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We had a fun evening at The Young Americans Dinner Theatre at Boyne Highlands, Mich., last week ...

... but left wondering just who the heck are The Young Americans?

Well, we knew they are talented, personable and good-looking college-age men and women from all over the United States who, in addition to putting on a terrific show, wait on tables.

We also found out from our waiter that they all attend a "college in California." We learned during the evening that, in addition to a summer engagement in northern Michigan, they send groups to Europe and Japan and give programs and workshops for kids throughout this country.

We also were informed, just before leaving, that they don't get paid but share tips left on the tables.

What? Don't get paid?

These kids worked their butts off for three hours while we were there, performing informally before dinner, on stage after dinner and serving the meal and clearing the tables. Our waiter also told us they start their work day at about 3 in the afternoon to set up tables and make other preparations.

And this is six days a week.

By the way, the evening isn't inexpensive -- $43 per adult. The meal is fine, but you wouldn't pay much more than $15 for it, or maybe $20 at inflated resort-area prices.

Where does all that money go?

We didn't come up with that answer, but closer examination of TYA Web site offers more interesting information.

For example, about their "college": "In 2002 we founded California Pacific College of the Performing Arts. The Young Americans and California Pacific are currently based in a facility in Corona, California, part of the Greater Los Angeles area. We are in negotiations to relocate to a larger facility in Southern California to advance our process in developing California Pacific into a four-year degree granting institution. Students who complete a course of study prior to California Pacific receiving this approval will receive a certificate of completion in lieu of a Bachelor’s Degree."

As for costs: "Student tuition consists of a California Pacific base enrollment fee, and per unit costs.

Base Enrollment: $350.00 per semester
Cost per unit: $72.00
Students take an average of 17 units per semester
$350 + $1244 = $1574"

As for living arrangements:

"The Young Americans will make special arrangements with carefully selected apartment
complexes in the local area for all of our new students. You will be sharing an
apartment with other new students like yourself.

"We assure you that any apartment complex chosen will be a gated complex that has
security patrol, will be clean and will provide a comfortable and safe living environment.
A non-refundable deposit of $150 should be sent in with the Housing Questionnaire
found at the end of the packet. This deposit will be credited toward your August rent
payment. Each student will also pay a security deposit of $750 which be refunded at
the end of your lease term, less any charges for cleaning or repairs to the apartment
and unpaid rent.

"All payments will be made to California Pacific and we will make the monthly payment to
the apartment complex. This allows us to negotiate a below market rental rate and
ensures your rental payments are made on time."

Students pay utility costs and provide for their own meals.

The info sheet notes that scholarships are available but adds:

"For those students with strong financial needs, we highly recommend that you seek
sponsorship/scholarships from your local community, organizations, businesses,
churches, etc. They can send their contributions directly to our offices and we will credit
the funds to your student account."

Students' expenses are covered on tours. At Boyne Highlands, they stay in dormitories.

The kids we saw were enthusiastic and obviously happy to be performing. Even in show biz, some things can't be faked.

But we couldn't shake the idea that they were being exploited a bit. Maybe they get top-notch training for possible careers in entertainment. But they're paying for it and giving up some of their college years without getting credit toward a college degree.

While not earning anything -- except tips -- for their very hard work.

OK, enough of the suspicions. Nobody's making them do it, right? They're terrific Young Americans, and we wish them well.