Local students will create their own theatrical production later this month, during a free workshop at the Waterfront Playhouse. The two-week Young People's Theatre Project starts June 26, when participants will begin to conceive, prepare, and perform an innovative theatrical collaboration.
The program ends July 9 with a public performance on the Waterfront Playhouse stage.
The two-week workshop is open to Monroe County students in grades nine to 12. Sessions will run Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with a half-hour lunch break.
This is the second project launched by the Players under the auspices of their recently formed Bahama Village Theatre Lab Project— an on-going program aimed at sparking children's interest in theatre and providing them with opportunities to explore the stage.
Generally, BVTLP programs are open to all young people, with an emphasis on bringing Bahama Village kids into the theatre fold. Some programs— such as the upcoming workshop— restrict participants according to age.
"This program strives to make theatre accessible to all children" says Key West Players president George Gugleotti. "Specifically, we're opening the doors to kids who might not otherwise get involved on or behind the stage."
Sponsored by the Key West Players and a $500 donation from Mayor Weekley, the BVTLP is staffed by children's theatre professionals.
Heading the summer workshop is award-winning director Joss Bennathan, a London-based professional who has previously directed the Key West children's productions "Heart's Desire" and "The Sin Eater"; music director Robin Kaplan, who owns the Music Room; and Nora Revelin, company director for Keys Kids and director of the Steel Your Heart band.
Working with the players' artistic director Scott Gilmore, the staff will help students to explore multiple aspects of the performing arts, including the technical side of theatre— costumes, make up, props, scriptwriting, lights, choreography, and such.
Spaces are limited— so sign up now. It's going to be lots of fun.
For more information on the Young People's Theatre Project, call Nora Revelin at 293-1609, ext. 6; or Robin Kaplan, 294-7382. Registration may be completed over the phone.