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Building C
The runaway success of children’s books and films such
as the Shrek and Harry Potter series and C. S. Lewis’
Narnia chronicles shows how much youth literature influences
arts and culture. The value of classic tales is the main force
behind Fort Mason Center (FMC) resident group Young Performers
Theatre (YPT).
For nearly 25 years, YPT has charmed audiences with staged
versions of children’s stories performed by young actors
and theater professionals. The theater group also sponsors
educational programs at the Building C theater in FMC and
at San Francisco schools. In an era when many are concerned
about the decline in art programs at schools, YPT is restoring
the magic of theater for children with classes and plays such
as Pinocchio, Peter Pan, and Charlie and
the Chocolate Factory.
 In
1982, theater educator Matilda Kunin founded YPT in memory
of her son, Anthony Manning Kunin. Since then, the organization
has held firmly to its mission to make theater more readily
available to all children. In addition to producing seven
performances each year, YPT runs the Theatre Arts Academy
in Building C and a Theatre In Education program at local
schools. Young Performers Theatre encourages academy students
to audition for its plays.
YPT’s Children In Need program provides scholarships
and free performances for children and families coping with
homelessness or life-threatening illnesses, or recovering
from abuse. Over the years, this program has donated more
than 40,000 tickets to many Bay Area community organizations,
including the Salvation Army, Casa Vincentia, Hamilton Family
Services, and the YMCA.
The 2006 theater season starts off in January with the compelling
love story Sleeping
Beauty. YPT brings this ancient fairy tale to life
with actors, puppets, and clever costumes. Another YPT favorite,
Peter and the Wolf, returns in March with Sergei Prokofiev’s
score and an environmental message. The YPT season wouldn’t
be complete without a revival of crowd-pleasing Winnie
The Pooh in April.
Summer brings a gentler version of the rowdy British Punch
and Judy puppet show. In September, genies, magic carpets,
and sorcerers enchant audiences in Aladdin and the Wonderful
Lamp. The action shifts to the mythical kingdom of Narnia
in October with The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe.
The final play for the season heads to Paris where Babar
the elephant has many European adventures during the special
holiday shows.
 Spring
2006 acting classes start February 6 at the Theatre Arts Academy
for students from three to 12 years old. YPT introduces drama
and creative play to children three to five years in age with
Let’s Pretend,
a fun class that explores storytelling and music. Children
use their imagination to create dialogue and action using
props and costumes in YPT’s friendly theater setting.
Let’s Pretend graduates five to seven years old
can move on to Creative Drama where they learn pantomime,
improvisation, character development, and story structure,
and perform in a play for the last class.
Older students eight to 12 years in age advance quickly
with Musical Theatre and Presenting The Show
classes. Bay Area teacher and director Linda Reimer Trahan
guides students through singing, dancing, and staging a mini-musical.
Fledgling stunt performers and clowns can learn circus comedy,
slapstick, and basic stage combat techniques in the laugh-filled
How To Be Funny On Stage class. Students can also study
playwriting and light and sound production.
Like Peter Pan and the wild boys, YPT’s lively programs
and shows prove that you never have to grow old as long as
you enjoy fresh theater and retain a sense of wonder.
– Claudia Willen
Images from Young Performers' Theatre productions; The
Naughty Prince, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,
and The Velveteen Rabbit.
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Sample the unique dramatic ambience of Young Performers Theatre
(YPT) with the children’s birthday party program. This
affordable service offers celebrations for every budget, including
party space, food, furnishings, and creative inspiration.
Deluxe parties include a backstage tour and games. If you’ve
always wanted to participate in a Mad Hatter tea party, YPT
can accommodate you. Other party themes include pirates, castles,
monsters, dinosaurs, and outer space. For more information,
visit www.ypt.org
or call (415) 346-5550. For details about Young Performers
Theatre’s winter show, Sleeping Beauty, see January 21
in the calendar.
– Claudia Willen
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