life. The voices and choreography and casting were superb. I'll continue to attend these shows even though my friend's son is moving on to college.

As someone who grew up going to Broadway shows in NYC, my standards for quality musical theater are high. Living in the SF Bay Area, I go to a lot of community theater and I have to say YMTC is by far the best I've seen in a long time. I have never been disappointed in a production in the 4 or so years I've been a "fan". It's a treat to watch some of the same kids grow and be absolutely convincing and spectacular from character to character in the different shows. Jennifer Boesing and Dave Moschler are STELLAR in their artistic and musical direction. I think that many people think "kids...can't be THAT great"....maybe these people didn't see YMTC's production of RAGTIME a few months ago. I forgot I was watching "kids"...I was so drawn into the finely acted and performed story. And West Side Story..... OMG!!! What can I say???? BETTER then Broadway!! Having teens play teens was a no brainer. It's now weeks later and the show is still in my head. This company deserves all the credit and kudos they can possibly get. This is a group of hard working and dedicated producers/directors and even harder working and committed kids.

YMTC teaches kids that love and respect for each other can make magic happen in the theatre.

As a parent of a youth who has been in a number of productions, I can honestly say that the time and money we've invested in YMTC has paid off tremendously. It serves as a great training experience for numerous performance arts skills--acting, singing, dancing, tech work, and orchestral accompaniment. Jennifer and Pam are creative, resourceful, highly driven, and get the most out of youth of all ages. A YMTC performance is a community event worth celebrating, and one kids will remember all their lives.

I saw YMTC's production of West Side Story this weekend and was awed by the quality of the performance. The teens were excellent singers and dancers, especially all those in lead roles. For years we have been seeing the play performed by adults and what a treat to see it performed by teens playing the roles of teens. I have seen other YMTC productions in the past, although not for several years and I can't wait to go back to see them again.

Watched one of the YMTC's West Side Story performances. It's been spectacular! The singing, acting and dancing of the lead actors (Tony, Riff, Maria, Bernardo, and of course the dazzling Anita) showed superb talent as well as professionalism and attention to detail. The music score and the interplay between the cast and the live orchestra were flawless. It is remarkable to see such a polished production being carried out (mostly) by high school students. My gratitude goes to the YMTC staff and volunteers for making this possible. Thank you all!

I saw the YMTC production of West Side Story yesterday and it was amazing! The actors, the music ... everything was so professional. I am a huge fan of Luna Lewis and she shone like the star that she is in this production (keep an eye out for Luna, America!). I love this company, I see every production that I'm able to. Thank you for including them in your search for the 10 great arts and culture non-profits in the U.S. I'm pulling for YMTC to win!

The first YMTC production we saw was "West Side Story," 8 years ago. Since then, we have seen many of their shows, and have always been mightily impressed with what professional work these kids do. Our son participated in 2 shows, and had a great time working with the group. The kids really learn about working hard together, about being dependable members of the group, about putting in a lot of work and seeing the rewards for doing so, and, of course, about singing and dancing and acting. Their scholarship program allows kids who would not otherwise afford to participate in the program to do so. They are a real asset to our community. The 2012 "WSS" was fabulous!

I attended the performance of "West Side Story" this weekend and was incredibly impressed by the quality of every aspect - from the talent and skills of the actors, to the fabulous costumes, to the set design and scene changes. I know every word of this musical, and they were spot on in every nuance. The energy of the young actors singing and dancing their hearts out was infectious. It deserves every bit of support available for both the dedicated teachers and hard-working students. We need as many experiences of joy in our lives we can find - and I had an evening of it with YMTC. Bravo!

I saw my first YMTC show, Ragtime, in the spring of 2012 and immediately signed up on their email list (something I usually avoid at all costs). We just saw West Side Story last night and I am truly hooked on this theater company. Besides the talent of the youth involved, I love the creativity that is woven into these professional-level productions - the choreography in Ragtime, the use of lighting and color in West Side Story... I am so looking forward to our future together as company and patron.

I have been to several performances and am amazed at the quality of the performances. I also attended a fundraiser and spoke with young people benefiting from this non profit. Their stories convinced me of how much this group is doing for young people.

