KIDSTAGE Writes and Produces THE LAST SHOT, Reading Held 4/12

Village Theatre's KIDSTAGE Company Originals has written and produced its 7th musical in Issaquah. This new work is titled The Last Shot and will have only one reading at the Francis J. Gaudette Theatre on April 12 at 7:30 PM.

Set in present day Western Washington, The Last Shot explores how the healing power of art can help people overcome fears and find strength and peace, while telling the story of a high school senior/aspiring filmmaker who takes a cast of fellow students to shoot a movie over Memorial Day weekend. When the filmmaker's best friend screws-up, the group has to relocate to an old, abandoned, and possibly haunted hotel. The students are forced to confront their worst fears about the future, while still trying to complete the film.

In October 2009, writing mentor Suzy Conn, also the mentor for last year's Save As..., began work with the four student writers part of this year's Company Originals program. Conn studied the principles of dramatic writing with the students as they began to develop the themes, characters, and storyline that were soon to become The Last Shot. In January 2010, the actors came in, embellishing their characters, working on improvisations, and bringing new energy to the table.

Conn commented on the Company Originals experience with, "The Company Originals program is one of the most inspiring projects I've ever worked on. Whether the kids are a part of the writing team or the cast, the process of creating a new musical in six months challenges them in a unique way. The Company Originals setting is an extremely safe place where these kids feel comfortable opening up, and embracing difficult ‘hot making' issues because they are pursuing a common goal - the show. And when they see they have created a piece of art where there once was nothing, well, that's pretty cool."

KIDSTAGE continually strives to offer its student skills for theatre and skills for life and Company Originals does just that for its students. Alena Karkanias, a student writer comments, "I was inspired to become a part of this program by many things...I would say it was by my friends during Company last year, not only because they had confidence in my abilities, but because of the great dynamic we had. Company isn't just a program; its friendship and work and family and even a life lesson. I wanted to be on the writing team this year because I wanted to create something for them, the people who had helped me believe in myself."

Created by teens, for teens, The Last Shot strives to depict the teen experience honestly and authentically. The goal is that the issues raised will provoke thought and discussion among teens and their families, and move teens toward stronger communication, deeper understanding, and better choices. The Last Shot features four writers and fourteen actors, ages 14-20, from Bellevue, Black Diamond, Issaquah, Mercer Island, Renton, Sammamish, Seattle, Snoqualmie, and Woodinville.

Tickets: $10 - ON SALE NOW
Box Office: (425) 392-2202 or
www.villagetheatre.org

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