THE KIDS ARE TAKING OVER THE BARN! Millbrook Playhouse Announces New Teen Performing Arts Academy

The Board of Directors and Producing Artistic Director, David E. Leidholdt, are proud to announce that they are once again expanding their theatre education program to include a new venture; Teen Performing Arts Academy (TPAA), this will be in addition to their already successful Kids Summer Theatre Camps, Spring School Show, and Saturday Children's Show.

Teen Performing Arts Academy (TPAA) is the brainchild of Producing Artistic Director, David E. Leidholdt and will include a public performance of the hit Broadway Musical Legally Blonde, JR.. "I felt inspired by the level of talent I saw with the local young performers and motivated by the mission of Millbrook - 'to encourage the development and appreciation of the theatre arts with a strong educational component'. So I wanted to create a place for them to get a more exposure to the theatre," said Leidholdt, "so came the idea of the Teen Performing Arts Academy, it's designed to give those young people, who are more serious about the theatre, a conservatory style setting. It will offer a wide range of classes led by theatre professionals, who inspire students to explore their talents as actors, singers, and dancers." It all culminates in a public performance of a fully staged musical for all to see."

The 2015 series will launch with school performance of a refreshed retelling of the classic tale "Sleeping Beauty," this delightful musical with a storyline designed to teach young theatre patrons about classic literature, family, friendship and all things Magical. School performances will start on May 14 through May 22. Interested school groups should contact Erla Mae Frederick at 570-748-8083. Tickets are $5.00 for students and teachers get in free. Public tickets may be offered for specific performances, check web site for details.

Kids won't be the only ones clamoring to see this summer's Saturday Children's production of The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs with script and lyrics by Robert Kauzlaric, and music by Paul Gilvary and William Rush. Parents too will want to join the kids to discover that there are two sides to every story. Now the long-suppressed account of the Big Bad Wolf is finally brought to light in Piggsylvania's Trial of the Century, where the audience acts as the jury to decide the Wolf's fate. The whole family will delight in this exploration of who really is to blame. A thrilling courtroom dram-edy... with music...and ham! The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs performs Saturday July 18, 25 and August 1 at 10:00am. Tickets are $5.00. Tickets on sale at the door only, no advanced sales.

Get a head start on your child's summer plans by enrolling them in one of Millbrook's popular summer camps. After near capacity enrollment last summer, expect this summer to fill up fast. Whether your child likes to sing, act, dance or learn about "behind the scenes". Millbrook's classes will inspire your child to nurture his or her own creative potential. Once again Millbrook will offer two camps, as well as the Teen Performing Arts Academy.

The Junior's Theatre Camp are for kids ages 10-15 and will run Monday, August 10 through Saturday, August 15 from9:00am - 4:00pm, and culminate in a performance of Disney's Jungle Book, KIDS, on August 14 and 15. Disney's Jungle Book, KIDS tells the story of the beloved "man cub" as he marches his way through the jungle and learns what it means to be human. Specially adapted from the classic film, this musical includes your favorite Disney tunes, like "The Bare Necessities," and "I Wan'na Be Like You." The fee is $200.00, $50.00 non-refundable deposit required at time of registration.

The Little's Theatre Camp are for kids ages 6-9 and will run Monday, August 17 through Saturday, August 22 from 9:00am - 1:00pm, and culminate in a performance of A. A. Milne's Winnie the Pooh, on Friday August 21 and 22. This group of young actors will bring their favorite childhood characters to life in a fantastic production. So join Piglet, Pooh, and Tigger too, as they embark on new adventures. Adapted specifically to showcase your children's special talents. The fee is $150.00, $50.00 non-refundable deposit required at time of registration.

The Teen Performing Arts Academy was designed to enrich, inspire and enlighten young performers. Perfect for those who have a burning passion for the performing arts. TPAA will showcase the region's most talented young performers in one of the most popular modern musicals, Legally Blonde, Jr., Performances are Friday August 7th at 7:00pm and Saturday August 8th at 3:00pm. Legally Blonde is a fabulously fun international award-winning musical based on the adored movie, it follows the transformation of Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes, snobbery, and scandal in pursuit of her dreams. Adapted for younger performers and based on the popular movie, this show features an upbeat original score that's sure to leave cast members and audiences alike seeing pink! TPAA runs Monday, July 27th through Saturday, August 8th for two weeks. The fee is $300.00, $50.00 non-refundable deposit required at time of registration.

Scholarship will be available through the Richard Guido Memorial Scholarship Fund. This scholarship fund will be used to enable local youth to attend the Millbrook Playhouse Summer Camps, and the new Teen Performing Arts Academy. More information on the Richard Guido Memorial Scholarship Fund will be announced in the coming weeks.

Join the next generation of performing artists at the Millbrook Playhouse this season. For more information pleasevisit www.millbrookplayhouse.org or call 570-748-8083.

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