IRVINE : New Program Offers Acting in Afternoon

Local youths can try their hands at acting as part of an after-school program approved by the City Council this month.

The drama organization is aimed at giving teens something to do in the afternoon and is one of several new city programs designed to reduce youth violence.

The city is expected to spend about $61,000 this fiscal year on the anti-violence effort, which was sparked by a community task force report that looked at ways of preventing youth crimes in Irvine.

The council allocated $85,000 last year for youth programs, but officials said that finding suitable activities to fund has been more difficult than expected.

The city will spend $7,460 on the drama program, which will be administered by Northwood Productions.

The activity is targeted for students in grades 6 to 8 and will involve the production of a play or musical to be performed sometime in June, said Marsha Burgess, Irvine’s community services superintendent.

In addition to performing, participants will take part in set designing, makeup and costuming.

Last year, the council decided to spend $14,900 on “parent training” sessions.

The program is designed to help families deal with issues such as discipline, parental authority and youthful rebellion.

Burgess expects the council to vote in June on a proposal to spend $40,000 for more after-school programs, including athletic events and field trips.

Last week, the council decided not to spend $2,160 to fund several recreational events for children at Woodbridge’s lakes.

The council rejected the proposal because the Woodbridge Village Assn. refused to open the event to youths who don’t reside in the Woodbridge area.

Burgess said that whatever remains from the $85,000 in youth funds will be carried over to next year’s youth budget.