Press Releases

“What’s it Like to…?” Young Americans Will Get a Chance to Ask Those Intriguing Questions of Alumni Stars and Professionals through Online Event Series;
Tony Award winning Broadway Director Kicks off Q&A with Students August 20^th

Ninety-minute, online meetings aim to give students an intimate and realistic look into professions they may dream of pursuing.

PRESS RELEASE
Contact: Brian Debreceni
951.493.6753 Ext. 118
info@youngamericans.org

CORONA, CALIFORNIA – August 17, 2020 – Dreams of an exciting and successful future are the motivators for many students considering careers in the performing arts. Unfortunately, students have few opportunities to hear candid advice from successful professionals who have made their marks in these fields and who have enjoyed financial stability from their craft.

With that in mind, The Young Americans College of the Performing Arts (yacollege.edu) is introducing an exclusive series of intimate 90-minute, online meetings with several of today’s most successful directors, writers, and music editors free for students at The Young Americans College of the Performing Arts.

Marc Cherry, a Young American from 1979 to 1981, has volunteered to moderate the event series. Mr. Cherry, a writer for The Golden Girls and creator of Desperate Housewives, is currently the Creator/Showrunner of Why Women Kill with Imagine Television and CBS All Access. Click here to view his full biography.

Mr. Cherry’s first guest is two-time Tony Award winning Broadway director and choreographer Jerry Mitchell – a Young American in 1977 and 1978 – hosted via Zoom on Tuesday, August 20, at 6:00PM, PST.

“The Young Americans gave me my first glimpse into the world of professional theater and the possibilities that await young people who have talent, drive, and passion,” said Mitchell, “I am so delighted to have a chance to show this newest generation what possibilities await them!”

Mr.Mitchell was most recently represented on Broadway as Director/Choreographer of Pretty Woman, now playing in the West End. Click here to view his full biography.

“We know from experience how hard it can be for young people to form a clear picture of the opportunities – and the challenges – they will face in their career paths,” said Young Americans College CEO Andy Luna. “This Zoom meeting series will provide a realistic view, straight from alumni who currently earn their living in the performing arts and music education. Students will have an opportunity to ask questions and get honest answers from professionals in their fields.”

Rooted in an exceptionally well-regarded program of arts education, travel, study, and personal development, the private fully accredited college has created an experience like no other, with both a certificate and Associate of Arts offering that has traditionally included performance and travel as well as a strong faculty and alumni network.

For more information please contact Brian Debreceni, 951-493-6753 Ext. 118

Check Here for the Latest News happening in The Young Americans and the Lives we touch.

The Young Americans Organization Elects New President as Students Return to Conservatory-Style Online Curriculum (August 13, 2020)

The Young Americans Organization Elects New President as Students Return to Conservatory-Style Online Curriculum
New Board President Kenny Morris is an Internationally Recognized Figure

PRESS RELEASE
Contact: Brian Debreceni
951.493.6753 Ext. 118
info@youngamericans.org

CORONA, CALIFORNIA – August 13, 2020 – The Young Americans Organization is pleased to announce Kenny Morris, Co-Founder and President of the nonprofit Frederick Douglass Family Initiatives (FDFI), has been named Board President.

Kenny is the great-great-great-grandson of Frederick Douglass and the great-great-grandson of Booker T. Washington; two legendary names in American history. CEO Andy Luna says, “Kenny has a well-earned international reputation in leadership and generosity. We know he is anxious to contribute further to the success of The Young Americans College of the Performing Arts, and we are exceedingly grateful to Kenny for his commitment.”

Prior to co-founding FDFI, Kenny was a partner at C&A Marketing. He has been a member of the board of directors for Kaleidoscope Arts Factory, a nonprofit performing arts organization for children in Corona, California; the Booker T. Washington Family Committee; and the Dean’s Advisory Committee at the University of La Verne. Kenny is currently a director of the Frederick Douglass Ireland Project; an ambassador for the nonprofit organization, Human Rights First; and was appointed in 2017 by Nancy Pelosi, then Democratic Leader of the House of Representatives, to the Frederick Douglass Bicentennial Commission, where he serves as Commission Chair.

