The George Daily Auditorium is a non-profit organization in Oskaloosa which runs a full season of professional programming. In addition to these shows, the auditorium also serves as a performance venue for school musical and theatrical productions.
Daily Youth Theatre is a program provided by the George Daily Auditorium to serve the youth in the area. We strongly believe in the power of theatre to improve and change lives, particularly with young people. Through Stage Academy and Summer Theatre Camp, we introduce children and teens to theatre, foster personal growth, help develop new talents and relationships, and build self-esteem and communication skills (all while having fun!).
Youth Theatre Director Katy Ottosson Nye is a native of Oskaloosa and has been involved with the George Daily Auditorium for years. She developed her deep passion for theatre while attending Oskaloosa High School, where she studied under Randy Wright and received over a dozen honors and awards for her work in the drama department. After her graduation in 2005, she served as a high school intern at Summer Theatre Camp, and was introduced to youth theatre at the Daily.
Katy returned to the Daily after college and has enjoyed immense success here with DYT. The program has shattered previous records for participation and audience attendance during the last year, and reached a milestone of producing its first-ever auditioned show! Katy has also worked as a member of the technical crews for 15 national touring shows, and has studied theatre and childhood development in higher education.
Katy's assistant director is Zach Atha, who is in his second year working with Katy and DYT. Zach was a counselor for 2010's summer camp and assisted Katy with all Stage Academy productions during the school year. He was first introduced to theatre by the Daily's summer program, and has been performing in Oskaloosa and at the GDA for over nine years. Zach is currently a member of the auditorium's technical crew, as well as OHS's Storybook Players and Thespian Troupe 228.
This summer will also be Jana Latchaw's second season with DYT. In addition to serving as a counselor during our 2010 summer camp, Jana worked Stage Academy's spring 2011 session. When she was young, Jana was a regular participant in the Daily's summer program, and has now been performing on stage for over nine years. Jana is a member of the Daily tech crew and OHS drama department, and had a supporting role on MCG's "The Old College Try" last fall.
Katy, Zach and Jana had an immensely successful summer in 2010, almost doubling the previous year's enrollment and audience attendance. Building off that momentum, DYT was able to begin Stage Academy, our year-round program in the fall of 2010. Then in the spring of 2011, Stage Academy expanded to include Act II, an auditioned show for more experienced and advanced actors.
Now, for our 2011 summer theatre camp, we are happily adding to our staff: Lucas Trainer, an Osky native who is currently attending Simpson College, will be serving as a counselor as well! Lucas participated in drama while a student at OHS, and is studying to be a fine arts educator. He has extensive experience working with children, and last summer he volunteered over 50 hours to DYT productions and activities. We're very excited to have him on board with us full-time for our summer season.
We are thrilled with the success Daily Youth Theatre has seen and the tremendous support we've received from parents and the community! We're looking forward to an incredible summer!
