Youth Inspirations Theatre (YIT) is a nonprofit performing arts school located near the Noblesville-Fishers border. Founded in 2017 by Julie Nottingham, the goal was to provide a family-enriched atmosphere to educate and empower children’s lives through performing arts.
Nottingham is a Butler graduate with a degree in vocal and general music education. She has performed professionally throughout the Midwest and directed at several other companies. In addition, she has taught elementary music, and started a voice and piano studio in 2007. Nottingham has a passion for growing students’ confidence and self-worth as well as true education in performing arts.
YIT offers a wide variety of classes including dance, acting and music lessons. The team puts on six major productions each year. Classes are open to students aged 4 to 18, and participants don’t need any experience or formal training to register. The shows are segmented by age so students feel comfortable interacting with their peers and can collaborate in a comfortable environment. This summer YIT is putting on their first production with both adults and children, “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” which will be performed at the end of July. Registration is now open to the public at yitindy.org.
Summer camps have become very popular at YIT. Each camp is a week long, and kids can expand their knowledge and love for musical theater. At the end of the week the students have a mini performance on stage. These camps focus on music and theater education, which are linked to overall higher learning ability in school and social settings. Camps are broken down by age and the kids learn all aspects of a musical production. This summer they are excited to offer “Inside Out,” “Barbie,” “Daniel the Tiger,” “Legally Blonde” and “Toy Story.”
Opening productions for the 2024-2025 season will be “Annie” and “Frozen,” which will be performed in November and December. These productions will be open for registration in mid-April and there is limited space available. There is a maximum size of 30 or 40 students, so the directing staff can truly know and grow each student.
Productions are open to the public for attendance. This is a cost-effective way to introduce young children to the performing arts. You can purchase tickets to any of the plays and see for yourself how much fun students have as part of the YIT family.
