The MCC Theater Youth Company (YC) is a free after-school program for New York City youth, ages 14 -20, interested in writing and acting for the theater. Students come from throughout the city to participate in weekly workshops led by theater professionals. YC is designed to inspire young people to find and express their voices through the creation and performance of original theater pieces, while providing them with a safe artistic environment where they may grow and learn.

The Acting Lab
Led by YC Artistic Director Stephen DiMenna, YC actors develop their performance skills through weekly workshops in scene-study, movement, improvisation, and voice. YC actors also participate in writing workshops, which result in the development of original plays that are performed by the ensemble, including the annual spring production, Uncensored.

The Playwriting Lab
Under the guidance of professional playwright, Lucy Thurber, YC playwrights develop original scripts for the theater. Through writing exercises, roundtable discussions, and the study of dramatic structure, story, character and style, YC playwrights sharpen their playwriting technique and enliven their creative voices. On the last Wednesday of every month, YC playwrights’ scripts come to vibrant life in public readings by professional actors.

YC Productions
The Youth Company is committed to providing all members with opportunities to have their work performed before a live audience. Rehearsals for productions take place outside of school hours and are often scheduled during school holidays, like spring break and summer vacation.

Your Off-Broadway Home
A part of a bustling Off-Broadway theater company, the YC frequently draws from the many exciting opportunities this award-winning theater company has to offer. This includes:

• Workshops with casting directors and other industry professionals
• Participation in annual galas
• Tickets to MCC Theater mainstage productions with private talkback sessions with the production’s director, playwright, and actors
• Tickets to other plays on and off-Broadway

The Freshplay Festival
Each summer, MCC Theater presents the FreshPlay Festival, the YC’s culminating event. The FreshPlay Festival is a performance of four original short plays penned by New York City teens. The plays are produced for the stage by a roster of professional directors, actors, and designers. FreshPlay merges the voices and creativity of urban youth with the experience of professionals in an evening of explosive, innovative, and fresh theater.

Join the Youth Company
What You Need to Know:

• The MCC Theater Youth Company seeks committed and responsible young people for its ACTING and PLAYWRITING LABS. Company members may be a part of one or both labs.
• The ACTING LAB meets every Tuesday from 4:30pm-6:30pm.
• The PLAYWRITING LAB meets every Wednesday from 4:30pm-6:30pm

Guidelines

• YC members are between the ages of 14-20 and live in New York City
• YC members have a strong interest in participating in the dramatic arts.
• YC members are open-minded and willing to take risks.
• YC members are committed to consistent attendance at workshops and rehearsals.
• YC members are accepted into the company based on effort, not previous theater experience.

How to Join
Every fall, an orientation is held for potential members. If you are unable to attend the orientation, call MCC Theater’s Education and Outreach Department at (212) 727-7722, ext. 222, to discuss admission into the company.