The Young People’s Theatre Project Raises Funds to Bring the Arts to All Kids

Summer camp, YPTP at caldera

Portland, June 20th, 2015. Summer is the time to make a splash with the The Young People’s Theatre Project, (or YPTP) Performing Arts Camp. The nonprofit offers theater experiences to hundreds of local grade school, middle school and high school students each year. The 17th Annual Young People’s Theatre Project Performing Arts Camp Production features nearly 150 young people from throughout the Portland area and beyond. With funding of many arts programs at local pubic schools on the decline, arts enrichment programs like YPTP are the only option for many kids. The group’s annual cabaret fundraiser, on May 12th at Lewis & Clark, raised over $12,000 to help keep participation affordable for all.

Since accessibility is a primary concern The Project is actively pursuing new funding sources. At the cabaret, supporters have a chance to enjoy the talented students YPTP directors have trained.

Since moving to Portland in 1991, The Project has served young people in over 40 states with touring programs, and has partnered with schools, community art centers, and organizations including Young Audiences, The Portland Art Museum, and Oregon Zoo to create unique theatre education experiences. The Project facilitates productions, classes, and after-school programs at a variety of public and private schools through the Portland area.

Jeff Hall is the Co-Director of YPTP , Koleen Hall provides assistance with the camp programs, Bonnie Auguston is the Office Manager, and Elaine Kloser is a Co-Director.

YPTP senior campers are accepted by audition, then spend 10 days at Camp Caldera near sisters creating a musical. The show is later staged at Jesuit High School where Jeff Hall and Elaine Kloser teach in the Fine Arts Department. This year’s production will be “Big Fish.” Tickets are available on the Jesuit website starting on June 25th. Shows will take place July 9th – 12th.

The 17th Annual Young People’s Theatre Project Performing Arts Camp Production features nearly 150 young people from throughout the Portland area and beyond, in this new musical adaptation of the Daniel Wallace book, later turned into Tim Burton film. With music by Broadway composer Andrew Lippa, BIG FISH follows one young man’s journey through the tales that define his relationship with his Dad, bringing father and son together — with a cast of colorful characters — on the banks of an ever-winding river, teeming with imagination and adventure.

In 1998, The Project partnered with Camp Caldera to provide theatre artists for a new program at Blue Lake near Sisters. The following year, The Young People’s Theatre Project Performing Arts Camp was begun, with 50 selected middle and high school students attending a two-week session at Caldera, and returning to Portland to join a Children’s Chorus, Junior Ensemble, and Tech Theatre crew to present the annual musical.

Part of the experience is typical wilderness camp fun.

There are also summer programs designed specifically for younger kids. Second Stage is a special opportunity for students in grades 6-9 to create and star in their own musical production. This year’s show, Broadway’s A YEAR WITH FROG AND TOAD, follows the woodland adventures of two amphibious friends, a worrywart toad and a perky frog, with their assorted colorful hopping, crawling and flying companions, over the course of a year.

For more information, check out the website: http://www.yptproject.org/

Elisa Klein

I’ve been a professional journalist and writer since 1987, (and long-time reporter for KOIN-TV.) As a nationally published reporter, with a Master’s Degree in Journalism, I love to report positive news and information. Journalism has also connected me with another non-profit where I served as a leader; the Northwest’s biggest writer’s organization: The Willamette Writers.