




FOUNDED IN 2001...
ABOUT
ABOUT
Y
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Y
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by Shawn Ryan and John Ainsworth, we are proud to say that we have created a program unlike any other at YATC. Over the years, thousands of students have come through our doors - many of whom have gone on to attend top performing arts schools and work in TV, film, national tours, and even Broadway!
"When we were bit by the performing bug in our first drama class, our parents didn’t know where to turn to or who to call. How does one get a leg up in the professional world when they have no professional experience? YATC is part of the answer. We are your one stop shop for the ins and outs of showbiz where you child can learn from working actors, singers, dancers, directors, choreographers, and professionals from all areas of the arts. " - Shawn Ryan

Developed by our team of amazing instructors, our multi-award
winning programs focus on discovering and developing each
individual student’s talents in ALL the areas of the performing arts.
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Our classes are all taught by working actors, singers, directors, dancers casting directors, writers, designers, agents, managers, and producers who bring their professional experiences and inspirations directly to the classroom. There is nothing quite like learning ‘how to sell a song’ from Sutton Foster or learning the ‘Safety Dance’ from Glee’s Heather Morris or learning ‘how to write great lyrics’ from Darren Criss while he serenades you.
All of our programs are designed with each camper in mind regardless of age or experience level. From our intensive 1-day workshops to our Overnight Camps, we are sure YATC will be the perfect match for your goals!


















OUR STAFF
OUR STAFF

Associate Director
Valerie graduated from Drew University in 2014 with degrees in Sociology and Gender Studies. As YATC’s Resident Meryl Streep, she spends her days opening malls and spreading the YATC spirit. Valerie has been part of the YATC Family since 2006 and loves ever second of it! She is happy to answer any questions about camp or Meryl Streep day or night.
VALERIE
DORHER
VALERIE
DOHRER

Co-Founding Director
SHAWN RYAN
SHAWN RYAN
Alongside his Co-Director John Ainsworth, Shawn will be the Emcee for your week at camp and directing the Showcase which is held at the end of each Summer session! Shawn was most recently seen on the Hit Fox Show “Bones”. Other TV Credits include: “The Mentalist”, “Women’s Murder Club”, “Life”, and “America’s Got Talent”. Shawn’s career as an Actor, Producer, Singer, Writer, and all around artist serves him well at camp. He’ll be more than happy to work with you on making that Monologue memorable or Selling your 32 bars so that you GET THE PART!

Co-Founding Director
JOHN
AINSWORTH
John is the Co-Founding Director of the Young Actors’ Theatre Camp and head of the YATC Film Department, and brings with him a vast knowledge of Film and TV experience, as he has appeared in multiple television shows including FOX’s Glee, as the Funny Girl Stage Manager “Barclay”, American Horror Story: Murder House, Grey’s Anatomy, Justified, Hasket’s Chance, and Justice, as well as commercials, short films, and regional theatre productions in the Los Angeles, Palm Springs, and San Francisco Areas.
JOHN AINSWORTH

Technical Director
AJ HAMILTON
AJ is the Technical Director for YATC and has been a part of the camp for 7 years. A San Francisco State University graduate with a BA in Theatre Performance, AJ is a working actor and voice actor in Los Angeles. AJ’s body of work includes short films, commercials, film and stage. He has been in more plays than he can remember, including A Chorus Line, Romeo and Juliet, South Pacific, and High Fidelity the Musical. His dream is to someday be a voice actor on cartoon shows like the ones he and millions of other children used to watch on Saturday mornings.
AJ HAMILTON

FAQ
FAQ
Our friendly staff are standing by to answer any and all questions you might have about YATC. Here are a few of the most commonly asked:
Q: I’ve never been to an overnight camp before, is this for me?
A: This is maybe the BEST first overnight camp experience. The staff and students are all one big family and by the end of camp we guarantee, you WON’T want to leave! It’s a life changing experience!
Q: Can I bring a friend?
A: We love it when first time campers come with a friend! ALL bunk requests are honored given that students are the same age group. We also have a referral program for all of our students who spread the word about the wonderful experience that is YATC! Also know that a lot of first timers come to camp not knowing anyone at all – but we’ll fix that on the first day, for sure!
Q: At Overnight Camp, what are the sleeping arrangements like?
A: Students are grouped by age and gender into cabins of 11 students for every one counselor. Your counselor will stay in the cabin with you and take you to all your classes. We admit between 100-150 students to our programs and have anywhere between 30-50 full-time staff members. You and your cabin mates can decorate your cabin and we suggest bringing comfy bedding from home to make your bunk the most plush!
Q: What if I have little or no experience in the performing arts?
A: Not to worry! We have students of ALL levels. All we ask is that you come with the intention to learn about the performing arts. We have students who have never stepped on stage before and then we have students who go onto NYU and Julliard. ALL LEVELS are encouraged!
Q: Do you offer financial aid or payment plans?
A: Of course! Please call our offices to register and sign up for a payment plan that will be specifically tailored to your family‘s needs. We also have an EARN YOUR WAY TO CAMP Program that allows many students to attend YATC for FREE!
Q: What happens at the 1-Day Workshop?
A: 1-Day Workshops are from 10:00 to 4:00 on Saturday and include 6 hours of instruction with a top casting director from one of your favorite shows. This is NOT a audition but rather a workshop to learn about the “Do’s and Don’ts” of casting and ALL about how to give your BEST audition whether it be for a hit show or your school play.