Nearly 60 students and community members began the Broadway Utica Youth Ambassador Program and Full Circle season by sharing a meal and conversation before a performance of “The Wiz.” With students representing more than 14 school districts, the gathering gave local young people a chance to meet peers and older neighbors through a shared interest in theater.
Broadway Utica described the kickoff in an Oct. 2 announcement. Participants learned about theater and arts history before taking their seats, beginning a season built around performances, learning and relationships across the community.
The organization credits Bank of Utica with supporting the Youth Ambassador Program and Excellus BlueCross BlueShield with supporting Full Circle. Together, the programs connect young people with opportunities to explore the arts and with adults willing to share their experiences.
Additionally, the Broadway Utica Youth Ambassador Program fosters connections and provides invaluable experiences for youth in the community.
A year of learning through the arts
The Bernadette A. Eichler Youth Ambassador Program, known as YAP, is entering its 15th year. It serves local high school juniors and seniors through a year-long combination of arts education, leadership and community involvement.
Selected students receive a subscription to Broadway Utica’s 2026–2027 season at The Stanley Theatre. Their participation also includes meeting cast members, crew, directors, other theater professionals and local community leaders. Students write reviews after shows and take part in community service.
Those activities give participants several ways to explore an interest: observing a production, asking people about their work, putting reactions into writing and contributing time to the community. The program’s stated goals include helping students develop confidence, leadership skills and a stronger understanding of the performing arts.
There is also support for education beyond high school. Senior ambassadors may be eligible for the Linda Leogrande Youth Ambassador Scholarship. Broadway Utica reports that the fund has awarded $9,075 since 2020.
Making room for friendships across generations
Full Circle, now in its third season, pairs local seniors with Youth Ambassador participants. The program uses live theater as an occasion to exchange stories and perspectives before performances.
For older participants, the gatherings offer a way to share their enthusiasm for Broadway with local students. For students, they provide opportunities to hear about lives and experiences beyond their own school and immediate circle. The format gives both generations a recurring reason to meet and continue their conversations throughout the season.
Full Circle gatherings take place on the second floor of The Stanley Theatre before performances. Broadway Utica says elevator access is available, although participants should be comfortable walking short distances within the building.
A participant’s perspective: “Very inspiring”
David Laguerre, the author of this article, and his wife, Michelle Laguerre, have participated in Full Circle for the past few years. For David, the conversations with students are as meaningful as the performances themselves.
“It’s a great program,” Laguerre said. “Seeing the kids and the enthusiasm for the arts and theater, and talking to them about what their plans are for the future. It’s actually very inspiring to see all the young talent.”
He said he believes some of those young people will become accomplished artists. He has also been impressed by the range of careers students are considering alongside theater. In their conversations, students have spoken about becoming doctors, lawyers and pursuing other professions if they choose a different path.
For seniors, Laguerre said, those exchanges offer a chance to understand young people’s interests, ambitions, likes and dislikes. Sitting together and talking gives older participants a more personal perspective on a generation they might otherwise have fewer opportunities to get to know.
“I personally recommend the program,” he said. “I think it’s great for seniors, age-wise, to get a chance to talk to the kids and relate with them.”
Laguerre also encourages school districts that do not currently participate to learn more about the Youth Ambassador Program and consider whether it could benefit their eligible students.
“If you’re reading this and you’re part of a school district that doesn’t participate, I think you should look into it,” he said. “I think it would be a great thing for eligible students.”
From “Kinky Boots” to “The Wiz”
The last two productions David and Michelle saw through the program were “Kinky Boots” and “The Wiz.” David described both as amazing shows, with “The Wiz” making a particularly strong impression on the students he observed.
“Looks like the kids really enjoyed ‘The Wiz’ a lot,” Laguerre said. “Some of the best singing I’ve heard in a long time.”
He praised the show’s humor, songs and cast performances. The experience, he said, also reaches beyond what happens onstage.
According to Laguerre, for most shows, students have an opportunity to meet performers and ask questions. Those conversations can cover life on the road, the work of practicing and preparing, the profession’s ups and downs, and the thrill of performing in front of an audience. For students considering a future in theater, he sees those exchanges as a valuable chance to hear directly from people doing the work.
For Laguerre, the combination of live performances, access to theater professionals and friendships across generations makes the program a good-news story worth sharing.
“I hope this program runs for a long time,” he said. “I will keep going back and trying to talk to kids and inspire them in the future.”
Following the programs
As of Oct. 19, applications for the current Youth Ambassador season are closed, and Full Circle’s program page says it is full. Residents interested in future participation can follow the program pages or contact Kristen Matteson at Kristen@broadwayutica.org with questions.
The season’s opening gathering offers a concrete example of local arts organizations bringing people together: students from different districts sharing a table, seniors joining the conversation and a familiar downtown theater giving those new connections a place to grow.
Image disclosure: The cover and accompanying image are AI-generated editorial illustrations by Utica Phoenix. They symbolize intergenerational theater connections and do not depict actual Broadway Utica participants or The Stanley Theatre.
