6.01 A Conversation with Jason Young
This week Jimmy kicks off Season 6 as he talks with 2023 Excellence in Theatre Education Tony Award Winner Jason Young. He talks about his journey to becoming a theatre teacher, working with Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals in theatre, and his Tony Award experience.
Jason's Recommended Resources
Parents of the Kids
Meet the Director Night
Jason Young
Teacher
Jason Zembuch Young, an accomplished theatre director and educator hailing from South Plantation High School in Plantation, Florida, has been selected for the prestigious 2023 Excellence in Theatre Education Award, jointly presented by the Tony Awards and Carnegie Mellon University (CMU). With an illustrious career spanning two decades, Zembuch Young has been a beacon of inclusivity in the world of theatre, making it accessible to all audiences. His passion for empowering students from diverse backgrounds, including the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) population, has been instrumental in reshaping policies and providing opportunities for their artistic expression.
At South Plantation School, Zembuch Young manages a one-person, zero-budget theatre department that flourishes with over 150 student participants in performances each year. In addition to producing two full-length mainstage productions annually, one play and one musical, he conducts performances in both voice and American Sign Language (ASL), demonstrating his unwavering commitment to inclusivity. Furthermore, he organizes a six-week summer-stock theatre camp for elementary and middle school students, offering mentorship opportunities for high school drama students.
Zembuch Young's altruistic endeavors extend beyond the school setting. Together with his husband, Michael, he has fostered and provided a loving home for over 35 abused and underprivileged children, even facilitating the adoption of some of these foster kids. He generously offers free admission to all performances for foster fam… Read More
