The first time I heard about YoungArts, I thought—Is this real? Could a program truly be this life-changing?
It was. And it still is.
My name is Katerina McCrimmon, and I am a 2016 YoungArts winner in Theater. Growing up as a performing arts student in Miami, being named a YoungArts winner was the dream. So, when my time finally came and I was selected to attend National YoungArts Week, I was pinching myself. It meant everything to me to get to represent my community, meet inspiring young creatives from around the country and learn from such distinguished artists working in the field. That week served as the wind in my sails to continue on my life-long journey in the arts.
Flash forward a few years, and I’m still pinching myself. Since then, I’ve made my Broadway debut and led a national tour. Through it all, YoungArts has continued to be a constant source of support and inspiration. Most recently, they helped me bring a dream to life: my debut solo show at Joe’s Pub.
Naked at Joe’s Pub
On February 3rd, Katerina McCrimmon: Naked premiered at Joe’s Pub, and it was everything I had hoped it would be—raw, joyful, and unapologetically me. I worked with my brilliant director Henry Gainza and music director Ben Moss, and together we built the show from the ground up. We started with the music, highlighting songs I’ve loved since childhood, spanning all genres. Musical theater, pop, jazz, Cuban boleros, you name it. My goal was to let my voice live in every genre that’s shaped me, and to weave a narrative through the songs that told the story of where I come from and who I am today.
Being on that stage, at Joe’s Pub, with an audience of friends, mentors, and strangers, there was a kind of magic in the room that night, a feeling that I was exactly where I was meant to be.
From Joe’s to the Met
Then came the email.
I read it twice. Me? Host a gala? At the Met? I didn’t even hesitate. I said yes immediately.
The whole process was a dream. Zuzanna Szadkowski, a fellow YoungArts alum and our gala’s Artistic Director, made me feel at home from the start. She encouraged me to choose my own opening song—naturally, I went full Judy Garland and opened with “Life is Just a Bowl of Cherries.” While I was surprised by how little prep the emcee role technically required (hello, index cards!), I made a point to attend a band rehearsal early just to get my bearings.
Then, suddenly, it was gala night.
I was dressed in an Oscar de la Renta gown, dripping in REZA jewels, and had a full glam squad to boot. I felt like a movie star.
But more than anything, I felt ready.
There’s something uniquely thrilling (and terrifying) about being yourself onstage. In musical theater, I’m almost always playing a character. But emceeing is different. It’s just you, connecting with the audience, heart to heart. When you find that sweet spot, that honest yet glittery version of yourself, it’s the best feeling in the world.
That night at the Met was full of those moments. I got to share my YoungArts story, cheer on breathtaking alumni performances, and connect with donors, supporters, and artists who all understand how powerful this community is. It reminded me, once again, that YoungArts is not just an organization. It’s a family.
Looking Ahead: The YoungArts Ashley Longshore Excellence in the Arts Award
Just when I didn’t think this year could get any better, in June I was named the 2025 Ashley Longshore Excellence in the Arts Award recipient. Thanks to YoungArts and Ashley Longshore (who is maybe the coolest person I’ve ever met), I am able to take big risks artistically without having to worry about how much it’ll cost me. I can finally focus on creating my own work and investing in myself. I feel like an eternal resident on Cloud 9.
As I keep growing in my career, I carry YoungArts with me every step of the way. This community has shaped so much of who I am—not just as a performer, but as a human being. It’s taught me to lead with curiosity, to trust my instincts, and to never stop chasing the kind of work that lights me up.
I’m excited for what’s next—more shows, more stories, and hopefully more chances to team up with fellow YoungArts winners across the country. The future’s always a little unknown in this line of work, but what I do know is that I want to keep creating things that feel honest, joyful, and true to who I am.
And thanks to YoungArts, I know I’m not doing it alone.
With Love,
Kat