Wow - what an incredible group of kids. I have provided props for YMTC for many many years and have always been empresses with the level of professionalism and pure joy that these kids get from their experiences. If I could give them more stars I would.

i thought that the show was sensational and it was very well put. the actors was magnificent and the singing and dancing was incredibly well choreographed and i had chills when i saw the death of rif and bernardo. i think that everyone had a good time and i enjoyed it.

GREAT show. My 14 year old grandson, this was his first YMTC season and he did not even have a speaking part, said it was the best summer EVER. Every parent I spoke to raved about the experience for their child - both in fun and so much in how much they learned. YMTC deserves the recognition it has received.

This was a wonderful performance with a cast of young singers and dancers trained and supported by volunteers. The caliber of acting was on par with some of the professional musical production I have seen in the past. This is a great non-profit group prividing education and training for our young people. Superb!

I saw my first YMTC show tonight, West Side Story, and was extremely impressed by the talent and production quality. It is simply hard to believe the performers are high school students. AMAZING. AMAZING. AMAZING.

Just went to a production of West Side Story tonight and it was amazing! The cast was excellent, great singing, great dancing, great overall performance. Everything worked. The live orchestra was also amazing. I strongly support YMTC for giving youth a chance to learn musical theater by being involved in professional-level productions.

I just saw YMTC's production of West Side Story. Outstanding staging, direction and choreography, with great performances by an amazingly talented cast headed by Joshua Herman, Sophia Sinsheimer, Marnina Wirtschafter, Andrew Humann, and Jaron Liclican. Looking forward to the company's next production.

I was blown away by the quality of the productions and the training that the performers received.

Ours is a family of three generations of professional artists (literary, musical, dramatic and visual) and arts patrons, and though we've had many experiences with nonprofit arts organizations, none have impressed me more than YMTC in terms of the quality of productions, professionalism, artistic and personal mentorship, board involvement, parent/volunteer involvement, planning and organization, and audience satisfaction. Both of my children (now 23 & 15 years old) have been involved in theater since they were small, working with virtually every youth theater program in the San Francisco Bay Area, and I can say without qualification that no other program holds a candle to YMTC -- and that includes the "big" Bay Area theater companies with national and international reputations. My 15-year-old has been singing and acting professionally in musical theater since age 7 and is now in the cast of her 6th YMTC show -- there is no comparison between the other companies she worked with and what YMTC does with its young performers. Once we found YMTC, there was no reason to go anywhere else. As others have said here, YMTC's shows are not great theater *even though* the performers are young -- YMTC's shows are simply great theater. Artistic Director Jennifer Boesing and Musical Director Dave Moschler, together with the crews and live orchestras they put together for each production, repeatedly create a perfect storm of talent, dedication, vision and professionalism that inspires every performer to grow as an artist and as a person, and inspires the rest of us -- parents, volunteers -- to do anything we can in support of YMTC's efforts. YMTC is an exemplary model of what a nonprofit arts organization can and should be.

I am so pleased to see Jennifer Boesing, Dave Moschler, and all the talented young people of YMTC featured here. YMTC is indeed a great non-profit in the truest sense of the word. Great because YMTC both demands and summons excellence; great because they create magic on stage and reset expectations for how young people can succeed; great because they give professional caliber opportunities to young artists regardless of financial ability; and great because in a world of diminishing resources for the arts, they set a high bar for themselves and their audiences. Bravo YMTC!!!

I feel so lucky to be a student at YMTC! I'm lucky to learn from the exceptional directors, staff, and volunteers, who provide endless support. I am lucky to be surrounded by talented fellow actors, whom I can trust and connect with. I'm lucky to have the opportunity to tell powerful stories to the Bay Area Public; because if there's anything YMTC has taught me, it's that if I'm dedicated and committed enough, than people will listen. And to be a teenager, who gets to be heard, is something I will never take for granted.

