The Alberta Youth Theatre Collective (AYTC) launched in September 2021 to uplift youth theatre, foster a deeper appreciation for the performing arts, and offer meaningful opportunities for young creatives across Edmonton and surrounding areas.

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Our mission is to support and celebrate youth both on stage and behind the scenes—and to build a community where young people can thrive as performers, creators, audience members, and future arts leaders.

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How It Works

Each year, AYTC brings together high schools from Edmonton and surrounding areas. Each school stages a theatrical production—be it a play or a musical—and students from the other schools attend as reviewers. While attending the productions, a guest mentor who is a professional theatre artist in the community meets with the reviewers to discuss the show, theatrical elements of the production, and aid in discussions of what to include in their reviews. The mentors also give valuable insight to how students should analyze performances and technical elements to nominate for our awards that are presented at the year-end gala.

 

After attending the show, reviewers write their reviews for publication consideration, and put forward their nominations. The mentor assigned to the show reads all reviews anonymously and chooses the top 5 reviews to be published in the Edmonton Journal. Reviews are also published on our website for all to read!

 

This program builds critical thinking, writing skills, and confidence—while connecting youth directly to the broader theatre community.

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Year-End Gala

Our season culminates in a joyful Year-End Gala in June—a night to commemorate the incredible productions, performances, and the hard work and effort each student put into their school's production. Lovingly referred to as Theatre Prom, it’s an open, welcoming celebration of youth theatre and the vibrant community that surrounds it.

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Grateful Acknowledgments

​AYTC extends heartfelt thanks to the organizations that help make our work possible:

Theatre Alberta, The Citadel Theatre, Catalyst Theatre, Theatre Network, Grindstone Theatre, YouthWrite, Alberta Foundation of the Arts, Edmonton Public School Board, and the Edmonton Catholic School Board. Your support and partnership inspire the next generation of artists.​

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Interested in joining aytc?

Whether you are a school or student, interested in being a mentor, helping out with the year-end gala, or joining the board, AYTC is always looking for new faces who are enthusiastic about inspiring and advocating for the next generation of theatre in our community. Please contact info@abertaytc.com or use the Contact Us button at the bottom of your screen.