
#BEYAP #BankOfUtica

What is the Bernadette A. Eichler Youth Ambassador Program?
YAP, as we like to call it at Broadway Utica is a specific program designed for theatre lovers in 11th and 12th grade in local area high schools. Each student who participates in YAP must complete a synopsis before each show and review after. Our students also have to complete a certain amount of community service hours. In return, they hear from local community members, cast/crew from each production and are even eligible for a scholarship their senior year.
This popular program is celebrating its 11th year with the Broadway Theater League of Utica. It’s a great honor to watch these children grow into such vibrant, knowledgeable, and passionate young adults. We are fortunate to have such a wonderful generation of youth right here in our hometown. More than 50 Ambassadors take part in our program year after year. Each child in the program brings a unique talent and perspective on life. None of this would be possible without the generosity, commitment, and financial help from our community, sponsors, and patrons – like you! We are dependent on your donations to fund this program. Each child has the opportunity to be a Broadway Utica season subscriber, meet the cast and crew, and take a trip to see a live Broadway production at another theatre. In addition, they’ll comprehend the importance of giving back to their community; learn from each other, and most importantly to be a youth that has unconditional support.
Thank you for believing in our program, our children, and our community. We are not only able to meet the demands of the experience we offer, but exceed them with your constant dedication and support of this elite program. On behalf of the Board of Directors, the entire staff at Broadway Utica and all of our Youth Ambassadors – WE THANK YOU!
If you are interested in donating to the Bernadette A. Eichler Youth Ambassador Program please call our office at 315-624-9444 or visit The Community Foundation Here .

Join Us In Making A Difference
When you donate to the Bernadette A. Eichler Youth Ambassador Program, your contribution directly impacts the youth in our community. Students in our program embrace the arts and grow personally and professionally. Each year, as we grow, our program expenses increase and therefore, become more of a challenge to manage. We hope with individual donations and committed sponsors, we can not only meet but also exceed the program expectations. This one of a kind program is sponsored in part by Bank of Utica. On behalf of the Board of Directors and staff at Broadway Utica, we extend a warm and heartfelt thank you to the Bank of Utica for being our lead sponsor for the past eight years and to each of you for supporting the Bernadette A. Eichler Youth Ambassador Program.
Student Eligibility
- Student must be a junior or senior in the 2023-2024 school year.
- Student must have the ability to attend all shows in the season and provide his/her own transportation.
- Student must have Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snap Chat accounts, and are required to check in to “Broadway Utica” online while at the show. They must also post creative content while activity tagging “Broadway Utica” on all social media channels pre-show, during intermission and post show.
- Student must complete and submit a pre-show synopsis that is due two weeks prior to opening night.
- Student must complete a post –show critique that is due 48 hours after the performance.
- Student must proudly uphold the expectations of the program.
- Student is required to perform 10 hours of community service throughout the season, at a Broadway Utica sponsored, supported and/or recommended event.
- The Bernadette A. Eichler Youth Ambassador Guidelines can be found in the link below.
Application Process
- Student will be required to submit an essay explaining why they would like to become a Bernadette A. Eichler Youth Ambassador, what their expectation of the program is, and how they feel they will grow from being a member.
- Student must submit one recommendation from an ELA teacher and another recommendation from a teacher affiliated with their school’s arts program.
- Each student must have parental permission.
- Each student/parent is required to sign a publicity/photo release form.
These forms can be found under the Bernadette A. Eichler Youth Ambassador Application materials link and should be emailed to Felix@BroadwayUtica.com
Applications must be received before June 30th, 2019. For more information about the Youth Ambassadors Program, please feel free to call Felix LaBella III at (315) 624-9444.