Show Participation Philosophy

Many students are impassioned with the idea of being on stage in front of an appreciative audience, and it’s hard to argue with that. But it’s important for all of us to remember that NEYT is a teaching organization, and appropriate learning must and should go on before feeling the glow of those stage lights. While NEYT's mission to “foster initiative, positive mental attitude, kindness and teamwork” has never changed, our teaching philosophy has continued to develop so that we can support the growth of our students as richly as possible.

An important step in our evolution has been to articulate how we select and implement the shows we do and how we go about casting them. We choose shows for a variety of reasons such as audience interest, director enthusiasm, actor training and seasonal variety. The most essential motivation, however, is often student need. When a student has participated in many classes and shows and demonstrated a level of maturity and excellence, it is our duty to find projects that help them grow; our goal is to challenge all of our actors, from beginning to advanced. Every student who maintains an enthusiastic commitment to personal growth as a performer will have his or her chance to shine here at NEYT.

Here in this building there are theatre opportunities for toddlers, youngsters, adults, home-schoolers, and differently-abled students of all ages.  It is our most ardent ambition that all those who devote their time, effort and passion to this place - be they student, staff, faculty or parent - feel greatly appreciated, satisfied and changed.