New York Youth Theater

"Without a doubt NYYT gave us one of the best times of our lives. My sister (Cisely) and I learned so much at the theater, not to mention that it was our safe haven. From the auditions to the rehearsals to the plays, to the wrap parties, EVERYTHING was exciting. Work and fun, sing and fun, act and fun, learn and fun....everyday was a new experience. Thank you Lawrence for everything and I hope you continue to inspire kids and young actors the same way you did to my sister and I.

"Zoe Saldaña , recently co-starred with Ashton Kutcher in "Guess Who" and made her film debut in "Centre Stage". She has also been seen in "Crossroads", "Pirates of the Carribbean", "Drumline", Steven Spielberg's "The Terminal" and many others.

"One of the most moving of many nights I've spent in the theater was at the Curtain Call Concert at New York Youth Theater. Not only was there a tremendous amount of talent exhibited by the young performers who developed through the program over its ten years, but more, there was an incredible feeling of appreciation and belonging. NYYT's Artistic Director, Lawrence Axmith, had obviously created a nurturing environment; nurturing of talent, but more nurturing of the kids as kids. Having been born and raised in Toronto, I am thrilled by this new program at the Randolph Academy, and thrilled that the kids in my hometown will have the chance to experience some of Lawrence's magic" .

Hailey Lustig , VP Content Development-Productions, Clear Channel Entertainment.

"New York Youth Theater saved my life by taking this skinny kid from the Bronx and showing me there was a place where kids like me, who liked what I liked, could go and be together, learning not only how to perform but how to respect each other and the process of making theater. I will carry the lessons I learned there with me always."

Ray Santiago made his film debut in the award-winning "Girlfight" and recently co-starred in "Meet The Fockers".

"My children have been involved in several youth theater companies but none can compare to their experiences at New York Youth Theater. The audition process was professional as well as positive. The children felt good about themselves even if they didn't get the part they thought they wanted. The staff was kid-friendly and Lawrence Axmith was the glue that held everything together. He always had a kind word and a big smile for each of them".

Elaine Mellon Lahm 's daughters Jennifer and Brittany performed at NYYT.

"For me, NYYT represents a bridge. It helped me make the frighteningly sharp jump from school plays to professional theater. The lessons learned during the rehearsal process and productions are things I take with me to this day (many of which still make me laugh when I think about them). And the kicker? It was fun to do."

Jeff Correia graduated from NYU's Tisch School of the Arts Acting Program, and is pursuing his stage career.

Seeing that her child was dynamically talented, my mother pounded the pavement to find experiences that would nurture my ability and develop it into craft. New York Youth Theater was the first stop in the journey and proved to be a definitive part of my career. Lawrence Axmith's theater provided a fun, professional, and loving environment that sparked my desire to create and gave me a great vantage point with which to view the world of theater. Lawrence knows how to bring out the best in everyone around him transforming any space into a place where young people can explore their potential and draw out the exhilarating experience that is good theater."

Damian L. Washington is a working actor in NYC.

"Without a doubt NYYT gave us one of the best times of our lives. My sister (Cisely) and I learned so much at the theater, not to mention that it was our safe haven. From the auditions to the rehearsals to the plays, to the wrap parties, EVERYTHING was exciting. Work and fun, sing and fun, act and fun, learn and fun....everyday was a new experience. Thank you Lawrence for everything and I hope you continue to inspire kids and young actors the same way you did to my sister and I.

"Zoe Saldaña , recently co-starred with Ashton Kutcher in "Guess Who" and made her film debut in "Centre Stage". She has also been seen in "Crossroads", "Pirates of the Carribbean", "Drumline", Steven Spielberg's "The Terminal" and many others.

"One of the most moving of many nights I've spent in the theater was at the Curtain Call Concert at New York Youth Theater. Not only was there a tremendous amount of talent exhibited by the young performers who developed through the program over its ten years, but more, there was an incredible feeling of appreciation and belonging. NYYT's Artistic Director, Lawrence Axmith, had obviously created a nurturing environment; nurturing of talent, but more nurturing of the kids as kids. Having been born and raised in Toronto, I am thrilled by this new program at the Randolph Academy, and thrilled that the kids in my hometown will have the chance to experience some of Lawrence's magic" .Hailey Lustig , VP Content Development-Productions, Clear Channel Entertainment.

"New York Youth Theater saved my life by taking this skinny kid from the Bronx and showing me there was a place where kids like me, who liked what I liked, could go and be together, learning not only how to perform but how to respect each other and the process of making theater. I will carry the lessons I learned there with me always."

Ray Santiago made his film debut in the award-winning "Girlfight" and recently co-starred in "Meet The Fockers".

"My children have been involved in several youth theater companies but none can compare to their experiences at New York Youth Theater. The audition process was professional as well as positive. The children felt good about themselves even if they didn't get the part they thought they wanted. The staff was kid-friendly and Lawrence Axmith was the glue that held everything together. He always had a kind word and a big smile for each of them".
Elaine Mellon Lahm 's daughters Jennifer and Brittany performed at NYYT.

"For me, NYYT represents a bridge. It helped me make the frighteningly sharp jump from school plays to professional theater. The lessons learned during the rehearsal process and productions are things I take with me to this day (many of which still make me laugh when I think about them). And the kicker? It was fun to do."

Jeff Correia graduated from NYU's Tisch School of the Arts Acting Program, and is pursuing his stage career.

Seeing that her child was dynamically talented, my mother pounded the pavement to find experiences that would nurture my ability and develop it into craft. New York Youth Theater was the first stop in the journey and proved to be a definitive part of my career. Lawrence Axmith's theater provided a fun, professional, and loving environment that sparked my desire to create and gave me a great vantage point with which to view the world of theater. Lawrence knows how to bring out the best in everyone around him transforming any space into a place where young people can explore their potential and draw out the exhilarating experience that is good theater."

Damian L. Washington is a working actor in NYC.