Clarkston Village Players Youth Theatre was formed in 1967. It began as adults performing youth theatre productions for area youth and the first two years the plays were presented at Clarkston Junior High School. All of the proceeds went to the Clarkston Women’s Club for a new library. 

 

In 1981 Clarkston Village Players Youth Theatre found their home at the Depot Theatre, the little theatre by the railroad tracks, and became a program where area youth could experience a summer intensive program and perform on the CVP stage. CVP YT had a variety of producers and directors during the next decade and a half that followed but most notable was Marlene Sewick, who led CVP YT for 13 years and was instrumental to establishing the Pete Rose Scholarship. 

 

In1996 Donna Ellis became the permanent director and committed herself to the program for 21 consecutive summers. The kids in Clarkston could set their calendars by the youth theatre audition announcement and it's often been said "Summer isn't summer without CVP Youth Theatre." Donna created an environment of kindness, acceptance, laughter and love. She absolutely loved her CVP kids and looked as forward to summer coming every year as they did. With Carmen Padilla as her Assistant Director and Choreographer, Sean Mueller as Assistant Director and Sandra Van Gieson as Producer, Donna Ellis helped CVP Youth Theatre became what it is today. 

 

In 2017, Donna Ellis passed away and our hearts were broken. She left a legacy that will never be forgotten and traditions and memories that will live on forever. CVP YT was absolutely blessed beyond measure to have Carmen Padilla step forward and takeover as director for the next two years. Emily Dowd also came on as a Producer alongside Sandra.

 

In the spring of 2019, Sara Sanger was named the new Director. A long-time member of Clarkston Village Players with well rounded experience in the theatre arts, both on- and off-stage, Sara’s vision is to continue to grow CVP YT and provide new generations with the opportunity to experience the education and thrill of summer theatre. 

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This is a program second to none. Almost every quote our cast members give us about how they feel about their time at CVP has the word FAMILY, TEAM, FRIENDS or FUN in it. This is who we are and always will be. A huge family that grows every year. Alumni continue to come back to support current casts and current casts remain in touch throughout the year supporting one another all over the community. 

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