YMTC is successful because the expectations on the young performers are not lowered just because they're younger than most professionals. This not only allows the performers to grow artistically and personally depending on the demands of the particular material, but allows it choose challenging repertoire that is not even tackled by local professional companies. They've performed several Bay Area and world premiere performances in the last few seasons, and they only get better and better. They have a rigorous rehearsal process focused on the performers (equally on acting, singing and dancing), and they always come through with very high quality productions. There is a term they use sometimes that gets to the heart of what they do "Excellent training through excellent productions." It has a real impact on the youth they teach (they avoid the term "kids" when referring to their young performers), and audiences are completely astounded not just by the production value, but by the passion and genuineness of the performers.

This theater company offers an amazing experience for the young actors, whether they are new to the company or have been involved for years. The semi-professional productions are spectacular!

I have been in 3 YMTC shows. I feel really connected to the other kids that i'm in shows with. We have been through so much together including talks about all the issues that the shows deal with. I've learned about coal miners' strikes, racism that caused people to get killed, about families getting divorced and immigrant rights all in the process of being an actor in the shows that YMTC puts on. My cast members are black white, Asian, rich and poor kids. We all seem to get along and by the end of the show, we usually love each other. I love YMTC!

YMTC has incredible energy, and is inspirational for youth and adults. Their productions are first rate, and the talent seen in the youth is exceptional. I came in as a lighting designer for their production of "Ragtime" earlier this year, and was impressed by the professionalism and dedication of everyone, including the youth, involved. There is a great element of enthusiasm for their craft and sharing it with others, and an educational element as well in the subject matter, with a talkback of questions and answers after the performance between a few of the performers, directors and interested audience members after the show. Am truly impressed by this exceptional organization.

YMTC shows are beautiful--full live orchestras accompany fabulous singers and dancers (guys too!) who are compelling actors as well. Most importantly, participants in YMTC productions are challenged to grapple with the diverse perspectives of the characters, discuss the themes and conflicts in the play, and think about the context in which a show was written. YMTC is not afraid to move outside of the box. In West Side Story the dream sequence, danced to the song most known for the words "There's a place for us," ends with mixed and same gender couples holding hands in a procession. YMTC is a place where so many students realize their potential, while building a supportive and thoughtful community of young people.

I am consistently amazed by YMTC's ability to produce extremely high quality theater using middle school and high school actors. The training these young people get is unprecedented. I feel privileged to be involved with this company and I can't wait to see the next show!! -Kathy R

YMTC is an incredible service for both young people in our community and the general public. The experience and training they offer to the youth who participate in their shows is truly fantastic, while the quality of the performance they offer to the public is breathtaking. I have volunteered for this organization and regularly attend YMTC performances.

There is so much that is truly exceptional about YMTC - the gifted directors who are able to bring out the best in every cast member, the professionalism and commitment they require of these young people, the challenging themes that they take on, and the incredible artistic depth and quality of the performances. I can't think of a better way for my son to get through his middle and high school years than being a part of the YMTC community - he is being encouraged to stretch himself in so many ways, is part of a diverse and supportive community of young people, and is developing a passion for the theater arts. YMTC deserves to be recognized for its incredible work.

My 16 year old daughter is a musical theater fanatic. She had a great experience in elementary school with a fantastic drama and movement teacher which gave her a wonderful start. However, until we found YMTC, we were unhappy with the quality of experience available for middle and high schoolers in an otherwise very arts-friendly community-Berkeley, California (San Francisco Bay area). Until we found YMTC that is! YMTC, in my opinion, is hands down the best theater experience from the student, parent, and audience standpoint in the entire bay area. The productions are professional quality, with professional artists doing the direction, music, set design, make up and costumes. The music always featues a live orchestra. For their most recent (and current) production of West Side Story, they feature a 31 piece orchestra!! And the experience for the performers is without compare. My daughter's acting, voice, dancing, and general sense of discipline and professionalism has skyrocketed since we started with YMTC. YMTC is a top tier, completely professional organisation that is doing fantastic work in the community to support the arts, to support young actor singers, and to develop the next generation of artists and art appreciators! YMTC gets my vote every time!!