“I was a New Kid in 1980,” said Morris. “I met my wife of 36 years, Diana, in the group, and our older daughter, Jenna, was a New Kid in 2015. The Young Americans changed the trajectory of my life and that of my family. I would have never imagined, 40 years later, that I would have the honor and privilege to help guide this organization into the future.”

Luna also acknowledged the organization’s gratitude to immediate past president, Phil Lisle, stating, “Phil’s tenure as president has been marked by his great generosity of spirit and tremendous practical work on behalf of the organization.”

Along with Kenny, the board leadership currently includes Phil Lisle (Immediate Past President), Leif Green (Vice president), Drew McGarity (Treasurer), and Carol P. Schaner (Secretary).

About The Young Americans
The Young Americans, founded in 1962, is a charitable organization dedicated to the promotion of understanding and goodwill among people throughout the world through music, dance, performance, academic education, and cultural interaction among Student Members and their audiences. Rooted in that exceptionally well-regarded program, the private The Young Americans College has created an experience like no other, with both a certificate and Associate of Arts offering that has traditionally included performance and travel, as well as a strong faculty and alumni network.

Alumni include veteran stage directors, composures, choreographers, and performers from shows such as Billy Elliott, Frozen, Hairspray, Kinky Boots, Phantom of the Opera, The Cher Show, The Wiz; Wicked; and film and TV writers, producers, actors and actresses associated with the likes of Cheers, Desperate Housewives, General Hospital, Melrose Place, The Facts of Life, Will and Grace, as well as vocalists, musicians, technicians and business experts across the entertainment spectrum.

For more information, visit youngamericans.org or call Brian Debreceni, 951-493-6753 Ext. 118

Singing, Studying and Practicing their Craft – Students at The Young Americans College of the Performing Arts are Hard at Work! (August 11, 2020)

Singing, Studying and Practicing their Craft – Students at The Young Americans College of the Performing Arts are Hard at Work!
Rich, experiential program resumed August 10^th

PRESS RELEASE
Contact: Brian Debreceni
951.493.6753 Ext. 118
info@youngamericans.or

CORONA, CALIFORNIA – August 11, 2020 –At last, music theory, chorale, and studying are in high gear at The Young Americans College of the Performing Arts which resumed its conservatory style programs yesterday with online classes for its diverse and committed student body. Finally, after a too-long COVID-pause, the school’s troupe of dedicated educators is back doing what they do best: honing talents in music, the performing arts, and traditional academics.

“Like nearly every institution of higher ed in the US, we’ve faced a roller-coaster ride of challenges this year, but now the students, the faculty, and the staff are back in sync,” said CEO Andy Luna. “Everyone has been anxious to move ahead, but we needed to invest the time to make sure we could do it safely, in the most appropriate way.”

Course offerings range from Music Theory to Master Chorale; and Intro to Acting to Audition Techniques. ‘Breadth of Knowledge’ classes complete the college experience leading to an Associate of Arts Degree in Performing Arts. Certificate programs are also available.

“This is the moment we’ve been waiting for,” said Luna. He added, “I know our parents and alumni are cheering us on.”

About The Young Americans:
The Young Americans, founded in 1962, is a charitable organization dedicated to the promotion of understanding and goodwill among people throughout the world through music, dance, performance, academic education, and cultural interaction among student members and their audiences. Rooted in that exceptionally well-regarded organization is the private, post-secondary education division called The Young Americans College of the Performing Arts. The College has created an experience like no other, with both an Associate of Arts and certificate programs that has traditionally included performance and travel, as well as a strong faculty and alumni network.

Alumni include: veteran stage directors, composers, choreographers and performers from shows such as Billy Elliott, The Cher Show, Frozen, Hairspray, Kinky Boots, Phantom of the Opera, Wicked, and The Wiz; film and TV writers, producers, actors and actresses associated with the likes of Cheers, Desperate Housewives, The Facts of Life, General Hospital, Melrose Place, and Will and Grace; as well as vocalists, musicians, technicians and business experts across the entertainment spectrum.

For more information visit yacollege.edu or call Brian Debreceni, 951-493-6753 Ext. 118.

