The Best Summer Camp on Earth: Young Actors’ Theatre Camp a Haven for Young Thespians
By Julie Horner
Many of us have memories of summer camp. The initial shyness and the eventual camaraderie that makes us reluctant at the end of our few days together to return to “real life.” Every year the Santa Cruz Mountains plays host to Young Actors’ Theatre, a camping experience like no other held at Mount Cross in Ben Lomond. Young people aged 8 to 18 have the opportunity to attend weekend, week-long, and month-long overnight sessions fully immersed in professionally curated theater and film-making workshops. The organization celebrates its 22nd anniversary this July.
A Passion Ignited for the Arts
YATC was founded in Los Angeles in 2001 by Shawn Ryan and John Ainsworth. Ryan, who knew from a young age that he was gay, calls himself the Oprah of Camp. “I’m the co-founding director of the entire shindig, emcee, host of every activity, captain of the ship!” He’s the one who gets the word out, meets the families, and unequivocally supports blossoming actors in finding their true voice. The camp purposely picks up where other theater programs leave off by deep diving into the actors’ craft. “Unfortunately, in the school system, kids are directed,” he said. “But what did you do that made it work outside of memorization and performance?” YATC participants study the nuances, they break down the character, examine why the character feels the way they do. “Kids crave a deeper understanding.”
The instructors are top industry professionals who are on board to nurture the artistry of the young performer. Noting his own childhood experiences as an actor at Chandler Youth Theatre in Phoenix, “It was the first moment I got to do something with a group of kids like me. It was an affirmation, ‘I believe in you.’ That’s why we do what we do at the camp.”
Creators in the Modern Age
Young Actors’ Theatre Camp teaches kids about what it’s like to be a creator in the modern age. Instead of “Tree #4 in the back row,” each child has a chance to shine. “It’s a very important time in a young person’s life to boost their confidence,” Ryan said, “give them the opportunity to grow like that. They eat it up. And it affects everything they do as they grow up, their jobs, relationships.” Kids get the opportunity to perform the characters they studied over the summer, participate in the film program, and have a chance to write, direct, and produce.
Considered one of the top five arts camps in the country, YATC does not require prior stage experience or an audition to attend. “If you have an interest, our doors are open to you.” Spend a day in conservatory style training. Join in fun activities that let you be a kid, silly things like ballet kickball and scavenger hunts searching for clues about famous actors. “It’s all about bonding, and changing their lives as young people. It’s mind blowing to look around how this community has grown and been so close. We have about 10 thousand kids at this point.”
Kids support each other in a completely safe environment, Ryan said. “There’s nothing like bullying and cliques. No sarcasm, no mean joshing around. The kids are encouraged to treat this time to make sure everyone feels welcome. This way of living is easier, instead of being scared or defensive.”
Camps are kept small, and there is a nearly two-to-one ratio, staff to kids. About 85% of the teachers and counselors were once camp participants themselves. YATC also has scholarship programs. “What we hope that people hear, if a student wants to come to camp but can’t afford to, no one is turned away,” Ryan said. “So their lives are big and full.”
The more you can see it, the more it’s real. YATC helps keep art in daily focus. Programs begin in March: campyatc.com | @campyatc
Julie Horner writes about art, music, and culture in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Reach out to Julie at leap2three@gmail.com.
Photo contributed by CampYATC
