About our Tuition
First and foremost, YMTC is a training company. Our mission is to provide committed young artists exceptional training under the guidance of professional directors and designers and to give them opportunities to be trained through the process of professionally directed and designed musicals that are always accompanied by a live, full orchestra.
YMTC is not a standard “pay-to-play” company, in which actors pay a fee to simply be on stage. YMTC is a tuition based program that provides hands-on, often one-on-one, professional training in all aspects of theater production. We train actors as part of a cast, musicians as part of our pit orchestra, and aspiring directors, choreographers, stage managers, designers and theater technicians as a part of the production team and behind the scenes. All receive careful attention and guidance from our teaching artists throughout a rehearsal, tech, and performance process.
YMTC’s revenue comes from three sources: donations from individuals and foundations, ticket sales, and tuition. Expenses include wages for the leadership team of creatives and administrators, as well as the production team–teaching artists who not only bring our productions to life, but train our students in the process. Expenses cover all the elements of paying for a fully mounted production–including licensing rights to a show, theater rental, programs, props, costumes, wigs, sets, and sound equipment.
We regularly review the marketplace and analyze our tuition compared to other local theater companies with training conservatories to ensure that our fees are competitive. Our most recent analysis revealed that our fees were significantly lower than all other comparable programs we looked at in terms of hourly costs. This comparison was solely financial and did not take into account quality of the training or production values. As of our 2020-2021 season, which included an increase from the previous year, YMTC remains at the lower end of comparable tuition pricing.
Our tuition assistance program remains robust, and is one of our highest priorities. We have never turned any talented, dedicated students away for lack of ability to pay.
Tuition Assistance: 4 ways to apply!
1. Tuition Assistance Program
YMTC provides tuition assistance for our productions and workshops to students who demonstrate a strong financial need. Eligible students will receive between 30 to 100% of tuition costs, based on availability of funds. Payment plans may also be arranged.
A link to YMTC’s Tuition Assistance application form is provided in the automatic confirmation email that is sent out after a student registers for a show, workshop or apprenticeship position.
If a student is auditioning for a show, the application for Tuition Assistance happens after someone is cast and they are registering for the program. In this way, our casting processing is done “tuition-need blind”. Online registration forms can be found on the web page for each upcoming project, using the navigation bar at the top of our website.
Available for: productions, workshops/classes, TAAP
2. The Founders Scholarship
The mission of the Founders Scholarship is to ensure the growth of economic and racial diversity in YMTC’s student body. The scholarship is specifically for students who come from underserved or underrepresented communities, students who demonstrate financial need, and students who, through audition and application, show promising talent in the field, and outstanding discipline and commitment to the craft of theater. We will give special consideration to applicants who are new to YMTC’s programs.
To be considered for the Founders Scholarship, applicants need to fill out a separate application form at the time of registration.
Available for: productions, workshops/classes
3. Budding Artist Scholarship
Summer Arts Scholarships – empowering young artists to create a healthy and playful world. Many young artists begin their journey in school arts programs, however, due to lack of funds are unable to continue in summer programs. Our mission is to empower the passions of young artists by providing financial support to continue their training during the summer months. Our partnership with YMTC provides financial assistance to students from underserved or underrepresented communities, and students who demonstrate rising talent and financial need.
To be considered for the Budding Artist Scholarship, applicants need to fill out a separate application at the time of registration.
Available for: workshops/classes
4. College Mentorship Program
YMTC’s College Mentorship program provides full-ride tuition assistance to a small group of college students during our summer shows. College mentors will not only demonstrate financial need, but embody YMTC’s commitment to peer-mentorship. One of the most special parts of YMTC is the fact that the older students help coach the younger students, fostering a love for the lifelong process of training and learning. College mentors will also have some rehearsal responsibilities, such as helping paint sets and cleaning the rehearsal space.
To be considered for the College Mentorship Program, applicants need to be currently enrolled in a university, and fill out a separate application at the time of registration.
Available for: productions