About Us
Our Story
Since our first production of Willy Wonka, Jr in the summer of 2009, we have provided children an opportunity to participate in youth theater through multiple shows, camps, and school programs. During those years, our productions have grown as has our reach now expanding throughout the West Valley of the San Francisco Bay Area.
Entering our 15th season, West Valley Youth Theater has a new look that better reflects our reach. We remain, however, committed to providing Broadway-level theater training in a nurturing and supportive community for local youth.
Our programs are accessible to children of all backgrounds and ability. Further, our training is holistic, introducing children to all aspects of theater production on and off stage.
Our Focvs
BROADWAY EXPERIENCE
Our Creative Director spent years on Broadway prior to committing the next two decades working in youth theater. WVYT kids gain unique access to exceptional expertise and professional knowledge.
ACCEPTING COMMUNITY
We embrace kids from all backgrounds and ability striving to create a community of acceptance that empowers each child to grow and achieve on and off stage.
HOLISTIC ARTS EDUCATION
We teach kids about all facets of performing arts, not just the performance. In addition to acting, voice, and dance we teach kids about tech, sets, production, and the business of theater.
Our Creative Team
Heather Stokes
Artistic Director
Heather has a background in classical voice at UOP conservatory and a Musical Theater Performance Degree from the American Musical & Dramatic Academy. Her professional experience includes the original revival Broadway cast of “Grease” (including several national tours), commercials and television credits. Heather returned to the Bay Area (after 10 years of working in NYC) in 1998 and worked as a resident director for CMT in San Jose for many years. She is a Bay Area native and has worked with a variety of companies, schools, and organizations, including over twenty years of directing youth theater productions.
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Our Board of Directors
Seth Northrop, Board President
Managing Director, Fortress Investment Group
Harvard Sung, Treasurer
Chief Financial & Operations Officer, The Tech Interactive
Eilis Stokes-Cerda, Secretary
Teacher, Cupertino Middle School
Kristine Grim
Library / AP Coordinator, Leigh High School
Benjamin Horwath
Head of Operations at REPROSENT
Truesten Tautolo
Administrative Supervisor, SLAM Alliance
Pamela Wilde
Senior Consultant, Gilead Sciences
Our Sponsors
