Stay Gold Young Actors

The heightened anticipation of Tech Week for live performances is an energy creatives thrive on. Making sure every prop is in the correct place, actors hitting their cues, and wigs fitted… to the best of their ability. For Young Actors Guild of McKinney what really brings the show together is the relationships the students make behind the scenes.

Auditions for The Outsiders were held in mid February and teens had been prepping by watching the 80’s heartthrob cast movie adaptation, reading S.E. Hintons classic novel, and attending / listening the the Broadway musical. Due to the content of the play the main cast was geared to Young Actors Guilds older participants while the younger cast could fill roles for ensemble.

If you have never read or seen the beloved 'The Outsiders' , we highly recommend you do. It is a story based in Oklahoma of friendship, brotherhood, socioeconomic division and how we are often thrown into situations we could never "be ready" for. The emotional intensity the students were able to channel shows that there are still many similarities between being a teen in 1960's and today.

These kids (ages 5-18) worked hard for over two months attending rehearsals at The Comedy Arena as they prepared. YAG typically performs right in the heart of downtown McKinney and has for over ten years. Though due to the renovations at McKinney Performing Arts Center the organization has had to find other venues to perform and rehearse at.

The arts and the youth are resilient. With obstacles, rescheduling, recasting, sickness, having to bring our own lights or whatever else comes their way they pivot to bring the audience the best performance they can.

It is Young Actors Guild of McKinney mission to be inclusive to all and that is what makes this theatre group unique as they also give opportunities to those kids who may not want to be front and center. Their “techies” help bring the show together. From lights, sound, stage hands, stage managing, props team, and set design the kids are taking charge and using team work in a creative way that is not offered in a lot of other places.

Being inclusive also means being financially inclusive. If you are a parent you know how costly extra curricular can start adding up, especially with multiple kids. YAG’s membership is $50 a year per child which includes monthly workshops and ability to participate in their shows.

During these workshops and rehearsals is when the real magic happens. Kids slowly or all at once coming out of their shells. Having a place where it is kind of frowned upon if you aren’t being a little goofy. When inside jokes are formed, silly songs are sung, and somebody is asking about your special interest it is hard not to feel right at home.

YAG gives an opportunity to its teens that as a parent and somebody who has worked with non profits for the past fifteens years, I have not seen any where else. They have a youth run board.

Each year members elect which teens will serve as President, Vice President, Secretary, Head of House.. etc. Two meetings a month and the youth board (with assistance from the adult board) are voting what plays to perform next, brainstorming workshop topics, how to raise funds, concessions, sending out newsletters, media presence and so on.

All the typical things it takes to run a non profit these teens are using teamwork, democracy, and leadership skills to decide on. Besides the value that adds to their lifelong learning that has to look pretty good on a transcript.

Full transparency this is our families third year with YAG. We had a homeschool friend recommend a show to us when we first moved back to Texas and our daughter was captivated and knew she was auditioning for the next show. For The Outsiders all four of our children were on stage. I ( Hannah) also serve on the non profits Adult Board.

I think children (and most adults) love a common goal, a direction, a way to collaborate. Live theatre provides that while giving kids a safe, welcoming environment to hang out. If you know somebody interested or wanting to get the kids out of the house there will be a workshop May 12th, 2026 at Finch Park where the kids will be having some fun with Live Action Role Playing and auditions for their next play “Space Princess Wars” are end of May.

“Stay gold, Ponyboy. Stay gold . . .” ― S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders

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