MISSION Young Artists of America at Strathmore (YAA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational organization offering world-class training to gifted and committed young performing artists in a professional and nurturing environment. Through mentorship and individualized instruction from renowned artists, students work collaboratively to perform fully orchestrated works of music-theatre in state-of-the-art venues such as the Music Center at Strathmore, where YAA resides as the arts center’s first Affiliate WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT What sets YAA’s programs and performances apart from other youth ensembles is: the high talent-level of our students; use of full symphonic orchestra instead of a "pit band" or electronic accompaniment; participation of professional artists/mentors from major opera, symphony and music theatre companies; the unique vision of our artistic and music directors; the complexity of our repertoire, including opera; and our state-of-the-art performance venues, including the Music Center at Strathmore and Maryland Public Television. APPROACH YAA productions, classes, and workshops are designed to enrich lives through artistic expression and personal growth by providing both group and individual training, rehearsals, and instruction in a supportive, yet rigorous, setting. Our programs are led by professional teaching artists who are dedicated to giving exemplary instruction and direction in a creative, positive and authentic environment. OUR PROGRAMS YAA has developed an annual season that consists of: two full concert programs of music theater/opera works, one “junior” production for middle school students, school-year classes and workshops, plus occasional masterclasses with with world-class mentors from the performing arts industry, and a Performing Arts Intensive Summer Program with final performances of full musical productions.