As an ensemble-based company, our mission is to collaborate to create, plan, fund, and produce theatre and experiences that interest us as young people.
Youth Ensemble Theatre Inc
YETi is a theatre production ensemble created to give high school students the opportunity to take part in the full frontier of theatre. Founded in January of 2015, YETi members manage everything from production and marketing, to fundraising and outreach. With the assistance of the resident Childsplay staff, these teens organize and execute all of the tasks of a professional theatre.
Each season (twice a year), ensemble members will work together select a production and then spend the semester creating the production from the ground up. From designing, to marketing, and from performing to casting, this production will truly be in the hands of the teen ensemble.
Mission
11 Seasons of Bold, Teen-Driven Theatre
For over a decade, YETi has been giving teens the opportunity to take the reins and create theatre from the ground up. From selecting the script to designing, marketing, and performing, every production is a testament to creativity and collaboration.
Explore our current season and see what’s next on stage!
Now Accepting New Members
YETi offers high school students a hands-on experience in producing live theatre – from selecting the show to designing, marketing, and performing. Teens work as a team to bring a full-scale production to life while learning every aspect of professional theatre.
Past Events
Ghost Bike
June 12 - 22, 2025
Ora and Eddie fell in love with Chicago on their bikes. But when Eddie is hit by a car and killed, Ora refuses to let him go.
Ora and Eddie fell in love with Chicago on their bikes. But when Eddie is hit by a car and killed, Ora refuses to let him go.
Young Playwrights Festival 2025
March 7 - 8, 2025
An event showcasing scripts written by Childsplay Students, directed by YETi members, and performed by the community.
An event showcasing scripts written by Childsplay Students, directed by YETi members, and performed by the community.
Our Town
November 7 - 16, 2024
Described by Edward Albee as "the greatest American play ever written."
Described by Edward Albee as "the greatest American play ever written."
Fall Festival
October 18, 2024
Get ready for a night of spooky family fun at Halloweenville
Get ready for a night of spooky family fun at Halloweenville
She Kills Monsters
June 21 - 30, 2026
"Packed with action, wit, and a sizable nerd-quotient, the production is a delight from start to finish" - Theatremania
"Packed with action, wit, and a sizable nerd-quotient, the production is a delight from start to finish" - Theatremania
Young Playwrights Festival 2024
March 8-9, 2026
An event showcasing scripts written by Childsplay Students, directed by YETi members, and performed by the community.
An event showcasing scripts written by Childsplay Students, directed by YETi members, and performed by the community.
The Plot, Like Gravy, Thickens
December 14 - 22, 2023
Ever want to commit a murder? This follows the story of Walter, the playwright's alter ego, who tells the audience how he did it.
Ever want to commit a murder? This follows the story of Walter, the playwright's alter ego, who tells the audience how he did it.
Night of Fae Cabaret
November 4th, 2023
Step into a realm of enchantment where the mystical and the magical collide in a spellbinding evening of entertainment.
Step into a realm of enchantment where the mystical and the magical collide in a spellbinding evening of entertainment.
Puffs
June 22 - 30, 2023
Heroes. made. not born, Except, sometimes... they are born. On a gloomy night, in a far away land called... England. Does this story sound familiar?
Heroes. made. not born, Except, sometimes... they are born. On a gloomy night, in a far away land called... England. Does this story sound familiar?
Young Playwrights Festival 2023
March 23 - 24, 2023
An event showcasing scripts written by Childsplay Students.
An event showcasing scripts written by Childsplay Students.
Almost Maine
January 20 - 29, 2023
Welcome to Almost, Maine, a place that's so far north, it's almost not in the United States...
Welcome to Almost, Maine, a place that's so far north, it's almost not in the United States...
Fall Cabaret
November 12th, 2022
Have you ever wanted to play a role but you've been told you don't "fit the type"? Well now is your chance to cast yourself in your favorite role!
Have you ever wanted to play a role but you've been told you don't "fit the type"? Well now is your chance to cast yourself in your favorite role!
This Girl Laughs, This Girl Cries, This Girl Does Nothing
June 23 - 24, 2022
Three young sisters are left in a forest by their woodcutter father and forced to find their own way in the world...
Three young sisters are left in a forest by their woodcutter father and forced to find their own way in the world...
The Sum of Me
June 7 - 9, 2019
Crandal is a high school student. Her father died in Afghanistan last year, so her mother works two jobs to make ends meet..
Crandal is a high school student. Her father died in Afghanistan last year, so her mother works two jobs to make ends meet..
Class Action: Then & Now
June 7-9, 2018
Class Action: Then and Now is comprised of vignettes which allow us experience complex, and heart warming stories through ...
Class Action: Then and Now is comprised of vignettes which allow us experience complex, and heart warming stories through ...
Dog Sees God
June 9 - 11, 2017
When CB’s dog dies from rabies, CB begins to question the existence of an afterlife.
When CB’s dog dies from rabies, CB begins to question the existence of an afterlife.
Still Life With Iris
June 10 - 11, 2016
Still Life with Iris is a fantastical adventure which centers on a little girl's search for the simplest of things: home.
Still Life with Iris is a fantastical adventure which centers on a little girl's search for the simplest of things: home.
The Good Doctor
May 29 - 30, 2015
The Good Doctor is a play about a writer dealing with writer’s block. In trying to overcome this hurdle, he ends up creating a wide array of dramatic, humorous, and wondrous scenarios.
The Good Doctor is a play about a writer dealing with writer’s block. In trying to overcome this hurdle, he ends up creating a wide array of dramatic, humorous, and wondrous scenarios.
YETI Wishlist
Help bring our productions to life! Check out our Amazon Wishlist to gift essential items like costumes, props, and set pieces. Every contribution, big or small, makes a huge impact on our young artists’ creative journey.
Have Questions or Want to Get Involved?
Our YETi team is here to help! Reach out to us with any questions about joining the program, auditions, or upcoming productions.
Give to the YETi Fund
Help support young people participating in the Youth Ensemble Theatre with Childsplay Academy. Your gift helps supply funding for designers, show supplies, and more as the Youth Ensemble creates their very own production. Learn more about this theatre program made by teens for teens.