YTI Touring Companies
YTI's Touring Companies are available for bookings throughout the year. Organizations interested in booking a performance by YTI should contact the Executive/Artistic Director, Mamie Duncan-Gibbs at least six weeks in advance, by calling (914) 963-3040 or e-mailing: info@youth-theatre.org
Dance
African – Traditional authentic, West African dance focusing on the dances of Guinea. Accompanied by authentic African percussion and musical instruments, lively and colorful traditional costumes.
Theatre Dance - This new class offering focuses on music and movement from the Broadway stage. Dances are created especially for YTI students, with performances given throughout Westchester County.
Music
African Percussion - Tours in conjunction with African Dance (see above)
Steel Band – YTI’s “Pan Band” offers calypso, pop and classical music selections. A smaller band is available for more intimate settings. The YTI “Pan Band” has had many successful performances throughout the tri-state area and has developed quite a positive reputation.
Vocal Choir – The YTI Vocal Choir sings a wide range of music: gospel, pop, jazz, Latin, Calypso and classical.
Drama
Our intermediate, advanced and intergenerational drama students perform several dramatic presentations such as:
“Martin Luther King, Jr.- A Historical Tribute”
A production memorializing the life of Martin Luther King, Jr. from Montgomery to Memphis. Some of Dr. King’s most famous and rarely heard speeches are recreated and the Civil Rights Movement is celebrated. What makes this piece so special is that the students, ranging in age from 11 to 16, were all born more than 20 years after Dr. King’s death. By presenting this play throughout the year, the student performers are keeping the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. alive.
“Intimate Realities” Company
The award winning “Intimate Realities” teen-touring company creates and performs plays on topics relevant to the lives of teens and young adults. The company seeks to educate while it entertains its peers. The “Intimate Realities” program was initially developed with a grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Westchester County Department of Health. In its sixteen years of existence it has given over 400 performances. Current productions include:
“A Rose is Still a Rose, No Matter Where it Grows” – A play about domestic abuse and violence against women, initially written, directed, choreographed and produced by the young women of “Intimate Realities.” The play is appropriate for ages 13 and up.
“Smoke, Smoke, Smoke – Don’t Believe the Hype” – This play deals with the advertising industry and its attempt to target our kids as “replacement smokers.” We deal with this issue in an entertaining but informative manner. At the end of the performance, we interact with the audience, making sure they truly understand the dangers of smoking. Statistics from the health department are also used in this production.
“When Push Comes to Shove, Shove Comes to Shoot” – What happens when someone steps on a classmate’s brand new sneakers? A lot of pushing and shoving! This production deals with violence that our youth are forced to face daily. What makes this and all of our “INTIMATE REALITIES” productions unique are that all scripts are based on statistical truths and are presented by teens in a language that is easy for their peers to relate to.