Youth Theater, founded in 1984 is a New York City theater company that runs several programs for children and young adults, including original mainstage productions and arts education programs.
Youth Theater produces three original musical theater productions a year, offering pre-professional training through the Resident Youth Ensemble composed of over 80 New York City kids ages 8–18, in-school Arts Education residencies and after-school programs, and theater classes for kids of all ages taught by professional teaching artists and for which need-based scholarships are available.
Members also receive free vocal, acting, and dance training.
participants of the ensemble have gained publicity since participating in the program, including Amar Ramasar, Josh Peck, Kerry Washington, Azealia Banks, Jordan Peele, Ricki Lake, Mizuo Peck and AJR.
Included in the education department are outreach programs, which provide classes at schools in boroughs other than Manhattan.