To ensure the success of Palace Youth Theatre for generations to come
When theatre programs are limited or not available in schools, creative minds need a place to grow. The Palace Youth Theatre is that place. It’s where kids learn to embrace their differences and perform at their best. It’s where they grow into who they are with confidence. They may become teachers, scientists, entrepreneurs or, yes, maybe even a Broadway star. But, on or off the stage, they are our future and it’s important they have the chance to Learn. Perform. Grow. Please consider supporting the Palace Youth Theatre Campaign to ensure access to arts education exists for future generations.
Moana Jr., 2023 (PYT)
FOREVER EMMA STUDIOS In 2018, Palace Youth Theatre (PYT) moved into its new home at 516 Pine Street in Manchester. What was once St. George’s Church is now Forever Emma Studios, named in loving memory of PYT’s own young performer, Emma Bechert.
Emma Bechert in Thoroughly Modern Millie Jr., 2014.
While the upper floor of the building has become the set building and storage area for all Palace-produced shows, the lower level has become a much-needed space for PYT’s evergrowing programs.
Forever Emma Studios houses two fully renovated dance studios; a 100-seat rehearsal space and theatre with updated lighting and sound; a vocal coaching studio; costume storage and PYT staff offices. The building also has new HVAC and security systems, new flooring, solar panels to reduce electricity costs as well as upgraded exterior lighting and signage. While the space the building provides allows for further expansion of our arts education offerings, supporting the Palace Youth Theatre Campaign will help to ensure the facility is a place for creative youth in our community for many years to come.
PALACE TEEN
COMPANY
Students participating in a Palace Academy Master Class.
Dance Studios were built in the newly acquired Athens Building, allowing space for Palace Youth Theatre and the brand new Palace Teen Company.
Palace Youth Theatre gives out its first Senior Scholarships to deserving graduates. Since this time, thousands of dollars in scholarships have been given to graduates of the Palace Youth Theatre program every year.
2006
2006
The Music Man Jr., 2023 (PYT)
PALACE YOUTH THEATRE Palace Youth Theatre (Grades 2-12) Palace Youth Theatre produces several Broadway Junior musicals and plays each season. This is an opportunity for all students interested in creative, expressive engagement to participate in a show, regardless of ability or experience.
Mainstage Musicals (Grades 2-12)
Chicago, 2023 (PTC).
Palace Youth Theatre produces 6 mainstage Broadway Junior musicals each season. These shows are all performed on the Palace Theatre stage. All students who audition are able to participate in our mainstage musicals, which provides an excellent opportunity for both young and seasoned student performers to work and learn together.
Small Cast Musicals (Grades 2-12) Palace Youth Theatre produces a number of small cast musicals each season. These shows are all performed at The REX Theatre. Our small cast musicals are performed by a select group of students who get the chance to experience working in a smaller group and in a more intimate theatre setting.
Plays (Grades 2-12)
Into the Woods, 2023 (PYT).
Palace Youth Theatre produces 3 plays each season. Plays are all performed at the REX Theatre. Our plays provide a unique platform for students to explore storytelling, discover selfexpression, and foster creativity.
The first Inspiration Award was given to Emma Bechert at Palace Youth Theatre’s Night of 1000 Stars.
Formerly St. George’s Church, the space on Pine Street was purchased in the spring of 2018 and renovated into the new home for Palace Youth Theatre.
2013
2018
Heathers, 2023 (PTC)
Palace Teen Company (PTC) (Ages 12-18) & Palace Teen Apprentice Company (PTAC) (Ages 12-18) Palace Teen Company and Palace Teen Apprentice Company are two programs designed for students who wish to pursue theatre performance beyond high school. The program includes audition training, weekly dance classes, workshops and master classes taught by industry professionals, and the opportunity to perform in a full-scale musical, dance showcase, and themed cabaret each semester.
Palace Academy (Ages 3-Adult)
Act: Our Acting Studio offers six-week courses throughout the year, including classes like Intro to Acting, Improvisation, Scene Study, Playwriting, and more! Dance: Our Dance Studio is a comprehensive dance school for students ages 3-adult. Throughout these 12-week sessions, dancers learn technique and choreography in jazz, tap, contemporary, and more. Sing: Our Voice Studio offers private voice lessons, both in person and via Zoom, with teachers from around the country. This studio additionally offers six-week courses including Vocal Technique, Building Your Book, and Audition Prep. College Prep: With our connections to professional performers and theatre faculty, we offer Panels, Coachings, and personalized guidance to students looking to audition for colleges and pursue a career in the Performing Arts.
Theatre Camps (Grades 2-12)
Charlie Brown Christmas, 2022 (PYT).
Palace Youth Theatre offers multiple camp sessions in the summer, as well as two one-week sessions during February and April school vacations. In addition to typical day camp activities (arts and crafts, games, etc.), these camps offer a creative and engaged curriculum to students interested in all aspects of live theatre, and culminate in a musical performed by all campers on the Palace Theatre stage.
In July of 2019, the new home of Palace Youth Theatre is officially renamed Forever Emma Studios.
In January of 2020, the Palace Youth Theatre’s production of Frozen Jr. is the best-selling youth show in Palace history.
2019
2020
CATS, 2023 (PYT)
YOUTH THEATRE ALUMNI Over the past few years, more than 30 students went on to pursue a career in the Performing Arts.
