About Youtheatre

In October 1934, Dr. Clive McAllister, president of the Old Fort Players (now the Civic Theatre), appointed a committee to create a “junior” theatre branch of the organization. The committee established the philosophy that the organization (named the “Children’s Theatre”) would develop poise and better diction in children through drama classes, give at least one play each year, and awaken enthusiasm for beauty in art and integrity in dramatic literature.  The first class began with an enrollment of 40 students, each of whom paid $1.00 for eight classes. The first production, “The Steadfast Tin Soldier” was staged at the Majestic Theatre. The show had a cast of a whopping 75 children. Tickets were sold at 10 cents for children and 25 cents for adults. In 1954, the Majestic was declared unsafe for children by the fire department.  The Children’s Theatre spent the next 10 years at various locations in the city. By the time it rejoined the Civic at the Old Palace Theatre, it had the new name “Youtheatre”. It moved with the Civic into the Arts United Center in 1973 and became autonomous in 1984.

In 1978, Broadway star Harvey Cocks became the Director of Youtheatre and after 35 years still works with aspiring young actors and actresses.  He was joined by Leslie Hormann, a Youtheatre alumnus, in June 2011.

At 77 years, the Fort Wayne Youtheatre  is the 3rd oldest children’s theatre in the nation!