2021 Palace Youth Theatre Campaign

CAMPAIGN

When theatre programs are not available in schools, creative minds need a place to grow. The Palace Youth Theatre becomes that place. This is where kids learn to embrace their differences and perform at their best.

This is where they grow into who they are with confidence. They may become teachers or scientists or entrepreneurs.

Or yes, maybe even a Broadway star. But on or off the stage, they are our future. Help us give these kids the chance to Learn. Perform. Grow.

As an organization, we are committed to providing arts education opportunities to future generations.

Support the Palace Youth Theatre.

Shrek Jr., 2019 (PTAC)

FOREVER EMMA STUDIOS 2018 marks the year Palace Youth Theatre moved into its new home, located at 516 Pine Street. 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 Palace’s set building/storage area for all Palace produced shows, the lower level has become a much-needed space for PYT’s ever-growing program.

Forever Emma Studios includes two fully renovated dance studios, a 100-seat rehearsal space/theatre with newly installed hardwood floors, a vocal coaching studio, youth staff offices, costume storage, and an upgraded HVAC system.

The addition of Forever Emma Studios allows further expansion and enrichment of our arts education curriculum offerings. We must ensure that the facility is well maintained and is a permanent space where future generations have access to arts education.

Students participating in a Palace Academy Master Class.

PALACE TEEN

COMPANY

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

Frozen Jr., 2020 (PYT)

PALACE YOUTH THEATRE Palace Youth Theatre (Grades 2-12)

Palace Youth Theatre produces several Broadway Junior musicals and plays each season. There are auditions held for every show, and all young performers who audition are cast. This is an opportunity for all students interested in creative, expressive engagement to participate in a show, regardless of ability or experience.

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 Footloose Jr., 2020 (PYT) 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 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 The Wedding Singer, 2019 (PTC) 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)

Palace Youth Theatre offers multiple camp sessions in the summer, as well as two oneweek 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.

Les Miserables School Edition, 2019 (PYT)

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

Annie Jr., 2019 (PYT)

YOUTH THEATRE ALUMNI “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

“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

In the past 5 years, more than 30 students went on to pursue a career in the Performing Arts.

Universities our Students Attended American Musical and Dramatic Academy Muhlenberg College Boston College

Plymouth State University

Boston Conservatory

Point Park University

Cincinnati-College Conservatory of Music

Shenandoah University Conservatory

Elon University

The King’s College

Florida Southern College

University of Arizona

Ithaca College

University of the Arts

James Madison University

University of Cincinnati

Long Island University Post

University of Massachusetts (Lowell)

Marymount Manhattan College

University of New Hampshire

Merrimack College

University of Rhode Island

Missouri State University

University of Southern California

Montclair State University

Western Connecticut State University

Majors/Minors Pursued Acting

Musical Theatre

Dance

Music Therapy

Dance Education

Secondary Theatre Education

Dance Science

Theatre Arts

Film Production

Theatre Performance

Music

Video Production

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

High School Musical Jr., 2018 (PYT)

COMMUNITY IMPACT Girls Inc.

This past summer, Palace Theatre professional actors Caroline Eby and Benjamin LeBlanc taught over 50 wonderful children at Girls Inc. in Manchester. Eby and LeBlanc worked with the girls on dances and songs, which were presented in a final showcase at The Rex Theatre. CEO of Girls Inc., Sharron McCarthy, says “this was an experience of a lifetime for these girls and their families. It was a great way to bridge the girls in both of our centers and it resulted in a big boost in confidence for all of them.”

Benjamin LeBlanc with Girls Inc. student.

Southern New Hampshire University

For over five years, Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) has generously provided Angel Tickets to support greater Manchester youth. This is often the first time these children experience the magic of live theatre. SNHU is committed to helping those in underserved communities experience the historic Palace Theatre.

A Christmas Carol, 2019.

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

DONOR PLEDGE COMMITMENT WAYS OF GIVING NAMING OPPORTUNITIES CAMPAIGN GOALS Fund for Scholarships/Aid • Provide scholarships and financial assistance to ensure the growth of arts education

Paying Off Current Debt • Mortgage for Forever Emma Studios

Facility Improvements

Fund for Scholarships/Aid Paying Off Current Debt Facility Improvements

$500,000 $350,000 $150,000

• Renovate theatre & costume room at Forever Emma Studios • Upgrade electrical & plumbing system at Forever Emma Studios • Security system for Forever Emma Studios • Energy efficiency measures • New roof for north side of Forever Emma Studios

Total Goal for The Palace Youth Theatre Campaign

$1,000,000

CAMPAIGN 80 Hanover Street | Manchester, NH 03101 603.668.5588 | PalaceTheatre.org For more information contact Tammi Graff at tammigraff@palacetheatre.org