Whiz Kids: Bellevue Youth Theatre Brings Out Star in Everyone

Bellevue Youth Theater

Serves: Kids aged 11 to 19

Accomplishment: The program serves more than 900 people each year, and puts on about 10 theatrical productions, as well as workshops and camps. In addition, volunteers contribute more than 10,000 hours each year in support of the program.

Keys to Awesomeness: One of the features of the is that all children who audition will be onstage, regardless of experience. The theater is known for being inclusive to all children who want to be actors, including those with disabilities. If there are more actors than parts, the theater will create additional roles so everyone can have a chance to be onstage.

The theater works hard to bring together youth, families, people with disabilities, and seniors to foster creativity and create community.  

The program is sponsored jointly by the City of Bellevue and Bellevue Public Schools and is one of the few free youth theater programs in the country. It has been a model for other programs around the country seeking a spirit of inclusiveness.

The group has been raising money to build a new theater facility near Crossroads Park. The new theater would feature environmentally friendly touches and wheelchair accessibility.

For more information about Bellevue Youth Theater, check out or check out Bellevue Youth Theatre's website at http://www.bytf.org.

Do you know a kid or a program that everyone in Bellevue should know about Submit your nomination in our comment box below or e-mail the information to venice.buhain@patch.com. Be sure to include all of the following information:

• Nominator's Name
• Nominator's E-Mail
• Whiz Kid's Name
• Whiz Kid's Age
• Whiz Kid's School
• Whiz Kid's Accomplishment
• Whiz Kid's Key to Awesomeness (what made him/her successful?)

If your nominee is selected, we'll contact you about getting a photo of the young person or team. For questions, e-mail venice.buhain@patch.com.

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