Deep Impact Youth Theater Team
Choosing to start a youth drama team can be one of the most rewarding decisions you could ever make. There is a different passion for the arts that comes out of youth as you teach them and watch them perform what they have worked so hard to accomplish. The greatest thing is that starting a youth drama team can be much easier than starting any other type of theater group.
Instructions
Start a Youth Drama Team
1. Decide on a format. There are many different types of youth drama teams. Some focus on community and school outreach, others to a musical theater format, and still others choose a religious format. Deciding on your format will help guide the rest of your plans from this point on.
2. Align yourself with a school or organization or set up your own non profit. You will usually need some sort of non-profit status, whether it be your own or an organization above you. It can be your church, your school, or even some community organizations will allow you to align with them. If you have the funds and the time I would recommend starting your own non-profit to give you full control over the decisions of your theater team.
3. Raise the money. Now it's time to get the community behind you. Look for grants that aim specifically at youth, especially grants that focus on after school activities or arts education. Also look at fund raisers or benefit performances to help you raise the funds needed to operate.
4. Grow a core team of members. Now that you have the appropriate finances, start growing your core group of members. These youth are not only going to be the center of your theater team, they will also be your greatest promotional tool. Reach outside of just theater and plan community service projects to help not only promote your team, but to grow and teach your members as well.
5. Expand your team. Once you have a good core going, start expanding. Offer after school theater classes that are co-taught by your core team of members. You can also offer summer day camp programs as well. Put on quality performances and the word will spread and sooner than later you will have a full fledged successful youth theater team.
