Summer Show
HONK! is the musical retelling of Hans Christian Andersen's story "The Ugly Duckling!" Separated from the farm and pursued by a hungry Cat, Ugly must find his way home. Along his rollicking and harrowing journey he not only discovers his true beauty and glorious destiny, but also finds love and acceptance in all its forms.
YAI's Summer Theater Experience is a six-week learning opportunity for youth to dive deep into the world of musical theater and learn the ins and outs of performing!
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Testimonials
"Hi. As a high school senior, it has been a few years since my last show at YAI. However, I still go back to see shows, even though I don't recognize a lot the new faces up on the stage.
As I think back, I have never felt a more blessed and welcoming com...munity until my first show with this organization. It was my summer after finishing eighth grade. I was very small back then—skinny too. High school was right around the corner and I was nervous. Planning to continue theater in high school I decided to audition for a summer production of LORD OF THE FLIES. I knew not a single soul in this program but went for it anyways, feeling that I would at least enjoy the experience.
I loved it.
What I found was a group of kids who are inspired by leaders who are often only just volunteering their time and talents to create works of art with those kids. So, this very shy child was able to step out of his shell and grow into something I never thought I could be. All from a community that told me I was good enough to be something.
I continued in this program through high school, and it taught me countless lessons about friendship, cooperation, being a leader, creating art, compassion, and being oneself. I have only ever felt this at Young Artists Initiative. This program has given me friends that have lasted all four years of high school and who I plan on staying connected to for the rest of my life.
Having such strong mentors in this program has also given me a chance to succeed I can't thank them enough. The work that this program does—helping grow young artists from urban communities—is truly unique and cannot be replaced. I hope that this program can continue, because it is a gift that every child seeking to perform on stage should have the opportunity to participate in."
