Yocum Institute for Arts Education

09/03/2026

Calling All Yocum Dancers!

If you’re registered for our upcoming dance season, be sure to stop by our annual Meet Me, Size Me Open House next Wednesday, September 9, from 4:30-6:00 PM!

Come check out our studios, meet our amazing team of dance instructors, and get sized for any shoes or apparel you’ll need for the semester. It’s a great opportunity to get ready for another exciting season of dance at Yocum Institute!

Not registered yet? There’s still time! Register today and join us for the 2026–27 dance season.
Learn more and register:
https://www.hisawyer.com/yocum-institute-for-arts-education/schedules?category_id%5B%5D=1&ageGradeFilterTab=age_ranges%5B%5D

Join us for our annual MEET ME, SIZE ME event on WEDNESDAY, SEPT 9th from 4:30-6:00 PM! 🩰

Check out our beautiful facility, meet our amazing team, and get sized for any shoes or apparel needed for the Fall semester. We’re excited to meet you!

Fall Registration is NOW OPEN! ✅
Classes begin Monday, September 14th!

08/26/2026

Important Building Closure Notice

Yocum Institute for Arts Education will be closed to the public beginning Wednesday, August 26 at 1:00 PM through Thursday, August 27.

During this time, our cleaning team will be stripping and waxing the vinyl flooring throughout our public areas, classrooms, and many offices. The building will not be accessible during this process, as walking on the newly finished floors could damage them.

Staff will work from home Wednesday afternoon and Thursday, should you need to reach anyone.

PLEASE NOTE: Karate classes may continue as scheduled, as the martial arts program has a separate entrance and restroom.

We appreciate your understanding while we give our floors a little TLC!

08/25/2026

🎭 Calling All Young Performers!

There are still openings for Yocum Institute’s Performance Workshop of Seussical KIDS! Young aspiring performers ages 7–14 are invited to jump into the fantastical worlds of Dr. Seuss and bring this beloved story to life on stage.

From the Jungle of Nool to Circus McGurkus, students will follow the Cat in the Hat as he tells the story of Horton, Jojo, Gertrude McFuzz, and the unforgettable characters who learn about friendship, loyalty, family, and community.

This tuition-based workshop is designed to help young performers build confidence while developing skills in acting, stage movement, characterization, and performance. Students will participate in two 1.5-hour rehearsals each week and work toward two exciting live performances!

📅 Workshop: September 1–November 5
🎭 Performances: Friday, November 6 & Saturday, November 7
👧 Ages: 7–14
💰 Tuition: $225 | $215 for Yocum Members
👕 Tuition includes a FREE T-shirt!

Whether your child is new to theater or already loves performing, this is a wonderful opportunity to learn, grow, make friends, and take the stage!

Spots are still available...fore more information and to register, please visit: https://www.hisawyer.com/yocum-institute-for-arts-education/schedules/activity-set/1948905

Not a Yocum member? Join today to receive discounts on classes and workshops, plus other great member perks!
https://www.yocuminstitute.org/memberships

08/21/2026

Just ONE WEEK LEFT to experience the incredible talent of Berks County’s student photographers!

The Berks in Focus: Symphony of a Thousand Images student photography exhibition is on display in the Holleran Gallery at Yocum Institute through August 28. This post features just a few examples of the amazing work created by local students...there’s so much more to see!

Can’t make it to Yocum? The exhibition is traveling throughout Berks County, with additional locations on display through October 10. Check out the final slide for the full exhibition schedule and locations, and make plans to see these talented young photographers in action.

08/20/2026

We love our AOM Dancers!💜

08/20/2026

We’re just over two weeks away from the opening of Yocum Institute’s next exhibition, "Sort of Wind" by Syrian-born artist Nasr Warour.

On view September 4-October 9 in the Holleran Gallery, this captivating exhibition marks Warour’s North American exhibition debut and brings together more than three decades of multidisciplinary work spanning painting, sculpture, photography, and image-making.

Through an ethereal blend of abstraction, figuration, contour, and movement, Warour explores the subtle, unseen forces that shape our lives...from memory and relationships to movement and transformation. It’s an invitation to pause, reflect, and consider the many “winds” that influence the human experience.

Join us for a FREE Artist Reception
Friday, October 2 | 5:00–8:00 PM
Yocum Institute’s Holleran Gallery
Meet the artist, experience the exhibition, and enjoy an evening of art, conversation, and community. Admission is free and all are welcome.

Can’t make the reception? Sort of Wind will be on view September 4–October 9 and is free and open to the public during gallery hours.

Save the dates and plan your visit!

08/19/2026

We’re just ONE MONTH AWAY from the first performance in our Play Me a Story series!

Join us for Play Me a Story: The Emperor’s New Clothes on Saturday, September 19 at 10:00 AM for a playful, interactive theater experience designed especially for young audiences ages 3-6.

In this imaginative retelling of the classic tale, children become part of the story as they help dress an emperor in the most extraordinary “outfit” ever created...even if no one can quite see it! Through storytelling, movement, imagination, and hands-on fun, young audience members will explore the importance of honesty, confidence, and speaking up.

And the fun doesn’t stop when the curtain closes! Families are invited to stay after the performance for a special story-inspired craft activity.

Saturday, September 19 | 10:00 AM
Recommended Ages: 3–6
Tickets: Pay-What-You-Will

Mark your calendars and join us for this fun-filled morning of theater, imagination, and creativity!

For more information and to secure your tickets, please visit: https://events.ticketleap.com/events/yocumartsevents/play-me-a-story-the-emperor-s-new-clothes

08/17/2026

AUDITIONS for Yocum Institute's upcoming production of Kate Hamill's DRACULA: A FEMINIST REVENGE FANTASY, REALLY will be held THIS WEDNESDAY, August 19th from 6-9PM in the Schumo Theater.

Read on to see Kate Hamill's character descriptions for the roles we are looking to cast. For this casting call, we are searching for adult professional actors, young adult emerging artists, and mature teen students. Professional and emerging artists will be compensated.

To access the official audition form, confirm your attendance and view more information, click the link below. Don't miss the chance to audition for this powerful reimagining of Bram Stoker's gothic masterpiece!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdHHx8oKKVK3lm6hDvrxsNHgXAd_xH0fzVsjdlFwwLaQUMxcA/viewform

08/13/2026

Yocum Institute is Hiring: Development Director

Are you passionate about the arts, energized by building relationships, and excited to help make a difference in your community? Yocum Institute for Arts Education is seeking a full-time Development Director to lead and grow our fundraising efforts and help support the future of arts education in our community.

This key leadership role will focus on:
• Donor cultivation and stewardship
• Corporate sponsorships and community partnerships
• Fundraising and community engagement events
• Annual giving and fundraising strategy
• Grant opportunities and proposal support
• Building meaningful relationships with donors and community leaders

We're looking for an organized, creative, and relationship-driven professional with 2+ years of nonprofit fundraising, development, event management, or related experience. Knowledge of the Berks County philanthropic community is preferred.
The Director of Development will play an important role in advancing Yocum's mission to provide meaningful arts education experiences for children, families, and our community.

Position: Full-Time, Exempt
Location: West Lawn, PA | In-person
Benefits: Paid time off, retirement plan, dental, vision, life insurance, flexible spending account, employee discount, and professional development assistance.

Interested in joining the Yocum team? Please click the link below or reach out to learn more and apply.
https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=0604e987a4a8f2d3&from=shareddesktop_copy