Pennsylvania Youth Theatre

- 2020 Worthington Ave, Bethlehem, PA 18017

For families in the Lehigh Valley and across Eastern Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Youth Theatre (PYT) stands as a cornerstone of arts education and a beacon of theatrical excellence. More than just a local venue, PYT is a professional, non-profit performing arts organization strategically focused on nurturing the talents of young people. Its core mission is to educate, entertain, and enrich the lives of children and their families through the transformative power of theatre, providing a safe, supportive, and truly inspiring environment for artistic exploration.

Located right here in Bethlehem, PA, PYT offers a comprehensive, year-round School of Performing Arts that caters to young artists from ages 3 to 18. This is where aspiring performers begin their journey, often starting with foundational dance lessons or engaging Child's Class activities. As students grow, the curriculum expands into rigorous training across drama, voice, and dance, taught by dedicated and professional educators. The goal is not merely to create actors, but to use the arts to build crucial life skills such as confidence, creativity, communication, and teamwork—skills that translate into success in any field.

A key highlight of the PYT experience is the opportunity for students to participate in high-quality Live performances. These are not simply student showcases; they are literature-based main stage productions that are professionally staged and designed to educate and inspire audiences. Importantly, all of these performances feature children and youth in primary, age-appropriate roles, often allowing them the unique chance to work and learn alongside professional adult artists and performers. This blend of education and professional experience is what sets the Pennsylvania Youth Theatre apart as a premier institution in the Pennsylvania arts community.

The Pennsylvania Youth Theatre is centrally located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, a city well-known for its rich history and vibrant arts culture within the Lehigh Valley. The facility is easily accessible to families driving from Allentown, Easton, and the surrounding areas, making it a convenient destination for weekly classes and weekend performances.

The facility's address is:

Address: 2020 Worthington Ave, Bethlehem, PA 18017, USA

The organization is committed to providing an inclusive environment for all Pennsylvania families. This commitment to accessibility is evidenced by the thoughtful design of its physical space:

• Wheelchair Accessibility: The venue features a Wheelchair accessible entrance, a Wheelchair accessible parking lot, and Wheelchair accessible restrooms, ensuring that patrons and students with mobility challenges can fully participate.
• On-Site Amenities: Adequate Restroom facilities are available for both students and audience members.
• Payment Options: For convenience, the facility accepts modern payment methods, including Credit cards and Debit cards for tuition, tickets, and other program fees.

PYT provides a deep and varied curriculum, functioning as a full-fledged Performing Arts School and a Performing arts theater. Services are structured to support every stage of a young person's artistic development, from beginner to pre-professional.

• Comprehensive Arts Education:
  • Performing Arts Classes / Weekly Classes: A multitude of scheduled classes are offered throughout the school year in three main disciplines: drama, voice, and dance.
  • Drama Class / Theatre Program: Training includes foundational acting, Scene Study, improvisation, and theatre techniques designed to develop expressive and critical thinking.
  • Voice Classes / Vocal Coaching: Instruction is provided for Singing Voice development, Voice Training, and specific Private Vocal Instruction or Private Voice Lessons for individualized growth.
  • Dance Instruction: Classes range from ballet and jazz to tap and other musical theater styles, offering thorough Dance Training For all skill levels, beginning as a simple Dance Class.
  • Music Instruction: Specialized instrumental lessons, such as Piano Lessons, are also available, complementing the vocal and acting training.
• Performance and Production:
  • Children's Plays: Literature-based main stage productions that provide students with tangible, high-quality performance experience.
  • Education Programs / Outreach: Programs are tailored to integrate with school curriculum, often using literature as a foundation for multi-layered learning experiences that involve movement, music, and improvisation.
• Seasonal Programs:
  • Summer Camp Organizer: Popular summer day camp programs that provide intensive training in acting, voice, dance, and technical theatre in a fun, collaborative environment, often culminating in a performance.
  • Special Events: The theatre hosts various events throughout the year, celebrating the arts and the achievements of its students and the local community.

PYT is distinguished in the Pennsylvania arts landscape by several key features that enhance the experience for both students and audience members:

• Focus on Youth Excellence: The dedication to casting Children's Plays age-appropriately and providing opportunities for students to perform alongside professional adult artists sets a high standard for youth theatre in the region.
• Comprehensive Skill Building: Unlike single-discipline studios, PYT offers a full spectrum of performing arts—drama, dance, and voice—allowing students to become truly well-rounded, versatile performers.
• High Production Value: The organization is known for its professionally staged, literature-based main stage productions. These Live performances are highly regarded for their quality and educational content, inspiring young audiences and providing exceptional theatrical training for the participants.
• Family-Friendly Environment: The atmosphere is inherently Family-friendly and widely considered Good for kids of all ages, creating a safe and welcoming community space, which is a major draw for parents in the Lehigh Valley.
• Positive Community Impact: As a non-profit organization, PYT is driven by a mission to serve the community, fostering confidence, self-expression, and lasting friendships—qualities highly valued by families throughout Pennsylvania.

For Pennsylvania residents interested in enrollment, audition details, or purchasing tickets for an upcoming performance, the Pennsylvania Youth Theatre can be contacted using the following information:

Address: 2020 Worthington Ave, Bethlehem, PA 18017, USA

Phone: (610) 332-1400

Choosing the Pennsylvania Youth Theatre means investing in a child's artistic development and personal growth within a nurturing, professional environment right here in Bethlehem. It is worth choosing PYT because it seamlessly blends rigorous Performing Arts Training with the excitement of high-quality Live performances. Former students often reflect on their time at PYT as a formative, confidence-building experience, highlighting the amazing teachers and the sense of belonging they felt from a very young age.

The organization’s dedication to providing a full suite of services—from Private Vocal Instruction and Dance Instruction In various styles, to robust summer camps and inclusive class settings—ensures that every child can find their niche and excel. For parents seeking a place where their children can explore their theatrical creativity, build essential social skills, and unlock their full potential under the guidance of professional role models, the Pennsylvania Youth Theatre remains the unparalleled choice in the Lehigh Valley and beyond.

Pennsylvania Youth Theatre

2020 Worthington Ave, Bethlehem, PA 18017, USA