The Road to Success

Ben Apodaca was 12 years old when he first joined YES Company as a cast member in The Wiz (1996).  During a brief absence from the company, Ben battled with his share of teen troubles.  “I had been going down the wrong path,” said Ben.  He was involved in what he referred to as “a dangerous lifestyle,” going through a very difficult time with his family and being influenced by the wrong crowds. 

He returned to YES Company in 1998 as a lead performer in "West Side Story," and again took the lead in the 2001 YES production of "The Music Man."  Ben credits his experiences in YES Company in helping him develop his character, both on and off the stage.  “It gave me an outlet for my creativity and for the stress of everyday life,” he said, “and it really taught me what was important.” 

Ben is passionate about performing and passionate about YES Company.  He said the program not only increased his confidence and provided him with professional and peer mentors, but also inspired lasting friendships.  “Melanee Wyatt [creator and director of YES] has been there for me not just as a director, but also as a friend,” he said.  “She has helped me out in every aspect of my life.”  He also noted that other cast members, crew and staff have made permanent impressions on him, offering him strength, inspiration and love.

In addition to theatrical and personal development, YES Company provides students with skills necessary to succeed in the workplace.  Now 19, Ben recently landed a management position with Starbucks and said that the abilities he acquired through YES Company are central to his success, both personally and professionally.  “I wouldn’t be where I am at all if it weren’t for YES Company,” he said.

In addition to the summer production, YES Company also offers several performing arts activities throughout the school year, including:

      YES KIDS – this performance program is designed for elementary-aged students; 

YES GRADS – YES Company alumnae serve as fundraising performers and
       mentors;

YES Storytellers – YES participants reach out to pre-school and elementary
      school students, encouraging literacy and cross-age mentoring;

Project ALIVE (Arts Leading Into Vital Education) – YES participants use visual
     and performing arts to provide tobacco education and awareness

YES Ambassadors – YES speakers and performers attend state and local
      functions/conferences;

YES Company Realities – through the performing arts, YES participants
      encourage education and awareness of teen issues; and,

YES Mentors – YES alumnae mentor/train YES KIDS and other youth in
      performance activities.

The positive influences of YES Company can be seen in a recent survey of current members and alumni:

53.4% recognized an improvement in their grades;
69.0% said they became more involved in school activities;
94.8% noted improvement in their communication skills;
63.8% noted improvement in communication with parents; 
51.7% said they changed their attitudes toward drug, alcohol and tobacco use;
79.3% reported feeling confident when interviewing for a job; and,
93.1% plan to attend college.