There are many ways to discover what’s happening at the Y-ARTS program at the Boothbay Region YMCA. The fun Facebook page. News articles. Program flyers. Show posters. Inspirational—and highly adorable—photos in press releases and social blasts. Y-ARTS is such an integral part of our local life that it’s likely not a surprise to see a young painted face, a smiling child in costume, a teen on stage. In fact, the Y-ARTS is so present in our collective citizenry that we may not be able to see this program as unique. How few rural communities have such a vibrant performing arts program. How our Boothbay region visual and performing arts programs offer music, drama, set design, team building, and national exposure to youth and adults alike. Not to mention the elevated live performances we’re able to enjoy for a modest ticket price. So many are thankful for the Y-ARTS opportunities and performances, but how did we get here? 

Almost from the time of its North American inception at the Old South Church in Boston on December 29, 1851, the YMCA has been engaged with the arts in many forms. Still, it wasn’t until 1998 that the YMCA of the USA formally established the national program of arts and humanities. This formal inclusion enabled a spotlight to be cast onto the connection between youth development and the arts. Imagination, critical thinking, reverence for storytelling, public and team-based communication, and social skills were what arts programming fostered then, and it is no different today. But the Y-ARTS program of the Boothbay region is special, and our region takes pride in it. There is a beating heart to our local program. An unstoppable force of creativity. And while much of our focus is on the talented actors of all ages who brings stories to life on stage, it’s the people working behind the scenes that have connected our region to arts in such a strong way. 

Not long after the YMCA of the USA established the link between art and healthy development, then-Executive Director, Mike Harrison established the Y-ARTS program in Boothbay, recruiting Ginny Bishop to serve as the first director of the program. She began with intention and heart and assembled a choir of 117 students, who had the honor to perform in 2001 at the YUSA’s General Assembly in Georgia, which was celebrating 150 years. Ginny quickly expanded the program and its impact by adding music theater to include young actors, musicians, and set designers. Ginny’s daughter Emily was enrolled early on and came up through Y-ARTS programming as she sang and danced and performed with her peers. Today, Emily heads the Y-ARTS program and brings her second-generation insight, compassion, and heart to each performance, each preparation. Emily Mirabile began working for the Y 18 years ago when she directed the Music Theater Camp productions. Since then, she’s directed over 80 productions. Of the experience, Emily shares, “Directing the youth of our community in so many shows seems a tad surreal but it has been such a blessing to watch so many of them grow through the program. After nearly two decades of programming, so many of my students are now grown and getting married. It is such a joy to see how the arts have helped them grow into confident, awesome young adults.” Emily knows first-hand how Y-ARTS grows aspirations in youth. As a child, her earliest memory of the program was a trip to New Orleans to perform at the YMCA assembly. There, she got to see Mr. Rogers and the music group Peter, Paul and Mary and performed on stage with her peers in front of the assembly. Enriching experiences like these help participants feel the impact of art and performers on a global scale.  

“We’re so fortunate to have Emily continuing the human-centered approach of the Y-ARTS program,” said CEO Andy Hamblett, “older kids help younger kids with lines and performances. There’s audience participation. Parents assist with costume changes. It’s really a production of community involvement with Emily’s passion at its heart.” Over the years, the Y-ARTS program has expanded considerably, but the core of the offerings remain the same. Emily’s future plans for the program are simple and are best described in her words: “Continue to provide a safe place for our youth to express their creative side. The arts are so important!” To be part of the magic, consider joining 38 local youth performers for one of the first New England productions of “Elephant and Piggie JR,” Oct. 17 and 18 at 5 p.m. at the historic Lincoln Theater in Damariscotta.  

Ginny Bishop will be in the audience to support her daughter Emily and her two grandchildren, demonstrating the lasting intergenerational impact this program has on local families and our community.