About Us
Mission Statement
Lexington Youth Theatre is a volunteer-driven youth arts organization. Our mission is to provide youth with a safe and welcoming environment to participate in live theatre productions onstage and behind the scenes. We provide the community with affordable family friendly theatrical performances for all ages. LYT is open to ALL youth who want to be part of Acting, Music, and Dance in the theatre community.
Established in 1985, Lexington Youth Theatre is a non-profit organization dedicated exclusively to young participants. We proudly stand as one of the select children's theater groups in the state to deliver "Broadway" caliber productions for youth.
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Our annual season features two major productions, typically held in November and March, offering an extraordinary platform for young talents to shine. In addition to our seasonal productions, we frequently host summer workshops designed to provide comprehensive training and foster skill development.
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In a typical fiscal year, we are privileged to engage over 120-150 enthusiastic young individuals in our programs. Furthermore, our family-friendly productions draw audiences in the hundreds, making us a beloved and vibrant part of our community's cultural landscape.
Our Story
Over its impressive 36-year history, Lexington Youth Theatre (LYT) has remained steadfast in its mission to create a positive and enriching experience for students in grades K-12, fostering their creativity in a dynamic learning environment. Our approach to education encompasses a diverse array of art forms, including drama, music, dance, and visual design. For those with a penchant for technical aspects, LYT provides a unique platform for exploration in mechanical and electronic disciplines, such as stagecraft, special effects, lighting, and sound design.
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LYT is driven by an all-volunteer Board of Directors, who serve as the backbone of our organization, overseeing supervision, leadership, fundraising, and production elements. These dedicated individuals are the driving force behind our success, ensuring that LYT continues to be a vibrant part of the community.
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In addition, LYT operates without paid staff members, relying instead on the expertise of artists, including Directors, Musical Directors, Choreographers, Musicians, Lighting and Sound Designers, and Set Designers/Constructors. We also extend internship opportunities to college students pursuing careers in the arts, contributing to their professional development.
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Since our inception in 1985, LYT has been a cornerstone of arts education, offering a wealth of knowledge and experiences to thousands of young individuals. With unwavering support from our community, we aspire to provide tuition-free artistic opportunities for local youth for many more years to come.
Board of Directors
President-Nita Jarrett
Vice President-Mary Howe
Treasurer -
Secretary-Amanda Matthews
President Emeritus-Evelyn Harris
Board Members
Tina Bartlett
Becky Belancin
Nicole Dagenhardt
Beth Embry
Jennifer Frick
Tina Hedrick
Anita Jenkins
Ashleigh Robinson
Ashley Smith
Kayla Smith