Maltz Jupiter Theatre's 'Summer Intensive' Mentorship Program Begins

A cast and creative team made up of local middle and high school students is spending their summer at the Maltz Jupiter Theatre producing a powerful, classic American drama.

Under the guidance of industry professionals at Florida's largest award-winning professional regional theatre, students are taking part in a free summer mentorship program to produce Tennessee Williams' critically acclaimed play The Glass Menagerie. The show will take place on the Theatre's stage on Saturday, August 15.

Very few plays in the modern theatre world have so captured the imagination and heart of the American public as The Glass Menagerie. This beautiful family drama tells the story of the domineering matriarch Amanda Wingfield and her two children, fragile Laura and restless dreamer Tom, as well as a long hoped-for gentleman caller. A striking play filtered through Tom's memory, The Glass Menagerie examines family relationships, the pursuit of dreams and obligations to one another.

Known as the Youth Artists' Chair, the project aligns high school students with individual Theatre staff members for one-on-one mentoring and guidance during the creation process of the show. Through the project, students have produced the dramas The Crucible, Hamlet, The Laramie Project and The Good Times are Killing Me since 2011.

"The Youth Artists' Chair is a unique mentorship opportunity for area students to immerse themselves into all facets of a production and produce a dynamic adaptation of one of Tennessee Williams' most heartfelt plays," said Julie Rowe, the Theatre's director of education. "The level of training the students receive is truly remarkable, and it's always wonderful to watch them learn and grow."

After passing through an extensive interview and selection process, the student creative team consists of: Summer Hope (producer), 18, of Jupiter; Kara Grozan (director), 17, of Jupiter; Tom Matthews (assistant director), 17, of Jupiter; Alexandra Borsellino (stage manager), 14, of Palm Beach Gardens; Alexander Goodwin-Elam (scenic designer), 11, of Hobe Sound; Skye Friedman (sound designer), 13, of Jupiter; Emmali O'Neill (costume designer), 14, of Palm Beach Gardens; Alison Carey (costume assistant), 14, of Jupiter Farms; Dylan Lugosi (projections designer), 13, of Palm Beach Gardens; Skylar Geraghty (props master), 12, of Palm Beach Gardens; Madie Swift (marketing director), 13, of Jupiter; Jennifer Vasbinder (public relations director), 17, of Jupiter; and Ashley Smith (public relations assistant), 13, of Jupiter.

"Getting the opportunity to create a production with our peers opens our eyes to the professional world," said the production's student director Kara, a senior at Jupiter High School. "It allows us to understand and experience all of the hard work that takes place both on and off stage. Learning from industry professionals at the Maltz Jupiter Theatre is a unique experience that teaches us leadership, teamwork and workforce skills."

Tickets are on sale now for The Glass Menagerie, which will take place on the Theatre's stage on Saturday, August 15, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 for adults and $20 for children.

For information about the show and to purchase tickets, visit www.jupitertheatre.org or call (561) 575-2223.

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