Laguna theaters hold youth workshops

Youth will be served on the Laguna Beach theater scene as both of the city’s producing groups have announced plans for summer teen and pre-teen theater classes.

The Laguna Playhouse has three such courses open, all running from Tuesday to July 16. They’re called Kids on Broadway, a musical theater workshop for youngsters 9 to 12 years of age; Acting Ensemble, targeted for kids 7 and 8 years old; and Teen Acting Workshop for the older students, 13 to 18.

The Kids on Broadway will meet weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and will study songs, scenes, monologues, acting, music and movement. The class is geared for beginners as well as more experienced students.

“The workshop includes skill building and the creation of a showcase performance,” according to the playhouse. “Each student will receive individual instruction and coaching, and a final performance will be held July 16 at 1 p.m.”

Kathy Harris, Victoria Baker and Diane King Vann comprise the faculty for the Kids on Broadway sessions. Enrollment fee is $500.

The 7- and 8-year-olds, meanwhile, “will explore self expression through playful exercises and rehearsal in preparation for their showcase July 16 at 11 a.m.,” playhouse officials said. Past material has included story adaptations, Shakespeare, classic children’s plays, movement and music.

Enrollment is limited to 12 students, according to instructor Sari Rose Poll. The fee is $350.

The Teen Acting Workshop is described by instructor Jane Hillary as “a crash course for teens looking for an exceptional summer workshop. Evening classes leave plenty of time to go to the beach or have a job.”

In this session, students will concentrate on acting, improvisation and audition techniques, as well as work on scenes, monologues and ensembles. A final performance will be held July 16 at 8 p.m. and the cost also is $350.

Meanwhile, Laguna’s Gallimaufry Performing Arts has announced its Summer Musical Theater Workshop — a program encompassing 15 classes over 45 hours at a cost of $375.

Students will learn acting, singing and dance technique, as well as auditioning, improvisation and much more, program officials say. Students will work on musical theater dance numbers along with performance technique.

Instructing this program will be Amy Hitchcock, Kira Josephson and Karen McBride. Two courses are offered, for youngsters 4 to 8 years old and from 9 to 12.

For additional information and registration on the Laguna Playhouse classes, call Kelly Herman at (949) 497-2787, ext. 230. Gallimaufry is taking information calls at (949) 499-5060.

TOM TITUS reviews local theater for the Coastline Pilot.