Back by Popular Demand: The Young Americans College of the Performing Arts Reopens for Students (July 24, 2020)

Back by Popular Demand: The Young Americans College of the Performing Arts Reopens for Students
Online and Live-Remote Classes Start August 10^th

PRESS RELEASE
Contact: Brian Debreceni
951.493.6753 Ext. 118
info@youngamericans.org

CORONA, CALIFORNIA – July 24, 2020– August 10^th cannot come fast enough for those students interested in music, performing arts and academics. This is when The Young Americans College of the Performing Arts (yacollege.edu) reopens, bringing back opportunity for students to further their education and make the most of their chances for advancement in the arts.

The Young Americans College of the Performing Arts, has always worked hard to provide cast members of The Young Americans with a program of study that reinforces the Young Americans’ experience of innovative and creative learning along with academic rigor that advances artistry and leadership.

Like every other one of the more than 4000 institutions of higher ed in the US, 2020 has been an extremely challenging year. Each institution has had to navigate the challenges of COVID-19 and many specific government mandates, keeping in mind the safety and well-being of students and faculty while still striving to create unique educational opportunities. The Young Americans College, which offers an Associate of Arts Degree in Performing Arts, is no different but has used recent months to reimagine its vibrant program and implement online and live-remote classes designed to closely match its traditional in-person experience as the region, the nation, and the world continues to seek paths past the pandemic.

“August 10 will be a very happy day for us,” said CEO Andy Luna. “We have heard from so many students anxious to move ahead, yet mindful of the need to do so safely. We can finally do just that and looking forward to helping students have the unique Young Americans conservatory style program of study,” he added.

The compressed schedule leading up to August 10, means interested students need to contact the college immediately to ensure their place, he noted. The admissions web site is at https://yacollege.edu/auditions-admissions/

Rooted in an exceptionally well-regarded program of arts education, travel, study, and personal development begun in 1962 by founder Milton C. Anderson, the private college has created an experience like no other, with both a certificate and Associate of Arts offering that has traditionally included performance and travel as well as a strong faculty and alumni network.

For more information please contact: Brian Debreceni: 951-493-6753 Ext. 118

Andrés Luna, II Appointed New CEO of The Young Americans (7.10.2020)

Andrés Luna, II Appointed New CEO of The Young Americans

PRESS RELEASE
Contact: Brian Debreceni
951.493.6753 Ext. 118
info@youngamericans.org

CORONA, CALIFORNIA – July 7, 2020– The Young Americans announced its Board of Directors has unanimously selected Andrés Luna, II as the organization’s CEO effective July 1, 2020. He succeeds interim CEO Katiina Dull, who recently resigned.

A San Bernardino native, Mr. Luna has a successful 35-year track record in music and education with experience in innovative practices with increasing duties and responsibilities from the classroom to the district office administrator. For nearly 20 years Andy served as Director of Choral Music at Dwight D. Eisenhower High School followed by leadership roles as Assistant Principal, Principal, Director of Special Programs, and finally Senior Director of Secondary Education all at Rialto Unified School District.

Mr. Luna is gifted at creating and monitoring policies and practices that promote diversity, a safe learning atmosphere, and helping cultivate an innovative environment that encourages open communication with colleagues, students, parents, and the community. He has a passion for nurturing and helping young people to develop their talents and overcome obstacles and achieve their personal pursuits.

Andy graduated from California State University, San Bernardino in 1984 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education and Voice Performance as well as graduate studies. In 1998 he earned a Master of Arts degree in Choral Conducting and Music Education at California State University, Fullerton, and a Master of Arts in Educational Administration at Azusa Pacific University in 2000.

We believe that Andy will be a strong leader for The Young Americans as it continues to inspire young people and audiences around the world,” says Phil Lisle, Board President. “Andy immediately stood out as someone who has deep experience in executive leadership, music education, and in bringing organizational transformation that will help move the group into the future stronger than ever.

As a former educator, administrator and performer with The Young Americans (New Kid ’77), I am excited to have the opportunity to finally give back to an institution that has helped shape who I am today,” remarked Luna. “I’m confident my experience and talents can help strengthen and improve this beloved organization, building upon the traditions of our founder, Milton C. Anderson, to continue its proud traditions and worldwide impact for years to come.”

For more information please contact: Brian Debreceni: 951-493-6753 Ext. 118

We know these are uncertain times for many people, just as they are uncertain for The Young Americans.

If you are able to, please consider making a donation to help us endure this crisis.

DONATE HERE