Universities our Students Attended American Musical and Dramatic Academy Boston College Boston Conservatory at Berklee Cincinnati-College Conservatory of Music Elon University Florida Southern College Ithaca College James Madison University Long Island University Post Marymount Manhattan College Merrimack College Missouri State University Montclair State University Muhlenberg College
Oklahoma City University Plymouth State University Point Park University Shenandoah University Conservatory The King’s College University of Arizona University of the Arts University of Cincinnati University of Massachusetts (Lowell) University of New Hampshire University of Oklahoma University of Rhode Island University of Southern California Western Connecticut State University
Majors/Minors Pursued Acting Dance Dance Education Dance Science Film Production Music
Musical Theatre Music Therapy Secondary Theatre Education Theatre Arts Theatre Performance Video Production
Throughout the pandemic (March 2020-June 2021), PYT stayed alive, offering hundreds of virtual performances, classes, and coachings for our young performers.
Palace Youth Theatre’s newest endeavor, the Palace Academy, opens and offers extensive training in Dance, Acting, Voice, and College Preparation for students of all ages.
2020
2021
Fame Jr., 2023 (PTAC)
“The Palace Theatre always provided such a great outlet
for me. This place was my second home. At a young age I was able to work with industry professionals, perform in full musicals and join a loving community. It is extremely difficult to find an educational place such as this one. The programs within the Palace are constantly evolving, changing and growing and I am beyond proud of its accomplishments!” - Jenna Bienvenue Graduated from Cincinnati-College Conservatory of Music
“The unique resources Palace Youth Theatre offers are
incomparable! The list is endless, and the best part is that it is constantly evolving to better the program for kids. It is a state of the art program that must never go away. It was truly the greatest gift being raised at the Palace with my brother, and I can only hope that every child gets the opportunities we got through PYT.” - Missy Clayton Former NBA Dancer, Former Show Captain at American Music Theatre
“After performing at the Palace Theatre in high school,
I attended the University of New Hampshire to study Theatre and Dance where I accidentally fell in love with Theatrical Costume Design. I returned to the Palace after college to work alongside the Resident Costume Designer. It was in this professional setting that I gained the experience I attribute to my success on Broadway.” - Mallory Rinker Wardrobe Supervisor and Star Dresser on Broadway (My Fair Lady, Phantom of the Opera, Frozen and more)
Spelling Bee, 2023 (PYT)
COMMUNITY IMPACT The Palace is committed to the region’s youth and strongly believes in the benefits of youth theatre. The largest and fastest growing youth theatre program in the state, Palace Youth Theatre (PYT) extends a student’s educational experience outside the classroom onto the stage. With nearly 600 children participating annually and producing nearly 20 youth productions a year, PYT showcases the individuality and creativity of children from all across the region The Palace Youth Theatre completed a remarkable 2023 season of summer camps. Throughout the summer, Palace Youth Theatre offered six camp sessions where students had the opportunity to learn about many aspects of theatre. Each session culminated in a performance of a musical on the Palace Theatre stage. For many of the campers, this was their first ever experience performing and it was heartwarming to see their enthusiasm and self-confidence grow throughout the course of each camp session. Palace Youth Theatre camps provide students and their families with lifelong inspirational memories. Selling out five of six camp sessions, and welcoming over 570 enthusiastic campers throughout the course of the summer, the Palace Youth Theatre has proven itself to be an important part of the local community. Our summer camps create engaging and impactful experiences for hundreds of students grades 2-12. The sheer demand and participation stand as a testament to Palace Youth Theatre’s ability to inspire and educate, offering a vibrant platform for creativity that helps the youth of our community learn and grow.
Fame Jr., 2023 (PTAC).
Guys and Dolls Jr., 2023 (PYT).
Chicago, 2023 (PTC)
BY THE NUMBERS
535
campers attended our school vacation and summer camps
49
acting courses offered through Palace Academy
$23,000+ in scholarships awarded
421
voice lessons given
17
youth productions performed
30
professional instructors, artists and staff members
561
dance courses offered through Palace Academy
28
high school seniors graduated from PYT
800+
students participating in PYT activities
Guys and Dolls Jr., 2023 (PYT)
CAMPAIGN GOALS Palace Youth Theatre Campaign Goal
$1,000,000 Funds raised will be used to: • Grow scholarship and financial aid fund to meet the growing needs of our students. Participation in Palace Youth Theatre programming continues to increase year after year. • Reduce fixed annual overhead costs at Forever Emma Studios, the home of Palace Youth Theatre. By doing so, additional funds can be allocated to program expansion and serving more youth in the community. • Make necessary facility improvements and safety upgrades at Forever Emma Studios and in other Palace Theatres’ spaces utilized by Palace Youth Theatre. The health and safety of our youth theatre participants is paramount and this includes ensuring our facilities are well maintained and secure.
Moana Jr., 2023 (PYT).
Puffs, 2023 (PYT).
Newsies, 2023 (PYT)
NAMING OPPORTUNITIES A number of naming opportunities exist within Forever Emma Studios and in other Palace Theatres’ buildings utilized by Palace Youth Theatre. These designations will prominently honor donors who lead by example in demonstrating their support for the future of arts education in the community.
OTHER WAYS TO GIVE Donors who wish to support the Palace Youth Theatre Campaign may wish to consider onetime or annual pledge payments of cash or marketable securities. Gifts or real estate or tangible personal property may also provide tax benefits for a donor. Donors may also consider leveraging their own gift through an employee matching gift program at one’s place of work. For more information or to learn more about the Palace Youth Theatre Campaign, please contact Shannon Sullivan, Director of Corporate and Community Partnerships, at 603.668.5588 or shannonsullivan@palacetheatre.org.
Music Man Jr., 2023 (PYT).
Heathers, 2023 (PYT).
80 Hanover Street, Manchester, NH 03101 603.668.5588 | PalaceTheatre.org