MTC FAQ
Summer theater programs come in all shapes and sizes - finding a theater program that offers a good experience and value for your family can be difficult. Only MTC offers a dynamic theater program in a day camp setting that combines the fun of summer camp with the excitement of theater. Don't spend your summer in a school auditorium - MTC rehearses in the fresh air at the beautiful Meriden YMCA Mountain Mist Day Camp! This isn't your average summer theater - you don't want to miss this!
MTC is just $45/day for YMCA members.
What is MTC?
The Meriden Youth Theatre combines theater and summer the way nature intended it - outdoors. This isn't a workshop - it's a full quality MYT production. In just two weeks, campers and staff will stage a show that looks like it's been in rehearsal for months. But the fun doesn't stop there - campers enjoy all the benefits of Mountain Mist Day Camp including swimming, the water slide, games, and camp traditions. Both rehearsals and the performances are held in the MYTent. Don't let the venue fool you - the staff transforms the outdoor tent into a full featured stage, with all the sets, sound, and lighting you'd expect to find in an auditorium.
The Meriden Youth Theatre combines theater and summer the way nature intended it - outdoors. This isn't a workshop - it's a full quality MYT production. In just two weeks, campers and staff will stage a show that looks like it's been in rehearsal for months. But the fun doesn't stop there - campers enjoy all the benefits of Mountain Mist Day Camp including swimming, the water slide, games, and camp traditions. Both rehearsals and the performances are held in the MYTent. Don't let the venue fool you - the staff transforms the outdoor tent into a full featured stage, with all the sets, sound, and lighting you'd expect to find in an auditorium.
As the age groups of the sessions increases, the sessions become more theater intensive, with more and more of the camp day spent rehearsing. The musicals, choreography, and activities are selected to be age appropriate for the group we are working with.
An MTC Summer
The 8 week MTC summer is divided into 5 separate sessions, each 2 weeks long.
Each session offers a different experience for campers.
The 8 week MTC summer is divided into 5 separate sessions, each 2 weeks long.
Each session offers a different experience for campers.
Weeks 2&3 and 4&5 are devoted to our “Rising Stars” (completed grades 1-4), where campers are paired with a CIT (Counselor in Training) to provide the best camp experience possible for our younger actors and actresses. Weeks 1&2 and 3&4 sessions are for our "Junior Company" (completed grades 4-5 and 6-7) with a musical theatre training and a show appropriate for their experience level. In order to be a 4th grader participating in our Junior Company, you must have participated in Fall 2023 or Spring 2024 with MYT. New 4th graders will be placed in the Rising Stars.
Weeks 6-8 are dedicated to our "Teen Company" (completed grades 7-12), offering a fun, but intensive, theater experience.
Weeks 6-8 are dedicated to our "Teen Company" (completed grades 7-12), offering a fun, but intensive, theater experience.
An MTC Session
So how do we fit an entire production into just two weeks? Auditions are held the Saturday before the session begins. New to MYT? Be sure to fill out this form after registering with the Y so we have all your contact information. We will reach out to everyone no later than 1 week before auditions.
So how do we fit an entire production into just two weeks? Auditions are held the Saturday before the session begins. New to MYT? Be sure to fill out this form after registering with the Y so we have all your contact information. We will reach out to everyone no later than 1 week before auditions.
Once camp begins we rehearse blocking, choreograph dances, practice vocals, build sets, and prepare for the upcoming production.
After morning rehearsals, we enjoy traditional camp activities like swimming!
After morning rehearsals, we enjoy traditional camp activities like swimming!
Show Time
MTC performs for family and friends at the end of the session. Shows are held under the outdoor MYTent at 8 PM. Tickets can be purchased online (discounted) or at the door. Bring your own chair to enjoy the show! Performances are rain or shine.
MTC performs for family and friends at the end of the session. Shows are held under the outdoor MYTent at 8 PM. Tickets can be purchased online (discounted) or at the door. Bring your own chair to enjoy the show! Performances are rain or shine.
An MTC Day
Each day begins with rehearsals from 9-12 followed by lunch. In the afternoon, MTC gets to swim in the outdoor pool or enjoy camp activites with the MTC staff. Then the day wraps up with a final rehearsal before heading home. While MTC rehearses in the shade under the MYTent, it does get warm in the summer sun. Campers should bring water and apply sunscreen at home. This is camp, not the beach - sneakers are a must! Campers also need to bring a bathing suit, as we swim everyday. Sometimes we even get to go on the waterside!
