Optimism and Ingenuity Take Center Stage at TYA/USA Conference

⁢ updated June 04, 2025

The recent TYA/USA conference spotlighted the enduring optimism and ingenuity within the theater for young audiences (TYA) community. Several⁣ productions, including marooned!, utilized nonverbal storytelling to encourage mindfulness and engagement, inviting audiences to experience art through a⁣ child’s perspective. Terrapin Puppet ‍Theatre’s The Paper Escaper, ⁣hailing from Australia, captivated viewers with its wordless narrative of paper puppets ⁢seeking freedom, transforming a monochrome workshop into‍ a ⁢vibrant explosion of color.

A recurring theme throughout the festival was the absence of villains. In The Paper Escaper, the audience empathizes with the “Maker,” appreciating his artistry‍ and acknowledging his solitude. Similarly, Just Ask! portrayed characters with positive intentions, striving to understand each other’s unique abilities. Even in Marooned!, the audience becomes part‍ of the play, cast as aliens who are both complicit ⁤and capable of offering assistance. This⁤ emphasis on kindness and potential friendship permeated the event.

Despite current challenges, TYA’s commitment ⁢to illustrating human kindness and resilience remains strong. Even Cecilia Bermudez’s ‍ Stella ⁣Sanchez and the Supernova, presented as a reading by BIPOC Superhero Project, ⁢offered the ⁢possibility of change within the protagonist’s ⁤family. The greatest threat to characters often stemmed from time constraints, whether it was the astronaut’s dwindling oxygen in Marooned! or the reconciliation between the Maker and his creations in The Paper Escaper.

The conference also addressed the U.S.’s complex relationship with time⁢ in art creation.Discussions highlighted the importance of cross-cultural collaborations. Filament Theatre of Chicago ⁢and Threshold from Australia, for example, initiated a partnership during the pandemic, engaging in consistent conversations about shared values and artistic practices. This ⁢collaboration resulted in Rain, an immersive ⁢performance for babies and ⁤their caregivers, featuring performers from both communities.Rejinal Simon and Krissi‍ Ann McEachern of Filament, along with Sarah Lockwood and Tahli Corin of Threshold, emphasized⁤ that they were “rehearsing the world we want to live in.”

Julie Ritchey, co-founder and director⁢ at Filament Theatre,⁢ received an ⁢innovation award for FORTS! build Your Own Adventure. She underscored the importance of “going deeper” and reevaluating industry success metrics. Ritchey noted that small theaters ⁤aren’t failures for not becoming large, and that focusing on depth is also a sign of growth.

Leaders acknowledged that budgets would remain tight,necessitating resourcefulness and a reevaluation of how to fulfill organizational missions. Suzan Zeder noted that while lavish productions may be challenging, the community would find ways to continue their ⁤work.

Creatives at the conference demonstrated considerable ingenuity. Dr.Manuel Morán, founder of Theater⁣ is, showcased the company’s bilingual children’s books containing their playscripts. Mélissa Smith and Brittany Parker of STEMmersive presented their 360-degree dome, immersing children in science and storytelling. Emily Freeman and Elizabeth Horn ⁤highlighted the Mind Matters initiative, a⁤ collaboration with the University of Central⁤ Florida’s College of ⁣Nursing, which produced an ‍anthology of plays and workshops addressing mental health topics.

The “Song Slam” celebrated new music ‍in⁣ TYA, with Jonathan Keebler, Ryan Korrell, and Bryan McCaffrey’s “I Give You Shade” from Big Wig ⁣standing out for its expression of young queer pride.Stephanie Cowan from ⁤Broadway ⁣Licensing Global affirmed the continued production of queer stories,even in the South,highlighting the resilience of small ‍organizations in telling sensitive narratives.

Dr. Matt Omasta’s State of the Field report offered both encouragement and areas‍ for growth, noting that 95% of TYA leaders prioritize DEI, but only 64% offer sensory-friendly performances. While 87% believe children are the best critics, only 39% consult with‍ them on season selection.

The conference fostered a strong sense of ⁤community.Attendees shared stories of ‍connecting with young ⁤audiences,collaborating across distances,and celebrating the impact of‍ TYA. The Magic Treehouse‍ team was also present, sharing their book-to-stage adaptations.

Sonia Sotomayor ⁤praised the attendees, stating, “I’m so grateful to everyone in this audience, in this industry.⁢ You⁢ continue to change the world and make it ⁤better.”

What’s next

The TYA ⁤community will continue to innovate and adapt, focusing on creating meaningful experiences for young audiences despite ongoing challenges. The emphasis ⁣on collaboration,inclusivity,and artistic resilience will‍ guide their efforts in the coming year.