Our Mission
By providing intensive training through the production of exceptional musical theater, we take young artists on adventures that will inspire them the rest of their lives.
Who We Are
Since its inception nearly two decades ago, YMTC has come to be known as the East Bay’s preeminent company whose sole mission is to train young artists in all the disciplines of musical theater, while also producing excellent productions. Many of our graduates have gone on to study music and theater at some of the best conservatories in the United States and abroad; many have made careers in the theater, both on stage and off.
What We Do
We bring together the Bay Area’s most talented and dedicated young performers, musicians and students of technical theater (7th grade through University) with professional directors, designers, choreographers, and musicians. We create theater that takes on challenging and sophisticated musical and dramatic themes, and that is always accompanied by a full, live orchestra.
Our Core Values
- We generate exceptional artistry in a supportive community.
- We believe musical theater as an art form is a powerful tool for teaching, for moving audiences, and for changing lives.
- We value mentorship between professional theater artists and students.
- We engage with, and are accountable to our local community; we are committed to ensuring that our organization– from our Board, to our staff and directors, to our student body– reflects that community.
Our Community
Past Board Members
Connie Amorde
Alison Bernstein
Jennifer Boesing
Jane Breyer*
Jessica Broitman
Carla Cassler
Graham Chisholm*
Joel Cohen
Pam Crane*
Mike Crane
Glen Epperson
Pat Gillette
William Lewis
Carolyn McFarland
Sharon Pancio*
Denise Pinkston
Wendy Ponder
Lori Potter
George Rose
Laura Soble*
Sheryl Stuart
David Walton*
Bonnie Whitler
Bruce Wicinas*
Jennifer Winch
*Past President
The Making of a Company
1997
- Bruce Wicinas founded parent-run Middle School Musical Theater
1997-2002
- Wicinas nurtured the fledgling group into Youth Musical Theater Commons
- Produced one musical a year at Berkeley Arts Magnet Elementary School
2003
- YMTC moved to Longfellow Middle School auditorium
- Jennifer Boesing hired as director, and contracted a small band for the annual production
2004
- Jennifer Boesing, Bruce Wicinas, & YMTC-parents Pam and Mike Crane, created a Board of Directors and received 501C3 status: Youth Musical Theater Company officially established
- Boesing named Artistic Director, and Pam and Mike Crane began their long tenure in service to the organization; Mike, as bookkeeper, controller, and orchestra manager; Pam as Managing Director, Production Manager, Workshop Leader and Resident Choreographer
2005-2007
- Added summer show to season, and began search for professional performance venue
- Partnered with George Rose to transform Metal Shop into a black box theater or rehearsals and performances of summer shows
2008
- Moved performances to the Julia Morgan Center for the Arts with summer show, Into the Woods
- Created mini film documentary about YMTC: “The Making of ‘Into the Woods‘: The Making of a Company”
2009-2010
- Experienced large increase in student interest; talent from over 25 schools around the Bay Area
- Increased programming to year round: added workshops and a third production to the season
2011
- Created professional staff positions
- First Resident Music Director, Dave Möschler, hired
- Launched College Mentorship program
2012
- Became award winning-company. Received national attention (American Prize for Musical Theater–high school category; Great Non-Profits award; ABC-7 News feature)
2013
- Continued to expand artistic and administrative staff and offer new training opportunities
- Implemented Corporate Sponsorship Program
- Commissioned first-ever New Musical to be written for YMTC and its students
- Secured two city-owned buildings at Aquatic Park in Berkeley for permanent rehearsal/shop space
2014
- Sogno Design Group donated architectural services for Aquatic Park project
- Board of Directors launched first-ever capital campaign to raise $150,000 to renovate the buildings at Aquatic Park
- Implemented a new Theater Arts Apprenticeship Program (TAAP)
- Added a fourth show to season– a spring studio production—to perform at Willard Metal Shop Theater
2015
- Finished the first phase of our capital campaign and moved into our new rehearsal home at Aquatic Park, with a Ribbon Cutting event at the campus
- Opened the world premiere of well-received commissioned musical Don’t Stop Me by Dave Malloy and Krista Knight
2016
- Pit Orchestra Apprenticeship Program inaugurated
2017
- Offered our first season subscription program
- Entire season moved to El Cerrito Performing Arts Theater
2018
- Inaugural YMTC+ production of Next to Normal produced.
2019
- First YMTC+ concert reading at Berkeley Town and Gown Club
2020
- Kept our doors open during the Covid-19 pandemic and raised funds to build an outdoor stage at our Aquatic Park Campus
- Produced our first ever outdoor production, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
2021
- Produced our first-ever fully-outdoor and Covid-compliant season: a staged concert version of Merrily We Roll Along, and fully-mounted productions of 13 and Light in the Piazza
2022
- Returned to indoor theater for the first time since the start of the pandemic with Sweeney Todd
- Added two new full-time staff positions: Production Manager / Director of Programs and Director of Marketing, Casting, and Outreach
Interested in learning more? Read the 2022-2023 Annual Report!