Welcome to the Riverside Youth Theatre web site!

Riverside Youth Theatre was formed in 2000 to provide more theatre opportunities for youth in the growing Inland Empire.  We are in our eighth season and remain committed to this goal! Our vision…to provide training for youth in the theatre arts in a fun, family-friendly environment. Our love for children and the arts make a great combination. Rehearsals are fun and cast members develop great friendships with others interested in theatre. All musicals and plays are reviewed for content that is appropriate for youth. Program costs are kept as low as possible by efficient management and parent volunteers. Riverside Youth Theatre Where future “stars” in our community shine bright!

What Makes Us Different?

Character is a word we use often in rehearsals and classes. Remember that teacher you had as a child, who encouraged you to exhibit old fashioned values…ones that seem to be forgotten today, like having a strong work ethic, cooperative spirit and good clean fun? This is what sets us apart from other theatre groups. We encourage these traits in ALL we do.

Incentives and rewards are given not just to the “star performers,” but to those who star in what matters most. Our highest production award is the STAR AWARD given for exceptional character throughout the rehearsal and performance process.

Distinctives of Riverside Youth Theatre

· Affordable (Registration Fees are listed on Classes & Musical pages)
· Old Fashioned Values, Character is stressed
· Teamwork is expected from students AND parents
· After-School Program (Few late nights for young children on school nights)
· No Waiting Lists
· Two Performing Divisions: Elementary (1st-6th grades) & Teen (7th-20 years)
· Classes Separate From Musicals:  You do not have to attend classes to participate in our musicals. Generally, class study helps students improve in acting, dance and singing skills necessary for musical theatre.
· Audition Based Theatre Company:  Students audition to participate in our musicals. If you audition, you are not guaranteed a spot in the production. We cast the right amount of kids (generally about 40-60) for each production.
· Riverside Youth Theatre provides costumes for cast members.  We ask that cast members provide their own shoes and undergarments for performances.
· Riverside Youth Theatre does not require you to sell a certain amount of tickets for each musical. We encourage and promote ticket sales through a contest.
· Parent Volunteers:  We ask parents to volunteer “behind-the-scenes” on committees and provide a gift basket for our raffle fund raisers. You can create a raffle basket, donate a gift card or request donations from local businesses. 

This is the foundation of Riverside Youth Theatre. Please e-mail us at RiversideYouthTheatre@msn.com if you would like to be added to our e-mailing list. We will do our best to inform you of upcoming auditions, registration dates, classes, and performances.

NEWS RELEASES (Updated 4/29/08)
Secondary Auditions (chorus roles only) for our Summer Youth Theatre Festival productions of Aristocats will be on Saturday, May 24 at 9:00 AM at Fellowship Baptist Church.  Secondary auditions for Cats will be scheduled on an individual basis.  Strong song and dance skills are needed for Cats.  Please e-mail Debbie Wolgemuth, Director at RiversideYouthTheatre@msn.com to schedule a private audition.  More information is on the Musicals page of the website.  Audition hints and requirements are on the Directors page.

Nominations for the National Youth Theatre’s 2007-2008 judging season will be announced on May 28th.  The Awards Ceremony will be held on Monday, June 19 in the San Diego.  Watch for more information!

Our Summer 2008 Class Schedule is now posted on the Classes page of the RYT website!  Please note that there are no Thursday or Saturday classes in the summer due to rehearsals for our elementary production.

Our next Parent/Student Information meetings is scheduled for Thursday, May 1 @ 7:00 PM at Fellowship Baptist Church.  The meeting lasts one hour.  If you want to get involved in Riverside Youth Theatre, we recommend this meeting!