Celebrating 30 Years of Spotlighting Youth Talent and Creativity!

Our History

Vandalia Youth Theatre (VYT), is a non-profit organization with a physical location Vandalia, Ohio. We have grown from a few parents putting on a show in a church basement to producing four full productions per year for youth ages pre-K through high school. VYT started in 1994 by Kathy Price. She started the program because he daughter absolutely loved performing. Elda Ash was the first official director who would work with the students in the basements at local fellowships. In 1997, VYT established their first board of directors.   The very first musical was "How Does Your Garden Grow" where 12 students stood in a line and sang. In 1998, VYT started to sell concessions at their shows. In 2000, VYT made money for the very first time in their production of Grease.

Auditions

Audition sign ups for our fall production are posted in in the beginning of August, auditions happen late August - early September. The fall musical is for 3rd - 12 grade and three performances are done at the Arbogast Performing Arts Center in Troy.  There is one playbill for the fall show.

When The Season Begins

Our season begins in winter with workshops that anyone can join. These workshops help students prepare for singing and dancing auditions. They also give people a chance to try out theater before auditioning. In March, students can choose a time to audition. Even though the performances won't happen until summer, students sign up for auditions based on their current grade level. For instance, if you're in 5th grade now, you'd sign up for the Primary summer show.

 The audition slots are limited, but all students who audition, will be casted. This gives every child an opportunity to be on stage regardless of skill level. Auditions are held in April, and rehearsals begin right away. Students rehearse 2 days during the week, and Saturday mornings. In July, our set, costumes, props and all other production materials are moved to Northmont High School in Clayton where we will have our tech rehearsals and performances.   

During Tech Week

Students will practice every day until opening night. The primary and junior cast will perform four times over the weekend at different times. After the last performance on Sunday, we'll clear out the set, costumes, and props to prepare for the senior show. The senior show will rehearse all week until opening night and will have five performances. The students from the Young Performers Camp will do a short performance either at the start or during the break of the senior show.  At the senior show, we will acknowledge all 12th grade seniors who just completed their last musical with VYT.