About YSP

The Young Shakespeare Players (YSP) is a children's theater program in which the children provide the theater. The program, in which young people perform full-length works of Shakespeare, is now over 25 years old, older than our actors who range in age from 7 to 18 years old. There are no "auditions." Any child of approximately the right age may take part simply by registering. Every young participant receives one or more speaking roles.

In 2005, over 250 actors participated in the YSP full-length plays and workshops.

The program is designed to show its young participants (and their families and the community) that the plays of William Shakespeare are not "dull" or "above" them -- but are delightful, accessible, and fun. The children perform in Shakespeare's words - and quickly learn to appreciate the poetic beauty, as well as the drama, of what Shakespeare wrote. It is the only program of its kind, in which youngsters regularly master and perform the words of Shakespeare in their original uncut form.

YSP is a non-profit, community-supported organization. The actors' tuitions cover only a portion of the costs of the program. Tax-exempt contributions are sincerely appreciated. For information, call the YSP hotline or write or e-mail us, using the phone number and addresses on the home page.

The Young Shakespeare Players also support The Shakespeare Circle, a group of Madison adults dedicated to studying and performing full-length scenes from Shakespeare's plays in a fun and informal atmosphere. Membership is open to all.

For more information, please see the YSP Strategic Plan.

Some of the details of the YSP Program:

• YSP's young actors perform with complete understanding. Key to the actors' memorizing and understanding what they are saying is a system of audio tapes that the directors have prepared over 20 years. "Explanation tapes" examine every line of a particular part, explaining meanings and ways in which each passage fits into the play. "Lines only" tapes help young actors memorize their parts (whether or not they read well.)
• YSP actors help direct their counterparts. A unique and highly effective feature of the program is its multiple-cast rehearsals. When several casts rehearse together, one cast is on stage while the other actors help "direct" by watching and listening with extraordinary care, and commenting constructively on the performance.
• YSP actors take part in every phase of the program. Every YSP performer also has "tech crew" roles for other counterpart casts - a feature that builds awareness and support of players for one another and for the entire production process.
• YSP parent involvement and support are absolutely vital. This ambitious program is only possible with the help of the families of our players. At least one parent/guardian from each registering family needs to attend Parents' Meetings at the beginning of the program and just before dress rehearsals start, and volunteer in some capacity during the program.
• YSP participants often return again and again! As noted, YSP demands much of our young actors (and their families). Still, most youngsters return for future projects. We believe that speaks very well of the program - and of the Madison-area families that built it!