Since 1999, the historic Sheridan Opera House has been home to the SAF Young People’s Theater, a diverse and flourishing center for young thespians, enrolling over 200 children between the ages of 2 and 18 each year.
With an emphasis on child-centered learning that caters to each student's individual needs, our curriculum ensures an educational process that nurtures both cognitive and creative growth.
The SAF YPT upholds the philosophy that dramatic learning experiences should be non-competitive, and we do not require our students to audition. Young people at varying levels of ability and experience are invited to embark upon extraordinary journeys of wonder, discovery, and imaginative delight.
The Sheridan Arts Foundation has awarded over $80,000 in scholarship awards to Telluride's youth since the program's inception. Additionally, we subsidize all tuition prices to keep them affordable for all families.
SAF YPT Artistic Director, Jennifer Nyman-Julia
Jen has served as Artistic Director of the SAFYPT since its inception in 1999. A graduate of Bennington College in Vermont, she earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Acting and Playwrighting. She also holds a Master’s Degree in Dramatic Education from the University of Victoria in British Colombia. Jen was a faculty member of the University of Southern Maine’s Youth Summer Theater Program and Artistic Director of the Strawflower Children's Theater Company. She was the recipient of the Telluride Writer's Guild "Write Here" award for her original play, "It Just Fits".
Upcoming Enrollment
- The Adventures in Acting workshop (grades K-2) and the "Sleeping Beauty, Sort Of" play, (grades 6-8) are now full. However, due to low enrollment, we are still accepting applications for the high school production of "Anything Goes". To enroll, please stop by the Sheridan Opera House to pick up forms or contact Jennifer Julia, 728-6363 x2 for questions or more information.