YMTC! Hooray! I have been voted best teacher in the San Francisco East Bay Area. So I know a thing or 2 about what's out there for youth theatre. At my first YMTC show I was expecting to be bored and was actually stunned! This was a musical I'd seen on Broadway and admired but the YMTC production had a vitality and spirit that illuminated the show in a way I had not experienced. I was first an audience member at YMTC, thanks to one of my former students Alix Feinsod who was in the shows. YMTC's choices of shows with themes such as a coal mining massacre, racism and lynching seem a bit much. So perhaps you understand my concern. As an African-American much of this touches on my own socio-emotional well being.This is not only a powerful lesson for its' young performers but for its' audience members as well. The director and cast handle the challenges inherent brilliantly. Don't get me wrong it isn't always serious. There is also much joy and exuberance in every YMTC show. Like a mirror in real life as we view ourselves we laugh and we cry. Parents often ask me what is the next step for my child, the budding young performer. I recommend YMTC time and time again. It is simply the best.---Russell Wright

As a middle school drama teacher I have had the opportunity to work closely with YMTC. They provide a level of instruction in musical theater that, to my knowledge, cannot be found anywhere else. I enthusiastically recommend that all my students interested in musical theater get involved with YMTC. Their scholarship support is outstanding, which allows many children the opportunity to receive a first class education in musical theater at a price they can afford. YMTC maintains a supportive, nurturing theatrical community despite the fact that their production values are through the roof.

YMTC is not just a youth theater company, it's a community that fosters young actors, singers and dancers and provides them with the support and training they need to succeed. I have seen people grow and blossom through the shows, from shy ensemble members to ridiculously talented performers. Jennifer Boesing treats us like professionals so that we can learn to act that way, and that kind of respect is a life changing experience as a young actor. Additionally, she provides some of the greatest vocal training and technique I've ever had, to leads and ensemble alike. The shows that are chosen aren't easy and aren't typical of youth theater, which helps us challenge ourselves in a way we definitely wouldn't be challenged at any other company. YMTC also provides scholarships to many kids so that anyone can enjoy and benefit from the wonderful work going on there. It truly changed my life, as it fostered my love of performance and brought me into one of the greatest communities I've ever known and I hope everyone in the Bay Area can experience that!

I have seen two YMTC performances and been completely impressed by both Ragtime and Westside Story. The singing, acting, choreography and direction are first rate. I was also impressed by the wonderful 30+ piece orchestra. This has truly changed the lives of several of the actors I know. I am watching them through these performances grow, mature and become professionals before my eyes. I am looking forward to the next production.

YMTC puts on fabulous theater; they teach young people performance skills; they raise the levels of expectation in audiences and student performers. But most importantly, YMTC gives young people guidance in the skills that are critical to growing into confident, caring, contributing adults: focusing on others, listening carefully, working with commitment, acting with passion, singing and dancing with joy.

YMTC changed the lives of my friends and peers who had participated in many local theater programs before YMTC and longed for a more serious group of youth actors, more dedicated and experienced directors and teachers, and more professional performance opportunities than typically available for teens. YMTC has created a home for truely dedicated young people and we are lucky to have this resource in the Bay Area. My life has been changed by Jennifer Boesing and her team at YMTC.

The shows are excellent! The youth actors and musicians are incredible! The professional training, set designing, costuming, and singing teaching is outstanding! We are lucky to have YMTC in the Bay Area so our young people have a place to take their drive and passion that is focused, directed, and produces powerful, meaningful, relevant theater. Bravo!

It’s true. YMTC shows are amazing: incredible youth talent; professional direction, musicians, sets, lights, sound, costumes – all coming together for fabulous productions. However, the more important aspect of YMTC is the opportunity it offers young people to find something they are passionate about and work on a common goal toward achieving an excellent result. I have two sons who have participated in YMTC workshops and productions. My younger son had never set foot on stage and wandered into an audition for Les Miserables in 7th grade. This was the start of a truly life-changing experience for him. He subsequently participated in seven productions through his middle school and high school years, auditioned for and was accepted into one of the top college theater programs and has just graduated with hopes of making a career in the theater. YMTC lets young people aspire toward excellence, gives them an opportunity to work with other young actors, professional directors, designers, and volunteers, and form a community with a common goal of putting on the best production possible. An amazing experience.

