The foundation of the Y Theatre Company began in the final months of 2008. A few classes in Cape Ann and Beverly were planned for the New Year, with hopes to begin integrating theatre programming into the heart of the Y. By March of 2009 auditions were held for an inaugural production of Annie Jr, and that June 140 youth from across the North Shore took the stage in Ames Hall at the Salem YMCA. Since then, the Y Theatre Company has produced 9 main stage productions, 10 camp shows, and involved over 500 youth from across the North Shore. Theatre classes are now running in 4 out of the 6 North Shore YMCAs. In the spring of 2011, YTC expanded to include Ipswich, Hamilton and Wenham by beginning to stage productions at the Ipswich Town Hall, and there are plans for 2012 to include a further expansion to Haverhill.

Theatre is about community. We’ve met a lot of wonderful people since the creation of the Y Theatre Company, and the volunteers involved are both passionate about the programming, and skilled in their contribution. Dawna Colley has been volunteering in our costume department since the inaugural Annie production. As Dawna saw her granddaughter blossom through involvement with performing arts, she couldn’t help but believe in the programming, and now she’s become a grandmother to every child in the Y Theatre Company. She made Annie’s little red formal gown, and since then has made a Cowardly Lion costume, Dorothy’s dress, Gaston’s vest, and much, much more. She even donated her wedding gown for the Glinda costume in Wizard of Oz. Now, even when Dawna's granddaughter isn't involved, Dawna still measures for costumes and sews away at skirts and pants for every production.

Theatre is also about giving people a voice to speak back into their communities, and to "hold a mirror up to nature," as Shakespeare wrote. The youth involved in the Y Theatre Company learn that their words have worth, and that they can command attention and make a stand. We believe in our kids, and in our community. From the mouth of a parent: ...You all did a terrific and very impressive job over the last months. I have to say, I was blown away by the way you made this so fun for the kids AND kept them engaged, inspired, and focused. My daughter knew not a single soul involved when she started and has now made all kinds of friends...it was a great experience for her.

YTC Through the Years:
*  June, 2009: the inaugural production of Annie Jr. perfoms in Ames Hall at the Salem YMCA
*  July, 2009: Theatre Camp at the Beverly YMCA- Jungle Book
*  November, 2009: the YTC keeps from being a one-show-wonder by producing another successful show, this time staging Beauty and the Beast Jr.
*  February, 2010: our first small cast, non-musical production- Cheaper by the Dozen
*  May, 2010: The YMCA of the North Shore kicks off a Capital Campaign for a Creative Arts Center at the Salem Y, and the restoration of Ames Hall
*  June, 2010: Music Man Jr. closes off our first season in Ames Hall at the Salem YMCA
*  July, 2010: Theatre Camp at the Lynch/van Otterloo Y in Marblehead- Aristocats
*  July, 2010: Theatre Camp at the Beverly YMCA- Alice in Wonderland
*  August, 2010: Theatre Camp at the Salem YMCA- Aladdin
*  October, 2010: The YTC expands to incorporate the production of new works, collaboratively writing and producing a show with teens called When I Grow Up
*  December, 2010: Wizard of Oz perfoms in Ames Hall at the Salem YMCA
*  March, 2011: Another new work, Out of Circulation, finds it's world premier in Ames Hall
*  April, 2011: YTC expands to Ipswich with a production of R&H Cinderella at the Ipswich Town Hall
*  June, 2011: Seussical the Musical Jr. in Ames Hall
*  July, 2011: Theatre Camp at the Lynch/van Otterloo Y in Marblehead- Willy Wonka
*  July, 2011: Theatre Camp at the Beverly YMCA- A Year with From and Toad
*  August, 2011: Theatre Camp at the Salem YMCA- Sleeping Beauty
*  November, 2011: Annie Jr. in Ipswich
*  December, 2011: A Christmas Carol in Ames Hall