By Peninsula Youth Theatre will celebrate its 10th birthday with a public celebration July 27 at the Mountain View Civic Center Plaza. The party will take place 4-7 p.m., between PYT's opening performances of "The Wiz" at the adjacent Center for the Performing Arts.

Mountain View Mayor Sally Lieber will kick off the festivities with a proclamation marking PYT’s many achievements. U.S. Rep. Anna Eshoo is also expected to attend the event, along with dozens of PYT participants past and present.

PYT was founded in 1992 by a group of parents who wanted to introduce children to theater, both as actors and as audience members. The non-profit organization strives to provide a theatrical education that prepares young people for careers in the performing arts by developing leadership, emphasizing responsibility and fostering teamwork in a supportive, respectful environment.

Today, PYT produces five musicals and one full-length drama annually, and offers year-round classes and vacation camps for youths 3 to 18.

Tickets for the party and performance cost $35 for adults, $33 for seniors 62 and up, and $23 for children 12 and under. Tickets for the party only are $20 for adults and seniors, and $10 for children. For information about PYT, call 988-8798 or logon to www.pytnet.org.