We have had the joy of watching friends and family perform as professionals in exciting, passionalte, amazing shows for years thanks to YMTC. The young people who participate receive an incredible theater arts education from seasoned professionals. Many of them go on to collegate theater arts programs thanks to the inspirarion and training YMTC provides. What a gem for our community.

YMTC provides and demands excellence for high school and college aged young performing artists, and attracts amazing talented, passionate performers who pour themselves into exciting dynamic theater. My friends and family, who had never before seen a YMTC show have said of recent show West Side Story..."What a performance! It’s a rough score for talented adult performers; for (these kids) to have pulled it off so convincingly and so professionally is just amazing"..."My tears were free flowing!"... YMTC has made it possilbe for Bay Area kids to experience and perform in professional quality theater. What a treasure for our community!

I have been a part of this community as a volunteer for the past 3 years. I have watched talented students enter the program with a deep passion for musiclal theater. Through YMTC and its professional staff, these students, learn and perfect at the highest level a craft and artform. As members of a company, they are held accountable to standards required for preparing a professional production...learning about dedication, commitment, and delivery of product (the show). Bravo YMTC for producing exceptional theater, and as important, building adults for tomorrow. David Mayer

YMTC productions are so inspiring. To see these young actors, singers and dancers performing with such professionalism and excitement is incredible. Jennifer Boesing and her production team bring out the very best in these kids. If you haven't seen a YMTC production I encourage you to go and experience one, it's some of the best theatre you will ever see. It has been a privilege to be a part of West Side Story, both as a volunteer and as a proud parent of a "Jet".

I've been attending YMTC shows for many years, and after seeing (and being amazed by) the first show I saw 8 or 9 years ago, I started bringing friends with me. I am sure they were expecting your typical "high school musical," but without exception, every friend was blown away by the talent and professional production quality (and they have all become regular attendees also!). Usually a few minutes into the first number, they look at me in amazement, and within 10 minutes they are completely transported. YMTC is a fantastic community asset - great training and experience for the kids, and wonderful entertainment for the audience. What is really impressive is the depth of engagement the kids have with really challenging material - both technically and in terms of content: Parade, Ragtime, West Side Story, Into the Woods - this is not "kid stuff," but the young cast is so adept and well directed that the materials feels new again.

The level of creativity for artistic expression in this organization is unsurpassed. Young people are given a glimpse into the highest beauty of music, art and dance, and the power of artistic human collaboration to inspire change in society. All of the works chosen have moral and cultural impact on developing adolescents. I just saw West Side Story, and watching the silent dream dance sequence contrasting what society could look like in a tolerant world and the ugliness of our current reality was just heartbreaking. Participating in this symbolic artistic expression will have a major impact on the lives of actors and audience alike.

I am a parent of an 11 year old who has been in three YMTC shows.Through her experience in YMTC, she has gained skills that include performing on stage with extreme focus, being a team player and working in a community of wonderful and giving young people, mainly older than her. The cast learns how to work together, function as a whole and give everything they have to their performances whether they are a lead or an ensemble player. The skills my daughter learned by working with an incredibly strong director, Jennifer Boesing, and the musical director, Dave Moschler, are priceless. In addition, performing in plays such as Ragtime and Parade is like getting a living history lesson unmatched in any classroom!

I don't have any children participating in YMTC, but the children I have known who are in the productions have all come away from the experience with new confidence, composure, relational skills, and astounding teamwork attitudes - not to mention the performance boosts they get, which have improved kids I have seen over the years by many octane levels - these kids are literally wowing the audience! Learning acting and singing they way YMTC teaches them, promotes empathy, tolerance and opens the hearts of those who are on stage, and those who are watching the stage. I have seen kids get into physical shape, improve their interactions with people, learn about their society, widen their minds ... you name it, it is worked on, in YMTC! I love this organization and on a personal level I believe all who participate in it bring a lot of joy into the world.

YMTC is a tremendous program, both for the kids that participate and for the general public. For the kids, they get a real opportunity to work hard and be part of creating something incredible. And, in a time when real feedback seems increasingly rare, Jennifer and her staff treat the kids like professionals, giving good, supportive but real critique. And, for the public in general, seeing a YMTC show reminds us that with a lot of work and dedication, we really can create something magical. Bravo YMTC!!

