Young People’s Theatre Project Dinner Cabaret Informs and Entertains

Spotlight Sponsors, Tracey and Mike Clark join program directors, Elaine Kloser and Jeff Hall, alongside Curtain Call Sponsors Brittney Clark and Chris Brooks.

Portland, May 14th. Seventy people raised their glasses at a special dinner cabaret benefiting the Young People’s Theatre Project. Spotlight Sponsors, Tracey and Mike Clark join program directors, Elaine Kloser and Jeff Hall, alongside Curtain Call Sponsors Brittney Clark and Chris Brooks. The event raised over $10,000 for the popular theater program. The Young People’s Theater Project (YPTP) facilitates productions, classes, and after-school programs at a variety of local public and private schools. The organization’s marquee production is an annual summer musical with a cast of over 100 which is staged at Jesuit High School.

Stephanie and Bob Mathews supported the dinner cabaret.

Teri Meyer, Accompanist and Kate White, YPTP Officer Manager

Teri Meyer, served as the accompanist for the cabaret and Kate White, is not just YPTP's Officer Manager she's an acomplished singer as well.

The nonprofit’s annual fundraiser featured performances and testimonials from Project alumni and current students.

Project student, Josi Petersen, performed.

Project student, Drew Schmidt, entertained supporters.

Based in Portland, for over 20 years, YPTP has served young people in more than 40 states. The nonprofit partners with schools, community art centers, organizations including Young Audiences, The Portland Art Museum, and Oregon Zoo to create unique theatre education experiences.

YPTP also partners with Camp Caldera, an arts camp on Blue Lake in Central Oregon. Senior cast members rehearse their productions at Caldera then join younger participants for performances in Portland.

The Performing Arts Camp quickly became The Project’s primary focus, and today draws far more interest than can be accommodated through existing programming. Children’s Chorus and Junior Ensemble sessions fill quickly, and more students audition for the overnight camp at Caldera than can be invited to participate.

Last Summer's YPTP musical was "Annie Get Your Gun"

Students of all ages are encouraged to participate and often develop a life-long love of live theatre.

This year’s musical will be Once on This Island. Performances are scheduled for July 12th – 15th.

From Young People’s Theatre Project:

The Young People’s Theatre Project combines entertainment and education for all audiences. Through performances, workshops and residencies with professional theatre artists, young people of all ages explore their creative potential. The Project is a resource to an ever expanding community, from opening nights to opening minds.

The Young People’s Theatre Project is made up of teachers, actors, directors, writers, and technicians who have all benefited from opportunities in educational theatre andwant to share their experience with as many people as possible.

The Young People’s Theatre Project is made up of young people, who have “graduated” through the various Project programs, and are now returning to both gain and share new experiences by working as volunteers or staff members.

The Young People’s Theatre Project is indeed an ever-expanding community of young people of all ages as we expand our work to include participants as young as 6 or 7 and as old as 67.

And when you get involved – whether on stage, behind the scenes, in the audience, or from a distance – The Young People’s Theatre Project is you.

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.