Young Actors Theatre celebrated a remarkable 50 years of artistic excellence with a black tie gala on Feb. 1 at the Florida State University Student Union.
Hosted by Tony Hale, Young Actors Theatre alum and three-time Emmy Award winner, the event convened over 550 community members who contributed $290,000 to support a new endowment fund and ensure the theatre’s future for generations to come.
“There are certain personalities in this world that need an artistic environment to thrive and to find their path, ” Hale said in his keynote remarks, gesturing across the audience. “There are so many different paths that came from Young Actors, and I say that because the arts and arts education is absolutely necessary.”
Indeed, the glittering crowd featured hundreds of alumni who flew into town from abroad and across the country. They work at NASA, lead operating rooms, religious congregations, court rooms, as well as shine on Broadway and Netflix, plus network television shows.
In welcoming YAT’s distinguished guests to campus, James Frazier, Dean of the Florida State University College of Fine Arts shared, “FSU values YAT’s held belief that every young person deserves a safe space to tell their story, to imagine and explore. And like YAT, we are committed to fostering an environment where this vision can thrive.”
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A highlight of the evening was Mayor John Dailey’s surprise presentation of the Key to the City to Tony Hale, a tradition that the mayor shared “started back in medieval times in Western Europe, when our cities were walled. A key would be given to the trusted individual that would take care of the population, and as they traveled around the world, they would represent the values of the city and what they believed in.”
Dailey said that the Key to the City is the “highest award that a citizen can receive,” and also shared a proclamation that Feb. 1, 2025 is “Young Actors Theatre Day” in the City of Tallahassee.
The evening featured a variety of performances from current YAT students and alumni, as well as special tributes to the theatre’s rich legacy – including the announcement of an annual scholarship program named in honor of the late Aimee Nicole Sachs, a beloved community member.
Following the official program, the dance floor lit up with a set by Tallahassee humanitarian DJ DEMP, who also holds a Key to the City. The gala was presented by the Sipple and Campo Families, Chris and Kathy Doolin, and Carlton Fields.
“The future of Young Actors Theatre is bright, and we remain more committed than ever to helping each individual student grow into the best human they can become, onstage and off,” said Sarah Roy, CEO of the nonprofit. “Our purpose is to invest in the next generation of talent and develop leaders who can think creatively and critically.”
Since its founding in 1975 by Tina Williams, Young Actors Theatre has been educating students in the performing arts. Long regarded as a community treasure, YAT is one of the nation’s few independent children’s programs with its own on-site theater.
Here, students ages 3 to 18 study acting, singing and dancing, but their education includes so much more. Through small classes taught by experienced, innovative instructors and professional-caliber productions, students grow up at YAT equipped to shine in whatever adult role they choose.
For more information about Young Actors Theatre visit youngactorstheatre.com, a new site that launched in time for the celebration, produced by Understory Studio. Prime Meridian Bank serves as YAT’s title sponsor for its 50th Anniversary Season.
