YOUTH AFTER SCHOOL
YAS! has limited openings for 2023-24
DMR is now offering transportation to many schools. Click here to inquire about YAS!
Registration for the 2023-24 Academic Year will open Soon!
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Grades K-5
The Youth After School (YAS!) program is for students currently in kindergarten through fifth grade.
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Financial Aid/Scholarships
A sliding scale is available for all families as well as the option to apply for a scholarship.
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Performing Arts Training
Enrolled students receive an award winning education from local professional teaching artists.
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Schedule Options
You choose between 1-5 days per week, based on your after-school needs.
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Bus Transportation
Transportation is available for an additional fee. New this year is a 2nd bus option as well as some car transportation.
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Get Registered!
Registration starts in May 2023 for the 2023-24 Academic School Year.
DMR Youth After School
YAS! Faculty
Jonathan Karns
Interim YAS Director/Driver
Jonathan is a local performer and choreographer in Charlottesville, VA. He has experience working with a majority of the theatres in the Charlottesville/Albemarle area during his 10+ years participating in the arts. Jonathan is currently enrolled at the University of Virginia and working towards a degree in psychology with concentrations in child psychology and play therapy.
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Read more about Jonathan
Mark Williams
Teaching Artist/YAS Assistant
Mark grew up in Charlottesville and was often seen starring onstage in every musical at CHS. He has been involved in DMR since 2018, when he assisted with our first Beauty and the Beast production. He is a vocalist for the band ‘Viberiot’ and recently worked as an outreach teaching artist with The Front Porch. You may have seen him bringing down the house in our recent Broadway and Beyond!
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Crystal Johnson
Partnership Manager/YAS Assistant
Crystal joined the DMR and YAS team last season as an educational assistant and worked with us as a camp manager over the summer. She is a wonderful mom of six kids, and has two daughters enrolled in DMR programs. Crystal works at Venable Elementary School.
Karen Schlicht
Assistant/Driver
Karen Schlicht started out costuming her daughter when she was younger and then helping out other moms. She loved it so much that she had to teach herself how to use a sewing machine. Her favorite part about costume design is trying to create that little extra special for each child. Recent theater credits in costume design was Dear Edwina at Four County Players and Frozen KIDS with DMR.
Melissa Charles
Producing Artistic Director
Melissa Charles is the Founder and Producing Artistic Director of DMR Adventures. She is a professional actor, director, choreographer, and educator, and has produced, directed and choreographed over 100 productions. A member of the Actors Equity Association (AEA) and SAG-AFTRA, she has worked as an actor in theatre, film, and television in NYC, LA and in regional theaters throughout the country.
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Read more about Melissa
Camila Nolte
YAS Assistant
Camila is a Peruvian actress, dancer, performing arts teacher for children, director, and scriptwriter of plays. At the age of 19 she moved to New York City and graduated from the Integrated Program of Musical Theater at AMDA NY "American Musical and Dramatic Academy." She is happy to be a part of DMR Adventures and continue to inspire children with art.
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Read more about Camila
Catherine Gilbert
YAS Assistant
Catherine Anne Gilbert is a graduate (summa cum laude) from George Mason University, where she received her BFA in Theater Performance. She is so excited and inspired by all of the talent at DMR. She can’t wait to watch all of these students hone their craft and have a blast!
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Read more about Catherine
Jaimee Zawierucha
YAS Assistant
Jaimee is the newest addition to the Yas! Team! While she has worked for the past 7 years in diverse marketing roles, she is a lifelong lover of the performing arts with a foundation in dancing and singing.
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Read more about Jaimee
Katie Wall
Assistant Artistic Director
Katie Wall is a recent graduate of the Viterbo University BFA Music Theatre program with a minor in Dance. She is a DMR alum, having performed in shows here as well as an alum of the YLP program.
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Read more about Katie
Xavier Taylor
Resident Music Director/Voice Instructor
Xavier Taylor is a local performer and singing teacher of everything from classical to rock. He is originally from Maryland and studied voice at New England Conservatory.
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Read more about Xavier