The Young Americans (II)

[ErinDillyFan]

Posted: 7/27/06 at 2:47pm

This LA based group has been performing since the 60s, they no longer perform full musicals, but do revue shows that feature broadway music.

Has anyone seen this group perform?

Has anyone been in this group? Do you think it is a good performing education/training?

I know Carol Dennis (The Color Purple) is an alum.

[DirtyRottenGirl]

Posted: 7/27/06 at 6:19pm

I have seen this group perform and they are wonderful. They sometimes sound better then the actual broadway casts. Whether they will admit or not but their choreography is the same that they do in the actual broadway musicals. I wasn't in this group but my fiance was and he says that the young americans was the best thing that he ever did. In my opinion he went into that group as a very good singer and left as an outstanding singer and dancer and performer. Eden Espinosa is also a alum. There are a couple more too but if you go on their website they list all the famous ones. Seriously, their shows are amazing.

[So what...I sing]

Posted: 7/27/06 at 6:31pm

It's a gamble...but really like any performance education opportunity...you get out of it what you put into it. Good luck.

[LuPonatic]

Posted: 7/27/06 at 6:38pm

Hi there! This is the fiance. Young Americans is by far the best thing one can do if they are ages 18 to 24 and interested in a performance, specifically broadway, career. They not only specialize in great shows, but they train great performers. I knew many people who came into the group with very little talent, and really became great. The Young Americans specialize right now in "Workshop" tours that travel to different cities and do a three day performance workshop with Elementary, Middle, and High School students teaching them the ways of the theatre (acting, singing, dancing) and a 1 hour show. at the culmination of the three days, there is a performance for the community: first act is the touring Young Americans only as a "gift show" to the people in the town, and the second act features the kids in the town in the shows. For this reason, it is also good for people who want a job in education, because the "Young Americans" are the ones teaching these students for three days. You learn a lot about working with different types of kids of different ages and different abilities. I'm a Music Education Major, and I think 90% of my teaching ability is coming from the Young Americans. The Young Americans do some "just Young Americans" shows, mostly in California, but I think the best show to see would be their Summer dinner theatre in Boyne, Michigan. It's going on right now there, and this is the "Best of the Best" performing lots of current things on broadway. I'm not sure what they are doing this summer, but knowing this group I wouldn't be surprised if they are doing something from the Wedding Singer. since they are a non-profit organization, they are able to do all sorts of things many places cannot. They also do a Christmas show every year which takes place in California. They not only teach good performance, but you also learn to "be a family" if that's the best way to put it. You learn to work together, and most importantly, their mantra has become "make it work." They can do any show, any time, anywhere and they will "make it work." The YOung Americans really only toured two Full Broadway shows (I think) and this was back late 60's early 70's. They were "The Music Man" and "Oklahoma!".
There are a lot of famous alum. one that always comes to mind is Vicki Lawrance, of The Carol Burnett Show and Mama's Family. just visit their website, I'm pretty sure it's www.youngamericans.org I think, anyway.

[ErinDillyFan]

Posted: 7/28/06 at 9:15am

I have been a fan since the 70s. I ushered for them in hs. I have seen the Boyne shows the last 5 years. I started this thread partly to promote them and to see if people who have been through the program feel it is good preparation for the "real world" of professional theater. Something you can't get answer for during the Q&A after the shows, because they haven't been out working yet.

[danaonotlater]

Posted: 8/5/06 at 9:32pm

Julie Danao-Salkin (Lennon, Rent) was also part of The Young Americans and speaks very fondly of it...it was what taught her what being a real singer was, something along those lines. :)

/random

[MusicAndPassion]

Posted: 8/5/06 at 9:58pm

I've seen this group and done the school event with them twice. Both amazing and life changing! They tour around the country every year and go to schools.

I haven't seen their personal shows, but they are incredibly talented. Many Broadway actors, actresses and choreographers have been Young American Alumni!

[iridescent_bomb]

Posted: 8/5/06 at 10:22pm

I did the Young Americans weekend thing in High School.

...They scared me. SO MUCH HAPPINESS. ...and they kept touching me and telling me how great I was doing. (I wasn't. I can't dance.) and they all thought I had low self-esteem because I was quiet and didn't constantly smile. Damn those medddling extroverts and their kind-hearts...They pissed me off. (I know their intentions were good, but they still pissed me off.)

In short, I did their show, I thanked the Young Americans, and I don't think I've thought of them since until now.

BUT they are talented! They are. And their show is pretty cool. Just...not my thing. (So, if you're quiet and don't like faking happiness or lots of people touching you, avoid it. That's my advice.)

[ggersten]

Posted: 8/5/06 at 11:41pm

Are they the same group that was in the movie The Young Americans? In the movie, they seems like a version of "Up With People".

[furbystud]

Posted: 8/6/06 at 12:06am

I'm actually a part of the group. I know that makes myself pretty bias; but overall the performing education/training you get is pretty amazing.

Carol Dennis' daughter is in the group, as well. I know she invited a bunch of people to the show during previews. There are a couple of other alum Young American's on Broadway now, too.

And yes, it's pretty much like 'Up With People'.

[ErinDillyFan]

Posted: 8/7/06 at 6:01pm

I only saw "Up with people" twice at a hs assemblies. They struck me as a Christian evangelical group. Even in the 1970s, I couldn't believe they would allow that type of thing in public schools. (although we had prayers, before all sports banquets and graduations ceremonies) I don't see anything online mentioning the group being Christian missionaries, but that is certainly how they presented themselves in my school. Milton Anderson certainly started YA with a mission that music could reach across cultures (especially the generation gap at the time) and build bridges. I have never seen YA as a group be outwardly Christian. From the dozen or so times I have seen YA over the last 30 years, exuberant is the word I would use to describe them.

Carol Dennis' daughter was our server last time I saw the show in July. Pretty cool that every night for a summer, mother and daughter will be performing the same song at almost the same time.


Updated On: 8/7/06 at 06:01 PM

[ActingAndy]

Posted: 8/8/06 at 3:51pm

many times people give up college for this, dont they.. I know of 3 people n it who haven't gone to college....

[ErinDillyFan]

Posted: 8/8/06 at 5:35pm

It seems Milton Anderson is trying to turn YA into an acredited college program. They have started by creating a campus with performing arts center then partnering with local colleges for academic classes. Looks like it will take a while at the rate it is progressing.

From YA website:
California Pacific College of the Performing Arts was founded in 2002 by The Young Americans® as a 4-year degree-granting educational institution. California Pacific presents a refreshing, innovative approach to higher education. The college is designed to develop an individual's talent and ability enabling students to tour, teach and perform as a Young American.

Three proposed major courses of study:
• Bachelor of Fine Arts, Music
• Bachelor of Fine Arts, Dance
• Performance Diploma (2-year Program)
Updated On: 8/8/06 at 05:35 PM

[Popular]

Posted: 8/11/06 at 10:35pm

I know I'm jumping in a little late on the conversation but that sounds really cool. Stephanie J. Block has had some nice things to say about being in YA's as well.