Youth Theatre Northwest (YTN) is seeking youth actors, grades two-12, for its anticipated 2016 Summerstock Season. Every year during the summer months, YTN produces three shows on Mercer Island with approximately 50 youth actors.
For over 30 years, Youth Theatre Northwest has served youth from the Puget Sound region with high-quality arts education. YTN produces dynamic theatre for thousands of families, introducing young audiences to the magic of the performing arts while inspiring young actors with the thrill of live performance.
This summer’s productions are the musical “Cats” and the play “Glinda of Oz.” YTN’s improvisational comedy group Chaos Theory will also perform. Every child that wants to be considered for a role must audition. The program requires tuition, but full and partial scholarships are available.
The year’s Summerstock opens with the world premiere of “Glinda of Oz,” written by YTN Education Director Kate Swenson. Adapted from the book by celebrated children’s author L. Frank Baum, “Glinda of Oz” pairs the celebrated character of Dorothy with fairy Princess Ozma of Oz and sends them on a magical quest. Rehearsals will begin at the end of June and performances are July 15–31 at the Mercer Island High School Performing Arts Center.
The summer continues with a unique outdoor production of the legendary musical “Cats.” Written by composer Andrew Lloyd Weber, “Cats” premiered in 1981 and ran for 21 years in London and 18 years on Broadway. Rehearsals will begin July 25 and the show performs Aug. 12-27 in the outdoor courtyard of Mercer Island’s Emmanuel Episcopal Church.
In addition to these shows, YTN is bringing back its wildly popular, improvisational comedy troupe Chaos Theory. Under the direction of professional improviser Ben Lidgus, this program builds an ensemble of young people around the fundamentals of improvisation. The result is hilarious unscripted scenes, stories and characters. Prior to the show, performers will be engaged in a two-week improvisation training. The culminating show will perform at YTN’s Black Box Theatre on July 8 and 9.
Audition schedule
“Cats” (for actors grades five – 12): May 1, 1-3 p.m.
“Glinda of Oz” (for actors Grades two – 12): May 4, 4-6 p.m.
Chaos Theory (for Grades seven – 12): May 6, 5:15-6:15 p.m.
For more information or to schedule an audition appointment, visit www.YouthTheatre.org or contact YTN’s registrar, Stephanie, at 206-232-4145, ext. 100, or by email at registrar@youththeatre.org.
