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In May of 2007, Deanne worked with all freshman (the only class at the high school), bringing a serio-comic production of John Lennon and Me by Cherie Bennett to life... >>> read more >>>

Outstanding Contribution to
Educational Theatre Award
presented by California Educational Theatre Association to SBYT

Left to right: Jack Nakano (original founder of the first SB Youth Productions), Alexander Georgakis (SBYT Alumni & 2005 Musical Director), Deanne Anders (SBYT Artistic Director), and Connie Lambert (SBYT Producer).

   This award is bestowed upon an organization in Southern California which has an exemplary program and contributes to education of youth. The award was presented to Santa Barbara Youth Theatre on October 9, 2005, in at the CETA Conference Luncheon in Universal City, California. Announcing the 2006 season for Santa Barbara Youth Theatre:

• The Winter Drama: Anatomy of Gray by Jim Leonard Jr. at Center Stage Theater, March 2 - 4, 2006. 
• The Summer Musical: Annie Get Your Gun (The Peter Stone revision) at the La Cumbre Junior High School theater, July 2006.

~ Both productions are under the direction of Deanne Anders ~

SBYT 2006 Winter Drama:
"Anatomy of Gray"

March 2-4, 2006

A unique coming of age story set in 1895 Indiana.

Santa Barbara Youth Theatre produces two professional shows per year —
a Winter Drama & a Summer Musical

The four-week Winter Program offers the serious drama student the opportunity to perform on stage in a black box theatre. The winter program has a very intense rehearsal schedule which culminates in five shows performed at Santa Barbara's Center Stage Theater.

SBYT's 2005 Winter Drama:
Romeo & Juliet (production photos!)

Viva La Fiesta! takes on a new meaning as contemporary Santa Barbara provides the setting for Santa Barbara Youth Theatre’s current production of the cherished classic "Romeo & Juliet." Taking a present-day focus, the story’s relevance continues because it touches upon the raw emotions of passion, zeal for life, and the sorrow of lives ending prematurely.Imagine Romeo and Juliet’s clandestine love unfolding during the hot weeks preceding Santa Barbara’s acclaimed Fiesta. Imagine the punked out children of the old school Santa Barbara Montague family meeting the entitled country club nouveau riche Capulets. Imagine Friar Lawrence launching Fiesta Pequena on the steps of the Mission, and imagine Santa Barbara’s City Council attempting to deal with this rivalry as it explodes onto our city plaza. This is the "Romeo & Juliet" that Santa Barbara Youth Theatre is bringing to life.Building on its educational mission to inspire, educate and empower today’s youth and tomorrow's audience, Santa Barbara Youth Theatre will now tackle the challenges of  interpreting and speaking Shakespeare’s language. Deanne Anders, artistic director of Santa Barbara Youth Theatre, directs the talented ensemble who come from Carpinteria, Santa Barbara and Goleta. Many of the roles are double-cast to increase the opportunity to create two different characters.  Making his Santa Barbara Youth Theatre debut is Dillon Kiel as Romeo. Two talented performers will be alternating the role of Juliet — Lauren Parsons, who has been an active member of Santa Barbara Youth Theatre for the past three seasons, and Lana Wolverton, also making her debut with Santa Barbara Youth Theatre. Elizabeth Anderson, who has played roles in The Miracle Worker and The Crucible, now tackles the role of Benvolio, Romeo’s friend and cousin. Adam Trent and Dane Svenningsen, last seen in the ribald A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, will be playing Paris and Tybalt. Travis Nefores and Michael Curtis, who also brought Forum to its rollicking feet, will be alternating the roles of Mercutio and Abraham. Performing for the first time with Santa Barbara Youth Theatre is esteemed guest artist E. Bonnie Lewis as The Prince. Romeo & Juliet is not just a love story. It is about honor, duty, loyalty, politics, family and passion.  It is about the pressure of remaining true to one’s heart when logic dictates a more reasonable course of action. It is like real life: it’s complicated, frustrating, and a joy to experience.

see the R&J Production Photos!

The Summer Program provides comprehensive six-week musical theatre training designed to assist junior and high school students in the discovery and development of talent and interests in a variety of performing and production arts arena. The summer program also offers opportunities for student musicians with the orchestra and there are backstage experiences for interested students. There are four performances at a local theater.Our Programs are structured to capitalize on the preferences and strengths of each individual while exposing all students to a broad spectrum of elements that are necessary for polished and successful productions. Participants are junior high, high school, and college students. On occasion younger students will be cast if the show requires younger cast members.

photos from the Summer 2005 SBYT Production of "Footloose!"