Rainbow Youth Theatre
PO Box 3527
Courtenay, BC
V9N 6Z8
Rainbow Youth Theatre is a volunteer-based, youth focused community theatre group located in the Comox Valley on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. RYT is registered as a non-profit organization under the Society Act of BC.
Since 1988, Rainbow Youth Theatre has been building character in kids both on and off the stage. RYT is a well-respected performer in the local theatre scene and has established a strong tradition of providing opportunities for residents of the Comox Valley in a safe, fun environment for people of all ages to participate in community theatre. RYT’s mandate is to provide local youth and children with opportunities to participate in theatre arts. Our members learn self-confidence, self-awareness and explore learning opportunities in a friendly creative environment. We invite families and individuals, of all ages, to join RYT and experience the joy of live theatre.
RYT is a non-profit society and therefore relies on volunteers who are committed to working towards memorable experiences for our members. RYT offers numerous opportunities for its members in all areas of theatre including directing, producing, acting, singing, dancing, technical production, set design and construction, etc.
Through the combined effort of its members and volunteers, Rainbow Youth Theatre mounts up to three productions each year. These productions are dramatic or musical in nature and involve large casts with opportunities for actors of all ages and theatrical experience. RYT makes a genuine effort to find a suitable part for every child or youth who auditions for one of its productions.
Mission statement
Rainbow’s purpose is to enable children and youth to gain confidence, artistic skill, and friendships through theatre.
MORE ABOUT RAINBOW’S GOALS
• to promote and offer training in all aspects of the performing arts to all residents of the Comox Valley area, with emphasis on young people.
• to encourage group experiences where the members can enhance their artistic skills and personal development.
• to encourage family involvement in the theatre experience, with parents and guardians enjoying the creative environment together with their children.
For information on Rainbow, e-mail our general mailbox: info@rainbowtheatre.com
RYT’S HISTORY
Mike Butler, Dale Burgess, Carol Coulson, and Hans Petersen founded Rainbow in 1988. From 1991 to 2000, RYT produced one to four theatre productions each year and to accommodate increased demand, seven shows were mounted in 2001.
Currently, RYT produces one or two youth focused productions each summer at the Mark R Isfeld Theatre and one full scale family musical at the Sid Williams Theatre in October. RYT truly believes that theatre builds character in kids, both on and off the stage and our alumni easily numbers in the thousands! Several RYT alumni have gone on to post-secondary education in the performing arts and many past RYT members continue to perform live community theatre. Rainbow Youth Theatre will continue to produce high calibre musical theatre with the help of hundreds of parents and committed volunteers.