Jesters Theatre is a safe place to love theatre.
Jesters Theatre is a non-profit Christian organization with the aim to develop youth in all areas of their lives through the joy of theatre. Feel free to click around on our site to find out about our programs and more about us. Jesters Theatre is a part of the Youth Unlimited family. Find out more at YOUTH UNLIMITED
Since 2011, we have been working with kids and teens from Mission and throughout the Fraser Valley, providing a community that supports their creative development and God-given talents. We run multiple programs through the year that have included Summer Camps, Dance Classes, Writing Workshops, Leadership Development Training, and an annual, full scale Production for which we pull out all the stops.
Since its inception, Jesters has raised thousands of dollars for organizations such as the Food Bank, Mission Youth House, Food for the Hungry, The Elevation Project, Operation Christmas Child, Cherub’s Inn and more. One of our goals is to inspire a passion in our youth for helping their neighbours, and showing love in the same way Christ loves us.
All skill and interest levels are welcome here. No matter which path these youth take in their future, at the end of the day, the self confidence and strength of identity that comes from engaging in the Jesters Theatre community produces positive, transferable skills that benefit our kids in all areas of their lives.
Who do we serve?
We serve youth grades 3-12 in our Summer camps and accept students in grades 4-12 for our Main Stage (Fall/Winter) program.
Spring programs are rotated annually and are available to specific age groups of youth. For example, Jesters Sr. is geared towards senior high-school youth through age 25, and Spring Improv designed for grades 7-12.
What are our Goals?
To provide a safe place…
…to learn about and experience the love of Christ
…for developing leaders to grow
…for personal expression through the performing arts
…to engage in and give back to the broader community
…to belong and be celebrated
Where is Jesters Theatre?
We are located at Cedar Valley Church at 32860 Cherry Ave Mission BC
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Jesters Theatre Permanent Staff
Ryan Scramstad: Artistic Director
Ryan comes from a background in professional acting and youth leadership. He is thrilled to be part of the Jesters team, where he gets to combine these two big passions God has put on his life. Ryan holds a Bachelor’s in Performing Arts and also completed the apprenticeship program at Pacific Theatre in Vancouver. He loves helping youth see their own inherent value, and believes the performing arts is one of the best tools in which to do that. Jesus didn’t put anyone here by mistake, and fostering the creative sense inside of yourself is useful in any area of life. Ryan is also an avid board gamer and enjoys throwing down the gauntlet to all would-be challengers.
Michelle Tydeman: Admin. & Community Engagement
Michelle came to Jesters to share her love of people, diversity, and community engagement. She enjoys working with youth and helping create opportunities for them to experience how special they have been created. Despite having two left feet and no Improv capabilities herself, Michelle loves the inclusiveness that Jesters promotes within the group and is encouraged by sharing God-stories with the youth. A mother of three and a daughter-by-marriage, and wife to her best friend Pat, Michelle is a self-proclaimed extroverted-introvert who loves comical surprises, Aha moments and seeing the world through the eyes of a child.
Jesters Theatre is operated by Greater Vancouver Youth Unlimited:
“Connecting Youth. Transforming Lives”
We see the hope and potential in every young person we meet and reach through community specific programs. We’re committed to extending Christ’s love to youth who otherwise are falling through the cracks in Greater Vancouver. Our purpose is to see these young lives transformed through relationships. It all starts with connection, the moment when a young person meets a Youth Unlimited youth worker who will be there for them for the long haul.
Motivated by our faith, we believe that transformed youth have the opportunity to transform communities, our country, and the world. We engage and equip youth to know and follow Jesus.
Youth Unlimited Website