Young Actors Lab
Youth Theatre Integrating Drama, Movement and Music
CLASSES
MAPA@Brava and SFBATCO Present The Young Actors Lab Summer Program
Are you a high school student interested in theatre? Join MAPA@Brava and SFBATCO this summer for our Young Actors Lab (YAL) intensives. In sessions led by some of the region’s most accomplished professionals, students will develop their craft while building a relationship with Brava and SFBATCO, which KQED recently called “one of the most critical developers of new work in the Bay.” Students will gain a wide range of skills, including:
Script analysis, helping actors make bold choices that serve the script
Movement and physical expression
Dynamic vocal technique and production
Collaboration and ensemble building
Preparation for a performance showcase
Sessions:
SESSION 1: ACTING TECHNIQUE
July 7-18, 10 AM-3 PM, with a culminating showcase on July 18 at 3 PM
Students will explore the practice of acting from the foundations and learn how to create strong characters, and command an audience with their performance commitment. They will explore scenes from contemporary theatre and work to create a showcase of their work for friends and family.
Lead Teaching Artist: Aidaa Peerzada
Enrollment Dates:
February 26, 2025: Early Bird Registration Opens
February 26-March 23: Early Bird Registration Period
March 24-May 9: Normal Registration Period
May 9: Full/half scholarship applications due
Tuition and Refund policies:
Early Bird Tuition: $550
Full Tuition: $700
Limited full and half scholarships available
Courses with insufficient enrollment will be canceled and all tuition and fees paid will be refunded in full.
May 13: Deadline for full tuition refund request
May 20: Deadline for refund with $100 withdrawal fee
3 weeks before the start of the course: Deadline for 50% refund
Email adam@sfbatco.org to request a refund.
ABOUT YAL
Young Actors Lab (YAL) spans the academic school year, providing students with varied and challenging opportunities to learn not only valuable lessons connected to the visual and performing arts, but also life lessons connected to perseverance, courage and creativity. Students will collaborate with other students and professional teaching artists to bring their ideas to life.
TESTIMONY
“Through YAL, I broadened my acting repertoire and experimented with new pieces, preparing me for the college audition process. Everyone in the program received personalized feedback and engaged in workshops that were not only efficient, but fun and exciting. The teaching artists provided a space that was welcoming, supportive, and dared you to broaden your horizons; coming to the program was one of the absolute highlights of my summer!”
— Alejandra Zavala, UC Santa Barbara Student
“SFBATCO and MAPA have had a huge impact on my growth as an artist, starting at age 13. Their youth workshops and general mentorship have profoundly changed my life. Despite not attending an arts college, I have already performed with major local companies like ACT and Word for Word. SFBATCO is a major factor in my success as a theatre artist today.”
— Christian Jimenez, Professional Local Actor
ENROLL
To enroll in Young Actors Lab, please click on the apply button below and complete the application.
Photos from YAL’s productions of Shrek Jr (2023), Together Again (2022) and Unmasked Chronicles (2021).