Here are just a few of the YPE's success stories

DENIS, 15, Moscow, Russia
Denis arrived in the United States with a deep mistrust of Americans, poor English skills and the reputation of being a troublemaker. Frustrated by the language barrier, he communicated by pantomime, which was incorporated into the show as sophisticated physical comedy. Denis received positive reinforcement and encouragement for perhaps the first time in his life, and gained trust, confidence and maturity.

LIAM, 12, Edinburgh, Scotland
Liam had acted in community theater in Edinburgh but never had any formal training. He met with Hilari Scarl in Edinburgh where his natural talents were quickly obvious. He had never been more than 25 miles outside of his hometown, but ventured to America to participate in a production which began in Maine and toured to a professional theater in Philadelphia. Through the Young Players Ensemble he had the opportunity to gain confidence, hone his abilities and learn dramatic technique that helped him get cast in Oliver! in the West End in London when he returned home.

LIZ, 15, Brooklyn, New York
Liz performed in If Kids Ruled the World, a play that grew out of a political debate that was sparked among cast members. Liz put her thoughts and unusual points of view into a comedy routine, and she became the youngest stand-up comic to perform at the famed comedy club Carolines in New York City, winning a spokeswoman job at Nickelodeon.

ARIANA, 12, Los Angeles, California
Love of the theater inspired Ariana to take a bus by herself from her housing project in a gang-infested neighborhood to audition for the company. She was home-schooled and not allowed out of the house except for a few limited activities. After participating in the Young Players Ensemble and taking the bus by herself to and from rehearsals, her work and confidence flourished. Encouragement from the cast convinced her to enter her poems in a local poetry contest, where she won support and accolades from not only the arts community, but her local community as well.