MYT 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 $40/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. 

For our older actors and actresses, our rehearseals are more intensive. This year our teen company will be featured as our Marquee production, rehearsing for 2 sessions (4 weeks total). 
An MTC Summer
The 10 week MTC summer is divided into 5 separate sessions, each 2 weeks long.
Each session offers a different experience for campers. 
Our first session is devoted to our “Rising Stars” (completed grades K-4), where campers are paired with a CIT (Counselor in Training) to provide the best camp experience possible for our younger actors and actresses. Our second session is for our "Junior Company" (completed grades 4-7) with a musical theatre training and a show appropriate for their experience level.
The third and fourth session is dedicated to our "Teen Company" (completed grades 7-12), offering a fun, but intensive, theater experience. This year the Teen Company production will also be supported by adults and alumni as a "MARQUEE COMPANY" level production. There will be a cast for our teen program and one for adults/alumni.
Dance camp will run session 5 (Grades 1-12) and we will offer a "fun shop" full of singing, dancing, and acting during Session 1 and 2 for the Junior Company and Rising Stars respectively. 
An MTC Session
So how do we fit an entire production into just two weeks? Auditions are held 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.  
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!

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 or blanket to enjoy the show! Performances are (usually) rain or shine.
An MTC Day
Each day begins with rehearsals from 9-12 followed by lunch and free time. In the afternoon, MTC gets to swim in the outdoor pool or enjoying 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 in a brown paper bag labeled with their name.
Auditions
All campers will 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 week before the session on Zoom by appointment. Campers who are registered for camp will receive an email with instructions how to sign up for an audition slot and the audition materials. These emails are sent a week before auditions and 2 weeks before the camp session begins. 
Auditions for the Session 3/4 show will be in person at MYT on June 3.
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. 
Registration now open!
Register today at the downtown YMCA front desk! Since MTC is part of the Meriden YMCA’s Mountain Mist Day Camp, registration is handled by the Meriden YMCA. You do not need to be a Meriden resident or a YMCA member to register. YMCA members can also register online.
Full member $406. Program member $457. 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.
CIT Program/Volunteer Opportunities
Each year during the first session of camp, the MTC staff trains and prepares active MYT members entering grades 9-12 in the CIT program. CITs work closely with staff members to guide and mentor them through the session. Our CIT program is a rigorous preparation program with limited space. Apply in late winter.

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 5 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.

(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.  

Transportation changes must be directed to the camp office: (203) 237-7864.
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