Bluff City Theater’s Youth Education Theater Initiative (YETI) is now in its eighth year of engaging children and teens in theater at many levels. We believe that all children benefit from the exercise of creative expression regardless of experience, background or natural talent. Theater arts help children overcome shyness and fear and encourage collaboration and friendships.

No Child is Turned Away

While it’s true that some children show remarkable ability for acting at an early age and may ultimately choose to pursue theater as a vocation, many others benefit from just experiencing the freedom and joy that comes with play-acting. We try to foster both and inclusion is a key tenet of our programs.

While some of our programs charge fees to offset costs, we are grateful for the support of local agencies who ensure that economic circumstances are no barrier to participation. Each year approximately one-third of our participants receive partial or full-scholarship support.

In particular, we acknowledge the invaluable support of the George Riedel Foundation which has been a bedrock financial supporter of YETI since the beginning.

YETI incorporates our Youth Mentorship Program, The BCT Academy, BCT Summer Camps for Younger Children and Artists in the Classroom.

While we have made every effort to maintain youth programs during the pandemic, not all programs are being offered at this time. Please check back with us regularly and monitor our Facebook page yeti@BCThannibalMO for the most up-to-date news.