Fast Facts

What does YSC do?

• provides the most comprehensive Performing Arts education program in Calgary and is one of a kind in Canada
• produces and performs 2 showcase mainstage shows annually to sold-out audiences at the Jubilee Auditorium
• produces and performs a Christmas concert series and a spring concert series at various city venues
• performs over 100 shows/performances per year
• creates and produces many of their own arrangements, choreography and original music (Canadian content!)
• other roles include being a national resource for other arts organizations on choreography, music tracks and charts, production guidance.
• prepares and develops youth for life by providing the framework for them to develop leadership skills, teamwork and a sense of self-confidence
• prepares and develops young people for any career by giving them the vital skills of leadership, teamwork, discipline, time-management and self responsibility

Whom does YSC serve?

• 550 plus performers and families annually ; 2,000 kids have passed through our program since our inception
  • KIDS & MUSIC (age 3 1/2 through to grade 2)
  • KIDAZZLE (grades 2 & 3)
  • KIDZXPRESS (grades 4 - 6)
  • JUNIOR HI (grades 7 - 9)
  • SENIOR HI (grades 10 - 12)
  • ACT 3 (ages 18 - 25 experienced with a focus on singing, dancing and acting)
  • SHINE (semi-professional song and dance ensemble)
  • ON CUE (semi-professional ensemble 20s - 40s with a focus on a cappella and vocal jazz)
  • SECOND CHANTS (any one, any vintage who has a love of singing and performing)
  • TADA! summer musical theatre program
• the community, by keeping kids learning and involved after school
• 2,000 financially-disadvantaged kids annually enjoy our performances thanks to Petro-Canada and Kids Up Front Foundation

How?

• supported by a small but dedicated full-time administrative staff of 7 and 35 part-time, fee-for-service artistic educators essential to the program, including Malcolm Edwards - former Head of the Department of Music, University of Calgary
• 35,000 volunteer hours per year spent in production, fundraising, set-building, wardrobe, props, library, and a myriad of other functions required for operations, primarily by parents or former parents
• with financial assistance from AFA, Calgary Foundation for the Arts, Kahanoff and numerous foundations, corporations and individuals who make it all possible

When?

• each group rehearses once a week depending on the division for a combined average of nearly 70 hrs/week during our season
• our rented rehearsal space is busy 335 days per year

Where?

• at our beautiful brand new facility The Performing Arts Youth Centre (1371 Hastings Cres. SE)!
• make up to 100 appearances locally throughout the year at numerous community and corporate functions in addition to schools, nursing homes and special needs centers
• internationall through travel to fesitvals and competitions
• we have performed at the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics, World Police and Fire Games, World Petroleum Congress as well as international festivals acting as ambassadors for Calgary and Canada
• continue to win top awards at respected choral competitions locally and internationally competing in concert choir, vocal jazz and show choir categories
• have performed in over 30 mainstage productions and 3 made for TV documentaries each winners of national awards