Youth Performing Arts School

YPAS, in the Manual education complex by the U of L, is one of only two Kentucky high schools that offer majors in performing arts classes. Established in 1978 by YPAS, the school has earned local, national, and international acclaim in the performing arts. The Youth Performing Arts School is a national example and has become a benchmark for similar schools. All Jefferson County Public Schools District students are exempt from tuition. Transport is available. Students must audition to gain entry. YPAS's literal and figurative core is an 886-seat formal proscenium theatre, acoustically designed for young artists. It has newly renovated sound and lighting systems, a hydraulic orchestra pit, a mahogany shell band/orchestra, and a 25-line counterweight. YPAS's scene shop, costumes shop, and production facilities are equivalent to those of professional theaters and universities. These facilities include excellent rehearsal and classroom space. YPAS also includes a suite of acoustically-treated music rooms and practice studios. There are four acting labs that feature spacious rehearsal and studio areas. Five dance studios include a studio space that may be used for tap dance. A fine arts-specific library. The Robert W. West Experimental Theater seats between 100 and 150 people during the main production seasons.

Review of the Youth Performing Arts School/YAS\n A variety of arts events have always been well staged. These have ranged from music concerts by choral groups, string and wind ensembles, and orchestras to virtuoso guitar, piano, and jazz solo performances, each excellently directed and mounted with matching expertise. The performances are always so dazzling that you can't help but be impressed, as evidenced by how one viewer was besotted with the schooled kids. It is a common tale of a completely bewitched audience who left the kind of dreamy review that rates as excellent. The citations are teeming with individuals who have or had a personal relationship with YPAS. Indeed, they know and appreciate the compositions, hence some of the players in the shows had played, were playing, or would play with them. The same set of students are found in musical assessment and the feedback that deliberately focused on personalized music. That is, they believe students love or will love something. It is not surprising as one of the pamphlets would bear the "Enthusiastic local reporter" seal. Just look at the preponderance of great programs and teachers, so much for playing with Christopher Durang's bio because, surely, the reviews are evidence of a great music program! The audiences are convinced they will still have the same amount of time to appreciate the talent and excellent sets.