History
YAI was founded in 2004 and grew out of a desire to provide excellent theater arts opportunities to young people who may lack access to such experiences. YAI was awarded the 2009 Ordway Center Education Award for Community Commitment. Many artists and families have said they come to YAI because they are impressed with YAI's mission, artistic quality and integrity, and the organization's commitment to kids. In 2015, YAI achieved status as an independent 501(c)(3) organization and has used this status to strengthen and build new support for its mission in the community. In 2017 Benjamin Lacina stepped down from leadership at YAI and assumed a focused role on the Board of Directors through a transition of leadership. The company hired its first ever staff member Matt Berdahl as the new YAI Artistic Director.
Specialties
The mission of Young Artists Initiative (YAI) is to transform lives through theater! We do this by educating young theater artists through accessible, high quality performing arts programming offered in an inclusive community setting. Our vision: A creative and engaged community where young people flourish - on and off the stage.