One of the best kept secrets in the Bay area is the Youth Music Theater Company of Berkeley. Under the expertise and guiding hand of Jennifer Boesing, these high school students put on some of the most professional, joyful, penetrating theater that I've seen since I moved to California ten years ago. The experience these young people have had over the years of working with YMTC has been life-changing for many, opened their eyes, their hearts, their talents. Many have gone on to professional lives as theater artists. Having spent a life in the theater I go to productions grudgingly and am usually disappointed in what I see. I guarantee that no one will be disappointed with the shows at YMTC. Everyone should know about them and be grateful for an evening of theater that will leave them singing.

Having been involved in 6 YMTC productions now, I can say that I have never felt as comfortable and happy as I feel when I am in one of their shows. It is thrilling as a young person to get the opportunity to perform in such high-quality productions. Jennifer Boesing is an incredible director; I have learned so much from her. All of the teachers and instructors involved with YMTC clearly care about us, the students, and know how to treat us as professionals while also giving us help and instruction to improve and continue to grow as young performers and as people in general. YMTC feels like a second home to me now. It is a wonderful, unique institution -- completely indispensable in the Bay Area.

YMTC produces unbelievably impressive musical theater by young people. Watching their recent production of Ragtime, I completely forgot that this was "youth" theater; the individual performances and the ensemble work both were breath-taking. But perhaps more impressive than the productions themselves is the incredible education that this organization offers to young people -- in the theatrical arts, for sure, but also in teamwork and in setting ambitious goals and achieving them. A significant number of the young people receive scholarships to participate in the programs, and I urge you to join me in supporting as many youth as possible to be part of this awesome experience.

Several years ago I had heard the music from "Into the Woods" and wanted to see the production live. I ended up attending a YMTC production of "Into the Woods" in Berkeley and was completely blown away by the professionalism of the entire production: the direction, orchestra, sets, lighting, and, most of all, the performers. I couldn't believe they were young people. Passion, commitment, and real artistry were on display. I was really moved. When my own then-middle school aged child wanted to explore musical theater, I knew where to go. He began in a one-week Pocket Broadway workshop one summer, and has been involved for the past three years in over 8 YMTC musicals. He has moved from the back row of their production of “A Chorus Line”, to playing both ensemble and lead roles, most recently in “Ragtime”, and will continue his musical theatre training as a college freshman next Fall.

The young singer/actors are taught and directed by professionals. The students are treated as professionals and, in turn, are expected to act as professionals. Jennifer Boesing is an inspired director and knows how to bring out the best in her cast. Dave Moschler brings a level of musical direction that is brilliant, always conducting a live, full professional orchestra. The exceptional training my son has received through participation in numerous YMTC productions has increased his confidence and his sense of mastery. He has been part of a wonderful community of diverse and talented young people from around the Bay Area. Aside from the performers, the productions are just top notch. It's a real Bay Area treasure.

My husband and I have been involved with YMTC for a number of years. We both used to work in professional theatre and thought it would be fun to to volunteer. We have been constantly amazed at the outstanding quality of the student performers. The quality of the productions far outshines any community theatre that we have seen from children or adults. It has been so inspiring to watch these young performers as they grow and improve over the years--we love to cheer them on.

YMTC involves youths in producing outstanding musical theater. The energy and passion of the youths is remarkable and inspiring for the audience to be a part of.

YMTC offers amazing performance opportunities in musical theater to students who could otherwise not afford the chance. Their productions are top notch!

Put it this way. After seeing a number of YMTC productions, I had the opportunity to see "Wicked" at the Orphium in San Francisco. It was about 5% better than any of the YMTC productions, and that might be due to the elaborate big budget props!

YMTC is the best youth company I have seen anywhere! Their productions are eagerly anticipated by the community and usually sold out. My daughter studied briefly with Jennifer and YMTC and her experience was life changing. She started with a little raw talent but virtually no training and in a short period of time made major breakthroughs in her vocal range and ability. She is now singing light opera in addition to Musical Theatre. We had to move out of state last year and she really misses her friends and teachers at YMTC, and I miss their wonderful productions. Highly recommended.

