The Bellevue Youth Theatre is dedicated to providing theater arts opportunities for all young people, regardless of income or ability. The Theatre stages quality productions that are both entertaining and socially relevant.
BYT Programs
BYT blends the wisdom of children with the youthful enthusiasm of seniors. People with disabilities, families and senior citizens are encouraged to participate. (All adult participants are required to have a background check on file at the theater, which is good for one calendar year.)
If you audition, we will find a place for you on stage. Acting is not the only area open to participants either. There are places here for people interested in set design and construction, lighting design and operation, costuming or stage crew. No prior experience is required. The staff and volunteers will gladly assist you in your area of choice.
The Bellevue Youth Theatre Foundation supports our program through a variety of fundraising activities. BYTF provides needed items for the theatre not covered in the budget. They also bring in artists and designers.
BYT Building
In 2015, the new theatre at Crossroads International Park opened. The new facility is the first arena studio theatre. This state-of-the-art facility introduced a new era in the program. Bellevue Youth Theatre continues to leave a legacy of future educators, engineers, artists, and other valued community members who will embrace the arts. The facility was certified as a Gold LEED Building with features such as a grass roof, recycled materials, and advanced energy conservation. The building also included Bellevue’s first amphitheater, state of the art technology, and a video wall. The program currently produces 11 main stage productions, as well as theatre day camps, classes, and student projects.
Mission & Vision Statement
Mission
BYT's mission is to provide opportunities in the performing arts for all young people, regardless of income or ability, and allow them to perform before a live audience. At the same time, the theater provides the community with quality productions, which are both entertaining and socially relevant for the entire family.
Vision
BYT will continue to serve its target group of middle- and high-school students through a theater program that involves the broader community in a safe, welcoming environment that removes barriers to participation.
From I-405, take the NE 8th Street exit going east. Turn left onto 160th Avenue NE (at blinking yellow light). Follow street back into the Crossroads Community Center/BYT parking lot.
From SR-520, take the 148th Street exit. Turn south from the off ramp. Follow 148th, turn left on onto NE 8th Street. Turn left onto 160th Avenue NE (blinking yellow light). Follow street back into the Crossroads Community Center/BYT parking lot.
Call 425-452-7155 before travelling to Bellevue Youth Theatre to ensure the facility is open.
In the event of inclement weather, the Parks & Community Services Department will make every effort to communicate the status of facilities and programs, special events and rentals. Administration will decide whether to cancel a program or close a facility based upon the safety of participants and employees and the ability to appropriately staff programs and facilities.
As a general rule, if the Bellevue School District is closed due to a weather event, Parks & Community Services Department classes and programs will be cancelled for the entire day. However, this doesn't always apply to BYT. Please call us to check the status of our afternoon/evening activities. If the Bellevue School District is on a delayed schedule, call the facility for an updated status report. Select facilities may be open for drop-in activities at a modified level. If you are unable to reach the facility, call the Parks & Community Services Department's general information number at 425-452-6885. Inclement weather can affect park use and trail conditions. Please use caution when visiting park sites during poor weather, as trails and other park facilities may become wet and slippery. Park trails may be closed.