EXCELLENCE
LEADERSHIP
PLATINUM STAR AWARD
“Be somebody who makes everybody feel like a somebody.” Our goal is to have each student embrace that mindset, but each year, one exceptional student gets recognized for living by it. They are awarded the “Platinum Star.”
This honor is awarded to a student who has consistently demonstrated outstanding leadership, compassion towards others, and a commitment to their fellow castmates by fostering a supportive and inclusive environment. Their dedication serves as an inspiration to all, and we are proud to celebrate their remarkable contributions.
STUDENT DIRECTOR PROGRAM
Our 2021/2022 season officially launched the student director program. Student directors are responsible for learning choreography and music, reviewing material with cast members, and working with the director to coordinate the production of the show.
The Director’s goal is to help train the next generation of theatre leaders and educators. By getting hands on experience, students are able to go to their college, community, or regional theatre programs and hit the ground running.
Students learn invaluable leadership, organizational, teaching, and technical skills. To become a student director, students must be currently enrolled in high school and have been a cast member in at least one YIMS Drama production.
REAL WORLD PREPAREDNESS
At YIMS Drama, we believe in nurturing leadership skills within our students both on and off the stage.
Theatre helps students become better leaders by fostering essential skills such as communication, empathy, and teamwork. Students learn how to creatively problem solve in a fast-paced environment, which enhances their adaptability and decision-making abilities. The experience of embodying diverse characters cultivates empathy – allowing students to understand and connect with different perspectives.
ADVOCACY
EVERYONE DESERVES ACCESS TO THEATRE EDUCATION – REGARDLESS OF ZIP CODE
The staff at YIMS Drama firmly believe every student deserves access to quality theatre education. Each year, we participate in Theatre In Our Schools Month, which is a national campaign that encourages school theatre programs to share how important the theatre program in their school is to their students and communities.
We posted statistics about the value of theatres in schools, fun behind the scenes footage, and made some videos to share just how much we love theatre at YIMS! In March of 2024, Shrek the Musical Jr. cast members performed select numbers for the school board. A student representative also wrote a speech talking about why theatre and the arts should be supported at Yough School District.
Kyli Stoner, our Director, continuously advocates for support of the theatre program at YIMS. She met Skylar Astin (Pitch Perfect, Spring Awakening, Little Shop of Horrors) in New York City and got to speak to him about the work we do and her goals to get the students to New York City one day to see a Broadway show!
Part of our mission is to ensure our students get to see professional musicals. Although we haven’t made it to Broadway yet, our program, for the first time ever, was able to subsidize a trip to Hershey, PA to see the National Tour of Shrek The Musical! Students received heavily discounted tickets, free transportation, and a Q&A with the cast – all because of the generous support of our corporate partners and donors!
