Mohonk Mountain Stage Company's Theatre for Young Audiences (TYA) company performed plays for grades pre-K through 3 in a participation format — a way of working that invited the audience to become part of the action rather than simply to observe it. Productions were built to appeal to the creative imaginations of children and to speak to their very particular needs, and they were designed to delight the teachers and families who came with them.
Where the company played
The TYA company toured schools and theatres in seven states across the Midwest and along the East Coast. It also held residencies at two of the most respected venues for young audiences in the United States:
- the Brooklyn Academy of Music in New York
- the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.
MMSC's TYA company was chosen as one of a handful of companies to appear at the International Showcase for Young People at the Kennedy Center, and was invited back to the Kennedy Center for three consecutive years with its productions of Jungle Book, Frog Prince and Brave Little Tailor.
What the company does today
The touring component was discontinued in 1998, but the TYA company still performs readings for young and family audiences, and the participation approach shaped everything the company has done since. Young audiences remain part of MMSC's regular programming, and our family and schools work continues through the Readers Theatre Group's literary evenings.
Bring MMSC to your school or venue
If you would like to talk about a reading or a young-audiences event in your school, library or community hall, contact us and we will work out what is possible.