Valley Weekend : KIDS : Theater Is Child’s Play That’s Also a Challenge

Ellen Wheeler, director of the Glendale Centre Theatre’s “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” takes delight in the sense of freedom that children’s theater allows. The actors can stretch in their characterizations and have fun with the audience.

There’s also a greater margin for error.

“There’s always an air of uncertainty,” said Wheeler, directing her fifth production for the theater. “The audience has to help the actors with the missing secret, or Snow White cannot be saved. I’m never really sure if these young kids will come through, but they always do.” Children in the audience generally range from 2 to 12.

Wheeler and her cast walk a tightrope--keeping the stage entertainment lively and focused while soliciting participation. It’s a balancing act, since the 450-seat venue is often sold out.

“It’s really quite an art form--the ability of letting the audience participate,” said Wheeler.

Fortunately for Wheeler, there are several repeat cast members well experienced in children’s productions. She said using these actors to interact between script and audience helps create an atmosphere of controlled permissiveness.

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Angela Ramey, who plays the part of the magic mirror and narrator, and Marlene Bush, who’s the wicked queen and old hag, are those touchstones. While Bush conjures up the very essence of evil, Ramey is her antithesis--warm and funny.

The children respond to their cues loud and clear.

There’s another aspect Wheeler believes important for children to experience--theater etiquette.

“Emma had never been to the theater before this,” said Marie Hoffman of her granddaughter, Emma Anderson, 6. “She’s learned how to sit quietly through the acts, and where and when to applaud.”

* “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” a musical by Byron Simpson. The Glendale Centre Theatre, 324 N. Orange St., Glendale. 11 a.m. Saturday. Ends Nov. 18. $7. (818) 244-8481.

Heather W. Morgan writes regularly for The Times.