Each day begins with rehearsals from 9-12 followed by lunch. In the afternoon, MTC gets to swim in the outdoor pool or enjoy camp activites with the MTC staff. Then the day wraps up with a final rehearsal before heading home. While MTC rehearses in the shade under the MYTent, it does get warm in the summer sun. Campers should bring water and apply sunscreen at home. This is camp, not the beach - sneakers are a must! Campers also need to bring a bathing suit, as we swim everyday. Sometimes we even get to go on the waterside!
Breakfast and Lunch
Campers will be offered a nut free breakfast snack and hot lunch (meals are provided free). Menus will be on the YMCA website. If your camper prefers, they can bring a peanut and tree nut free lunch.
Campers will be offered a nut free breakfast snack and hot lunch (meals are provided free). Menus will be on the YMCA website. If your camper prefers, they can bring a peanut and tree nut free lunch.
Auditions
All campers should audition, even if they just want an ensemble part. All students who register are cast in the show. The cast list will be posted on the website. All roles are final. Auditions are held the Saturday before a camp session begins at the MYT Rehearsal Hall (14-16 W Main). Campers who are registered will be sent audition materials no later than 1 week before the auditions.
All campers should audition, even if they just want an ensemble part. All students who register are cast in the show. The cast list will be posted on the website. All roles are final. Auditions are held the Saturday before a camp session begins at the MYT Rehearsal Hall (14-16 W Main). Campers who are registered will be sent audition materials no later than 1 week before the auditions.
Why did my child get this part?
The MYT Staff takes casting very seriously. There are many factors that contribute to putting a cast list together. The staff must see what is best for each individual and for the cast as a whole. Visit our "About Us" page to view our full Audition Policy.
The MYT Staff takes casting very seriously. There are many factors that contribute to putting a cast list together. The staff must see what is best for each individual and for the cast as a whole. Visit our "About Us" page to view our full Audition Policy.
Registration opens Feb 3!
Registration for Mountain Mist Day Camp is run through the Meriden YMCA front desk! You must be a YMCA Member or a YMCA Program member to register for camp or MYT programs. Membership information can be found here.
Full member $416. Program member $468. All campers are cast in the show.
Registration for Mountain Mist Day Camp is run through the Meriden YMCA front desk! You must be a YMCA Member or a YMCA Program member to register for camp or MYT programs. Membership information can be found here.
Full member $416. Program member $468. All campers are cast in the show.
Adults/alumni will not register through the Y and instead sign up through MYT.
Attendance
Since MTC only has 9 days to put a show together, each day is extremely important. Attendance at camp each day is mandatory for participation. All MTC campers must be at all performances on Thursday and Friday. Those who can not participate in all performances will be limited to the ensemble.
Camp runs from 9 AM - 3 PM Monday-Friday.
Since MTC only has 9 days to put a show together, each day is extremely important. Attendance at camp each day is mandatory for participation. All MTC campers must be at all performances on Thursday and Friday. Those who can not participate in all performances will be limited to the ensemble.
Camp runs from 9 AM - 3 PM Monday-Friday.
CIT Program/Volunteer Opportunities
Each year during the Rising Star sessions of camp, the MTC staff trains and prepares active MYT members entering grades 9-12 with the CIT program. CITs work closely with staff members to guide and mentor campers through the session. Our CIT program is a rigorous volunteer preparation program with limited space. Click here to apply.
Each year during the Rising Star sessions of camp, the MTC staff trains and prepares active MYT members entering grades 9-12 with the CIT program. CITs work closely with staff members to guide and mentor campers through the session. Our CIT program is a rigorous volunteer preparation program with limited space. Click here to apply.
Transportation to Camp
Campers can be dropped off and picked up by a parent or guardian at Mountain Mist or take a bus. There are also 4 bus lines that stop at various locations around the city (super markets, schools, etc). You will receive a bus schedule with your registration materials at the Downtown YMCA.
Campers can be dropped off and picked up by a parent or guardian at Mountain Mist or take a bus. There are also 4 bus lines that stop at various locations around the city (super markets, schools, etc). You will receive a bus schedule with your registration materials at the Downtown YMCA.
What if it rains?
Unless severe weather is imminent, MTC rehearses and performs rain or shine under the MYTent!
Need to reach us?
Please send all questions and concerns to our email, myt@meridenymca.org.
Please send all questions and concerns to our email, myt@meridenymca.org.
(203) 4410-MYT
If you need to reach the staff during camp, text the staff at (203) 441-0698. We will make sure your message gets to the right person.
If you need to reach the staff during camp, text the staff at (203) 441-0698. We will make sure your message gets to the right person.
Transportation changes must be directed to the camp office: (203) 237-7864.