Youth Musical Theater Company exceeds the expectations of youth theater for both the audience and the students who are lucky enough to be a part of the program. As a student, I have had the chance to be under the direction of brilliant directors, musical directors, choreographers, and designers; who not only taught me how to perform, but also allowed me the freedom to develop my own identity as a performer. It is a very professional environment, but because we are all encouraged to allow ourselves to be vulnerable as artists, there is a level of trust that is built among the cast, something all teenagers should have the opportunity to be a part of. I have also been an audience member at a YMTC performance, and it was the shows that i saw were phenomenal. Because it is a youth group there is a certain honesty and rawness that the actors exude, and the stories that YMTC actors tell are always powerful and moving. YMTC empowers teenagers, and gives them the extraordinary opportunity of telling the community a story.

I have been volunteering as the costume designer/manager for many of YMTC's shows since around 2003-04. Before that I was a parent volunteer who helped with costumes. Both of my children were in YMTC and loved it. When my youngest went to college in Fall 2006, I kept volunteering. That's because I am so impressed with the high expectations Jennifer, Dave, Pam, and others have for the kids and how, every time, the kids meet those expectations and even go beyond them. As a costume person, I spend most of my time back stage, which is great, especially during the last couple of shows I did, which involved large, diverse casts. It was wonderful to observe kids from different backgrounds get to know and love each other. Then there's the day I finally get to use my comp tickets to sit with my now adult children (the alums) in the audience and see the show the cast and crew have all worked so hard on. Yes the production values (including the costumes!) are high, but we are always most thrilled with the story-telling, the acting, the singing, and the passionate unity of purpose.

I have been in two YMTC productions (Anything Goes and Parade), and both were wonderful experiences. I think it is very cool that seventh through twelfth graders like myself get the opportunity to rehearse and perform high caliber shows, and I hope that the tradition continues. From the teen actor's perspective, I have only positive things to say about this organization!

I've had an amazing time being in several productions of YMTC's shows. I recommend anyone who's in middle school-high school who's into acting to join them. It's a fantastic experience, and I'm glad I could be a part of it

YMTC identifies immensely talented young singer/actors, provides them with professional training, and produces outstanding community theater with a passion and depth that compares with any professional show in the SF Bay Area performed by seasoned professinals. YMTC provides opportunities and training for all capable and interested young people regardless of their means and offers compelling theater at an affordable price.

My son participated in 8 YMTC shows from 7th grade to 11th grade, including several lead roles, and had a wonderful time. Jennifer is a brilliant, amazing director, and she has gathered a wonderful group of mentor/professionals in the organization. my son learned so much about singing, acting, being part of a team, and ultimately modeling and leading for the younger students. and he gained so much confidence, which has helped him in many other endeavors over the years. YMTC is truly a priceless jewel. And I think the whole crew would really know how to take advantage of greater stability in its funding, to serve even more young people.

The Youth Musical Theater Company is so important in the community. It provides professional level acting experience for youth. I was in the audience for their production of "Ragtime," and I was shocked to learn that the oldest actor was in his early 20's. I was shocked because they were so good, so well rehearsed, and seemed to be so experienced. This production also required singing and dancing, which were also excellent. My 13 year old friend was in the production, and his parents told me that of all his experiences with different companies, this one stood out because the director held very high standards for his cast. We need this company to thrive so that not only cast members can benefit, but also audiences from the community. They are very very inspiring.

My intro to this organization was a performance of Les Miserables, which still ranks as one of the best I have ever seen. And these were middle-and high-school performers... Then, my shy daughter participated in several YMTC workshops, where she learned she could indeed sing, dance, and have a stage presence. Which led her to realize she could also speak up in school classes...I have seen numerous performances since, all of exceptional musical quality. YMTC is by far the best youth musical theatre in the SF Bay Area, and its director, Jennifer Boesing, is exceptional for her ability to inspire and educate young singers and performers, and for her own musical gifts.