Buena Park Youth Theater: Program Information

The “Friends of the Buena Park Youth Theater”  was established on March 28, 1995 and is a 501(c)3 Non-Profit Organization in support of the City of Buena Park's youth theater program. 

"Buena Park Youth Theater" was formed in 1980 in response to the public school systems in turmoil, cutting back funding on performing arts and other programs. By recycling old voter booths, donated and sewn costumes, paper maché / cardboard sets, BPYT was born. BPYT began so simply and expanded rapidly by giving the children of Orange County and surrounding counties a safe place to not only learn about performing on the stage and building self confidence, but to also learn theater from a technical standpoint as well. The City of Buena Park does MORE than just sponsor this amazing program! By providing funds, rehearsal space, storage space for props, sets and costumes it has an amazing and unique relationship with the “Friends of the Buena Park Youth Theater”, but by no means does that cover the expenses for two shows a year! The amount of funds needed to provide the quality of show that BPYT has become known for (depending upon rights and availability) cost anywhere from $15,000 to $25,000 and sometimes even more! We ask for a minimum of 20 Volunteer hours from each family before the production goes to stage. We also ask each family to work at least 2 tech week rehearsals and 4 shows. Our productions rely solely on volunteers and everyone needs to help, whether you are selling a cookie, pulling the main curtain or running a spotlight, or helping back stage. 

We perform two full scale Broadway productions a year that includes professional sound, lighting, and costuming. BPYT is one of the oldest youth theatre's in California and is the standard of what all other programs aspire to be!

Cast City Fees & Registration

Main Cast ONLY - $90 non-refundable, payable to the City of Buena Park. This fee covers creative staff fees, rehearsal space, and the royalty rights for the show. Main cast fees can be made online ($90). The City link is available after auditions. 

Junior Cast ONLY – Junior’s do need to be registered with the City, however there is a $0 fee due for Junior Registration to the City of Buena Park.  City link available after auditions. 

BPYT Participation and Materials Fee 

Junior & Main Cast - $200 payable to Friends of BPYT (see the Executive Production Manager if payment arrangements need to be made.) This fee covers costumes (except shoes), sets, cast shirts, scripts, and other program expenses.

Parent/Guardian Registration 

Fingerprint: Forms will be distributed at the first parent meeting. ALL Main Cast Volunteers and Junior Parents/Guardians are required to fill out a release form and those 18 years of age or older must be fingerprinted at Buena Park Police Department specifically for this program. This is in accordance with City and program requirements.  

Volunteer / Mandatory Requirements (for Main Cast ONLY): 

Parent volunteers are needed to put on a high caliber production! We want you to complete your volunteer requirements. We provide a variety of opportunities, such as assisting with sets, fundraising, costumes, props, and taking home projects to meet the requirements. These volunteer requirements include 20 pre-show hours, 2 tech nights, and 4 shows.

Volunteer Deposit (Main Cast Only)

You will write two separate checks OR fill out an ACH form per family: $200 and $200

• One $200 check/ACH form is returned if you complete 20 pre-show volunteer hours. Parent(s) are responsible for tracking volunteer hours on the form you are provided with this handbook. You will submit this form at the conclusion of the program to receive your $200 check back.
• The second $200 check/ACH form is returned upon completion of 2 tech nights and 4 shows. 
• Volunteers 18 years and older must complete fingerprinting through the City of Buena Park specifically for this program, if you have not done so for a prior show. This is free and easy to complete. Fingerprinting must be complete  or you will not be eligible to volunteer and will forfeit your $200 checks.
• If you have a child in the junior cast and a child in the main cast, you are exempt from the second volunteer obligation / fee requirement because your volunteer requirement will be during tech week and shows while you are volunteering your time in the junior room. 

Fingerprinting must be completed or you will not be eligible to volunteer and will be required to pay the volunteer fee. The City registration fees and BPYT participation fees must be paid unless prior arrangements have been made with the Executive Production Manager.

Friends of BPYT has a board of members from different backgrounds and specialties that come together voluntarily to help support the youth in the surrounding area. The board committee considers which shows would be a good fit for the theater. They go through a selection process and then the board votes on which shows will be produced. BPYT produces two shows annually with the support of volunteers.