It's not every day that teens get to invent their own play with an international award-winning theatre director. But participants in this summer's Young People's Theatre Project at the Waterfront Playhouse will work with London's Joss Bennathan— for free. Sessions begin June 26 and run weekdays through July 9. There's still space for more participants.
Led by Bennathan, who serves as artistic director of Present Moment theatre group when he's in London, 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.-3:30 p.m., with a half-hour lunch break; and the class is limited to 30.
The program is sponsored by Key West Players under their Bahama Village Theatre Lab Project. Mayor Jimmy Weekley also donated funds.
This will be Bennathan's third directorial experience in Key West. Previously he directed production of `Heart's Desire" and "The Sin Eater." He will be joined by Robin Kaplan, music director, and Nora Revelin, coordinator.
"Joss bennathan is wonderful with children," says Kaplan. "He brings both professionalism and fun to a children's theatre environment. These kids will really learn something."
The workshop explores "devised theatre," culminating in a public performance July 9 at the Waterfront Playhouse. 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.
"In devised theatre we begin with no script," says Bennathan, explaining that participants will conceive, prepare, and perform an innovative theatrical collaboration. "This immediately places the young people at the center of the creative process."
Kaplan, who has organized a similar program for the past three years, says: "We'll be inventing our own theatre, using improvisation, creativity and games."
The workshop is the second project launched by the Players under the auspices of their recently formed Bahama Village Theatre Lab Program— an on-going program aimed at sparking children's interest in theatre and providing them with opportunities to explore the stage. Robin Kaplan is the new BVTLP director.
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. Spaces are limited— so sign up now. It's going to be lots of fun.
For more information call Robin Kaplan, 294-7382, or Nora Revelin at 293-1609, ext. 6. Registration may be completed over the phone.