Mission & Story
Our Mission
Since 2011, Young Artists of America® has reimagined the landscape of performing arts training by nurturing an inclusive community of storytellers that challenges dominant norms and fosters creative adaptability in an ever-changing world. YAA provides the brave space for young artists at all skill levels and various ages, to experiment, take risks, and imagine the world through their artistry. With an emphasis on individualized relationships between students, top-level teaching artists, and professional mentors, we propel our young artists in their artistic and personal journey, while bringing exceptional performances to the community. Our dynamic approach prepares students for their future by fostering their capacity to create opportunities on stage and in life as the best versions of themselves.
YAA is a 501(c)3 non-profit committed to creating an equitable and inclusive community where all young performers committed to honing their craft are welcome regardless of experience, finances, race, gender, or creed. To ensure this, our tuition is subsidized to keep costs as low as possible, and scholarships are made available as needed.
Our Story
What began as two brothers’ vision for a one-off community concert, has become a community in and of itself.
In 2010, over Thanksgiving dinner, brothers Rolando (professional operatic tenor) and Kristofer Sanz (a symphonic conductor) decided to combine their skills and produce a concert together. They recruited students and staged a symphonic performance of Broadway and Classical repertoire in the lobby of the Music Center at Strathmore.
The overwhelming response encouraged the brothers to try a fully staged production with orchestra, launching one of the country’s preeminent performing arts training grounds.
Since then, YAA has won awards, including a Regional Emmy, performed on world-class stages, hosted Tony-winning Broadway and classical performers as guest mentors, and paved the careers for many budding industry performers. More importantly, YAA has prepared young people for a myriad of careers by fostering their capacity to create authentic opportunities on stage and in life.
Featured in Montgomery Magazine
For our 10 year anniversary season, our story was featured on the cover of Montgomery Magazine.
A Decade of Artistry
Watch highlights from our Inaugural Concert in 2011, and then one of our most recent main stage productions in 2022.