The MYP Story: From a Conversation to the Spotlight
The story of Maryville Young Players (MYP) began in 2007 with a simple observation: while Maryville was rich in athletic opportunities, there was a quiet gap in summer arts programming for local children.
Recognizing the transformative power of the arts—from building public speaking skills to boosting critical thinking—founders Pat Immel (Northwest Missouri State University) and Vanessa Parsons (Maryville High School) envisioned a creative alternative. They dreamed of a high-energy, cross-curricular day camp where students could produce and perform a full-scale Broadway musical in only 24 rehearsal hours.
Our Growing Legacy
What started as a "small but mighty" production of The Princess and the Pea—staged on a $600 budget with 40 students—has blossomed into a cornerstone of the Maryville community.
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2011 Expansion: To meet overwhelming demand, MYP added a second cast, doubling the opportunities for leading roles and allowing even more students to take the stage.
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A Professional Home: In 2019, MYP moved into its current home at the Lee and Nina Schneider Center for the Performing Arts at Maryville High School. This state-of-the-art facility features nearly 700 seats and professional-grade lighting and sound.
Beyond the Youth Camp: Second Stage
In 2017, we expanded our mission with MYP: Second Stage. Launched with a production of Hello Dolly, this initiative creates a classic community theater experience. It brings together MYP alumni, local families, and theater enthusiasts of all ages to share the stage in full-length productions like Annie and Oklahoma!.
Today, we average 140–150 students each summer. While our shows have grown in scale, our core mission remains the same: ensuring every child in Northwest Missouri has a place to belong, excel, and discover the magic of the theater.
Our Mission
At MYP, we believe the stage is a powerful training ground for life. The arts do more than entertain; they foster essential skills—public speaking, critical thinking, and collaborative teamwork—that are vital for future success. While extensive research shows that arts-integrated learning leads to higher academic achievement and stronger reasoning skills, our focus remains on the heart of the performer.
We recognize that every student possesses a unique set of talents and a deep-seated need for a place to belong. MYP provides that vital creative home—a welcoming summer sanctuary where young people can step into the spotlight, discover their passions, and excel within a community of peers who share their artistic drive.
Our Team
While our Board of Directors—Vanessa Parsons, Tye Parsons, Jill Baker, and Erica Wheeler—guides the vision, the heart of MYP is our incredible volunteer network. We are powered by alumni giving back, dedicated parents, and community members who believe in the arts. From costumes and set design to backstage supervision and snack time, our volunteers are the backbone of every production. Together, we bring the magic of musical theater to life for Maryville’s young performers every summer.
