Discover the Transformative Power of Youth Theatre at Debut Theatre Company
Are you looking for an activity that goes beyond typical after-school programs? Do you want to find a place where your child can build confidence, develop crucial life skills, and connect with a supportive community? Youth theatre, particularly at a dedicated institution like Debut Theatre Company, offers unparalleled benefits for young people. It's more than just entertainment; it's a unique, immersive learning experience that fosters growth in countless ways. Today, more communities recognize the vital role theatre plays in children's development.
Co-founded in 1991 by siblings Lee Osterhout-Kaplan and Gregg Osterhout, Debut Theatre Company is Northern Colorado's only troupe-structured, non-profit, young person's theatre school and acting company. We offer a progression-based program year-round, providing comprehensive, hands-on theatre training for students from grades 3 through 12.
Why Theatre Matters for Your Child's Development
Investing in youth theatre is an investment in the growth of individuals. Studies and experience consistently show the profound positive impact theatre has on young people across various aspects of their development.
Builds Confidence and Self-Esteem: Theatre inherently builds a child's confidence, leading to self-discovery. Students learn to be pushed beyond what they thought possible. The Debut structure, where everyone is on equal footing and participates in all aspects of a production, helps children feel their part is essential, boosting their self-concept regardless of the size of their role.
Enhances Communication and Social Skills: Theatre is a collaborative art form. It's about learning to work together effectively as a team. Students learn strong relationships, how to build trust, give and receive ideas, and work towards a common goal. They become better communicators than their peers who are not exposed to theatre. The troupe structure encourages kids to reach out to and help each other.
Fosters Creativity, Imagination, and Critical Thinking: Theatre is a valuable place for kids to explore endless possibilities with their imaginations. It encourages divergent thinking and forces kids to think in multiple directions.
Develops Emotional Intelligence and Empathy: Participating in or even just watching theatre can help kids develop empathy by stepping into different characters' perspectives and understanding various emotions. Drama activities help children gain emotional control and can positively impact mental health.
Teaches Responsibility and Time Management: Putting on a play requires commitment. Students learn to budget time, manage moving pieces, and complete tasks on time to contribute to the final production. This hands-on approach to responsibility and ownership is a key part of the Debut experience.
Instills Patience and Discipline: Theatre teaches patience and concentration. Remaining quiet while others are working is a learned skill.
Provides Exposure to Culture and History: Through performing dramatized literary classics, students can step into different periods of history, fostering a connection across humanity.
Supports Academic Success: Studies have shown theatre education can have academic benefits, including improved language and vocabulary use and higher SAT scores.
Opens Doors to Future Opportunities: While some alumni pursue professional theatre, many gain skills applicable to a wide range of careers in the creative arts industry (which contributes significantly to the U.S. economy) and beyond. The life skills learned are invaluable for living a full and productive life, no matter their chosen path.
Creates a Safe and Supportive Community: Debut provides a meeting place and a safe environment for young people to build friendships and feel like they are part of a family. Alumni describe it as a second home.
What Makes Debut Theatre Company Unique?
Debut Theatre Company isn't just any theatre program. We are Northern Colorado's only troupe-structured, non-profit, young person's theatre school, dedicated to comprehensive, hands-on training. Our approach focuses specifically on nurturing student growth over simply putting on a show.
We emphasize collaboration over competition. Students are encouraged to work together and support each other. The "putting on a play" structure is a reason for students to come together and learn the benefits of teamwork within a cast and company.
For over 30 years, Debut's founders and staff have been beloved mentors and teachers, leaving a lasting, positive impact on students and their families. Testimonials from parents and alumni highlight the transformative effect Debut has had on students' character and personal development, not just their acting talent. We aim to serve a vital role by inspiring the next generation of artists and theatre-goers.
Our program is designed to be affordable and accessible. While we utilize professional quality instruction and aim for professional quality productions that impress audiences, our core focus remains on the educational journey of the young people involved.
Addressing Your Questions
As a non-profit organization, we are committed to transparency. We are currently undertaking a capital campaign to fund strategic tenant improvements for a new facility – the Debut Theatre for Youth Arts. This new dedicated hub will significantly enhance our ability to deliver comprehensive training and serve more youth.
You may have heard that Debut Theatre Company does not own the building for this new facility. This is true; the founders own the building and Debut will have a very favorable long-term lease. We understand the importance of clarifying how donated funds will be used. All funds raised through the capital campaign will be dedicated to improvements essential for Debut Theatre's program delivery and long-term success in the space, leveraging the donated space to maximize the impact of donor generosity on the youth and community we serve. A legal agreement is being finalized to ensure this transparency and clarity. This structure represents an amazing opportunity for Debut Theatre.
For more detailed information about our programs, the benefits of youth theatre, our team, or our capital campaign, we invite you to explore our main website.
Join the Debut Community
Whether your child dreams of the spotlight or you simply want to provide them with an enriching activity that builds essential life skills, Debut Theatre Company offers a welcoming and transformative experience. Many parents and students describe Debut as a second home – a place where they feel supported, challenged, and deeply valued.
Thank you for your interest in Debut Theatre Company and the power of youth theatre. We encourage you to learn more about how your child can thrive as part of our troupe!
[Link to Main Debut Theatre Company Website - e.g., Homepage, Programs Page, About Us Page, or a dedicated "Why Debut" page]
Debut Theatre Company 827 Riverside Avenue Fort Collins, Colorado 80524 Phone: 970-224-5774