Registration is Now Open for Seven Spooky Weeks At Penobscot Theatre Company

Registration is now open for Penobscot Theatre Company's Dramatic Academy Summer 2017, seven weeks of full-day programming for students aged 4-20. The program is structured in two multi-week sessions culminating in fully produced and technically supported shows performed on the company's historic stage at the Bangor Opera House. "We are delighted to have secured rights to two productions guaranteed to deliver thrills and chills this summer!" said Director of Education Amy Roeder. Session 1 The Addams Family, A New Musical Comedy Session dates: June 26-July 23 Performance dates: July 20-23 Synopsis: This magnificently macabre musical features everyone's favorite creepy next door neighbors, the Addams family! Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, has grown up and fallen in love with a (blech!) normal young man. Now Gomez Addams must face every father's nightmare: meeting his daughter's boyfriend for the first time...

Session 2 Something Wicked This Way Comes, by Ray Bradbury Session dates: July 31-August 20 Performance dates: August 17-20 Synopsis: One strange and dark year long ago, Halloween came early on October 24, the exact same time that Cooger & Dark's Pandemonium Shadow Show rolled into town. Two boys, Jim Nightshade and Will Halloway, are about to discover the diabolical truth about the carnival in this rich adaptation of Ray Bradbury's classic story...

Designed and led by professional teaching artists, each session will run weekdays from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (9:00 am to noon for students aged 4-6), with four public performances at the end. Students will take each piece from page to stage, starting with group reading and auditions and proceeding through the rehearsal and performance process. All registered students interested in performing will be cast. In addition to rehearsing each show, performing students will engage in acting workshops, improvisation classes and theatre games.

Both sessions offer Tech Track, a special course of study for teens interested in the technical aspects of the craft, including set design and construction, stage management, prop design and construction, costuming, lighting, and sound. Because production and performance go hand-in-hand, Tech Track participants will learn alongside their performing peers for much of each day. Through Tech Track, students will get valuable hands-on training and play an integral role in producing both shows. "Tech Track alumni have even gone on to work on professional productions in the area!" Roeder noted.

Faculty for Dramatic Academy Summer 2017 will include teaching artists Ben Layman, Grace Livingston-Kramer, Ira Kramer, Amy Roeder, and other experts in the craft. Program pricing ranges from $350-525, depending on the student's age and session length. A $25 early bird discount is available to families who register before May 1 and a ten percent sibling discount on one tuition is available to families who register more than one child. For students who register for both sessions, a ten percent full summer discount is available. The sibling and full summer discounts may not be combined. For families eligible for a child care tax credit, Penobscot Theatre Company Dramatic Academy is an approved provider.

Teens interested in leadership opportunities within the theatre's summer programs may apply to be a counselor. Counselors receive a 50 percent discount on tuition and learn valuable leadership skills while also performing in the productions. A limited number of scholarships are available for students in each session.

Scholarship and counselor applications may be requested by emailing education@penobscottheatre.org. All applications for scholarship and counselor positions must be returned by May 1.

For more information and to register, visit www.penobscottheatre.org and click on the Education tab.

Dramatic Academy Summer 2017 is produced with generous support from Machias Savings Bank, Bangor Children's Dentistry, The Solon E. Summerfield Foundation, C. Walder Parke Family Foundation and The Maine Arts Commission.

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