Musical Youth Artists' Repertory Theatre (MYART) is a community-based, non-profit, educational organization that provides young people the opportunity to be active participants in the performing arts.
MYART supplements education in the performing arts. Though historically underfunded, we believe this to be a vitally important part of any child's curriculum.
Each year MYART presents three main-stage productions with casts of 160 to over 300 participants. Multiple leads and large ensemble casts allow all participants to shine.
MYART builds self-esteem and confidence in children by providing instruction and performance experience in Acting, Singing, Dancing, and Stage Movement.
The program is endorsed as an excellent venue for training in the fine arts, by the Theatre Department at California State University, Long Beach, by a host of primary and secondary educators, and by numerous entertainment professionals.
MYART participants range from kindergarten- to college-aged. Our staff embraces diversity and welcomes all interested participants, including the physically challenged, at-risk teens and the learning disabled.
Dana Hanstein-Hanlen and a board of five volunteers founded MYART in November 1989 with the dream of providing a theater company where every young person who registered would have the opportunity to perform. MYART's first production, "Annie," had 97 participants and was performed at Cypress College.
Our scholarship program was established to sponsor deserving and hard-working individuals, providing for the payment of MYART's normal registration fees.
Our community outreach efforts provide complimentary show tickets to low -income families and group homes for children.
Our "Field Trip" matinee performances are aimed at schools, senior citizen groups and long -term care facilities from surrounding communities, providing thousands more discounted tickets every year. Over 20,000 students from 32 California school districts have enjoyed these shows.
Our Project Apple partnership, with the Bellflower Unified School District provides after -school activities for at-risk and low-income youth. This program introduces students from seven Bellflower elementary schools to the magic of the performing arts.