As the new executive director of Fort Wayne Youtheatre, Heather Closson leads theatrical programming to help kids fulfill their performing arts dreams. 

Due to a recent shift in organizational management, Fort Wayne Youtheatre can expect a fresh, yet familiar, perspective to their programming this year. But changes aside — the show will go on!

Those shows begin Oct. 18-20 at First Presbyterian Theater with their Halloween production of Shuddersome: Tales of Poe.

New leadership

Although only four months in her role, Closson is no stranger to Youtheatre. In fact, she’s been involved with the company since 1999.

“Dance was my first window into the performing arts world,” Closson said. “I found Youtheatre at an early age and started as a performer and fell in love. 

“I’m thrilled to be in this organization, now as executive director, to continue supporting and expanding the incredible work we do here.”

As Youtheatre heads into their 90th year, Closson has plans to continue their legacy and bring forth positive change to the season ahead. 

“I’ve always been interested in connecting with organizations and people,” she said. “My vision for Youtheatre is to foster a community enriched with people who will grow up with an appreciation for the arts.”

In that spirit, Fort Wayne Youtheatre’s 2024-25 season promises a mix of powerful storytelling, quality education, and enticing opportunities for youth. Plus, it’s bound to keep audiences on their toes, Closson added.

Upcoming season

For this year’s programming, Youtheatre welcome one of their  most exciting and thrilling lineups yet.

Kicking off the season with Shuddersome: Tales of Poe, the show highlights a collection of Edgar Allan Poe’s breadth of mysterious tales. It is a series of five shorter plays that are connected and woven together. 

In a description on their website, Youtheatre say, “Audiences will be on the edge of their seats as Poe’s words rise like corpses from the grave. The Tell-Tale Heart, The Masque of the Red Death, The Raven, and more of his spine-tingling stories come to life.”

This performance coincides with Downtown Fort Wayne’s popular Fright Night, adding a layer of spooky fun for all. 

Following the first main stage show is Anastasia: The Musical (Youth Edition), premiering at First Presbyterian Theater from Dec. 13- 22. Choreographed by Closson and directed by Christopher Murphy, artistic director of Youtheatre, they are particularly eager to produce this familiar piece for families.

“It’s exciting to give our youth the opportunity to learn this,” Closson said. “It’s a story you know and love, told in a new and exciting way.”

Another anticipated show, Something Happened in Our Town, is about “friendships challenged, a world changed, and two young people … (making) sense of it together,” their website says. 

This thought-provoking production from Feb. 21-23, also taking place at First Presbyterian Theater, is part of Youtheatre’s ongoing commitment to present socially relevant issues to the community.

“Another part of our mission is to bring attention to social injustice,” Closson said. “Something Happened in Our Town is based on a book that follows the story of two youths — one white person and one Black person — and unveils serious topics about race. It’s meant to engage our youth with deep material and bring light to important situations.” 

Rounding out the season is Dragons Love Tacos, promising a playful and whimsical story for the whole family. 

Based on Adam Rubin’s book, this production features “a boy and his dog (who) are watching a TV show about dragons when they unexpectedly get caught up in the ‘Dos and Don’ts’ of what to serve dragons to eat,” according to Youtheatre’s website.

This fan-favorite is aimed at young readers. Don’t miss the free show April 26-27 at the downtown Allen County Public Library.

To support these upcoming productions, Closson encourages community members to attend performances, spread the word, or even volunteer. 

“Every show comes with an informational guide specific to the production, and it also highlights the topic or artist featured,” she said. “With a season that includes something for everyone, there’s no shortage of ways to get involved.”

Vision for the future

Founded in 1934, Fort Wayne Youtheatre is a children’s theater aimed to “educate, engage, and entertain regional youth and families through theatre arts.” Striving to nurture aspiring young artists, the organization produce classes, camps, community events, and productions to foster theatrical experiences in Fort Wayne.

Beyond the stage, Closson’s long-term goals for Youtheatre are optimistic.

“We’re preparing young people to do good in the world,” she said. “Youtheatre isn’t just a place to do theater. It’s a place to grow and develop confidence, poise, and crucial soft skills like collaboration and communication. It’s our duty to help our youth find their voice and figure out who they want to be.”

Looking ahead, Youtheatre will continue to build, adapt, and offer exciting programming for families within the Fort Wayne area. And as Closson settles into her role, she’s eager to cultivate a new generation, just like her leaders did for her.

“I want to give back to an organization that gave me so much,” Closson added. “During my time at Youtheatre, it reassured me that I could do whatever I wanted to do. It gave me and everyone so much, so it is rewarding to have the opportunity to do that in my role now.”