Fulton Theatre Presents First-Ever Entirely Teen Run Production Tonight

Fulton Theatre announces performances of The Mary Poppins Extracalifragilistic Experience teen-run production lab today, January 7th through January 8th.

Don't let the magic of the holiday season end after New Year's Day! Come to the Fulton Theatre for both a Disney and Broadway Classic: Mary Poppins! This musical is nothing of the norm! Not only does it feature a flying actress and iconic Broadway style dance numbers, but it's going to be run, produced, promoted (including this press release), and performed by teenagers!

The Mary Poppins Extracalifragilistic Experience is an opportunity for teens (grades 6 to 12) to apply their knowledge and hone skills in a professional setting. The program participants have been working since November to receive specialized shadowing experience and demonstrate what they've learned by producing and managing their own theater production. Teen participants range from on-stage performers to set and stage crew and business and fundraising. Participants work with professional mentors from the Fulton staff and guest artists.

The Mary Poppins Extracalifagilistic Experience brings a new generation of teenagers to be the first youngsters ever to take on the professional roles of Mary Poppins, Mr. Banks, and many more. Mary Poppins is currently not available to be licensed by amateur groups, but the Fulton received special permission from Music Theatre International, Walt Disney Theatricals and producer Cameron Mackintosh to engage these 62 young artists in the creation of this production. These young artists are 62 of the best actors, singers, dancers, producers, and crew around, and they are all from the Lancaster Area.

"Production Labs are an opportunity for teens to connect with the art of theatre, and for some, discover a new passion in the theater business," said Jennifer Ridgway, Fulton Theatre Director of Education and Outreach. "During the program, participants work as a team collaborating in all the divisions that contribute to running a successful theatre, from on-stage to back-stage and even behind the scenes in business, marketing and fundraising roles. Hands-on experiences like this help to prepare teens for college and successful careers."

Each team of teens has been working with professional mentors to outline goals, schedule and attend rehearsals and engage the community to bring the production to fruition. Some participate in multiple positions. The Mary Poppins Extracalifragilistic Experience supports Common Core College and Career Readiness Standards that are promoted in Pennsylvania schools and employ skills that are transferable to future ventures in their school, work and life. Participants leave The Experience with not only a better understanding of the theater business but with heightened independence, teambuilding and communication skills and a stronger sense of professionalism. Audiences not only get to be entertained but provide key support for these young people in their ongoing educational development.

Performances of The Mary Poppins Extracalifragilistic Experience will be tonight, January 7 and Wednesday, January 8, 2014, at 7:30PM. For tickets, visit www.thefulton.org or call 717-397-7425.

This program is made possible by the Production Lab Sponsor, Lancaster Catholic High School. The Academy of Theatre sponsor is Susquehanna Bank.