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Tree House youth theatre launches programs
09/03/08
BY MARK WEBER
Red Deer Express
There’s plenty of exciting programming in store for those signing up with Tree House Youth Theatre this fall.
First up, join the troupe this fall as they begin work on a production of The Wind in the Willows.
“It struck me because it’s British and it’s got this dry wit,” explains Matt Gould, artistic director. “It’s very entertaining for adults and it’s also great for smaller kids.
“I also wanted to have the weight of good writing behind it and I was just struck by the possibilities.”
Rehearsals and lots of training opportunities start Sept. 7 for the production, which will be staged next spring.
The Sept. 7 event runs from 1 to 4 p.m.
In the bigger picture, youth can sign up for a number of programs designed to hone their theatrical skills.
“We’re trying a bunch of new concepts for Tree House to expand our programming and the knowledge base of the kids,” says Gould.
“I think it’s going to be very exciting.”
‘A Taste of Tree House’ is the name of once a month theatre-style youth parties running Sept. 26, Oct. 24 and Nov. 28 from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at the Scott Block.
In terms of specific training to help with theatre, ‘I Like to Move It, Move It’ offers an explanation of movement for theatre.
This program runs Sept. 10 to Dec. 3.
‘Anyone Can Whistle’ will explore the basics of singing and voice for theatre, and it runs Sept. 11 to Dec. 4.
Finally, ‘Storyline’ is a program in writing and character creation running from Sept. 9 to Dec. 9.
“I’m anxious to raise the bar, really develop good disciplines and infuse this with a whole new energy.”
Tree House Youth Theatre was launched in 1988 by Richard O’Brien who was head of the theatre arts program at Red Deer College.
Productions over the years have included festivals of one act plays, You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, Alice in Wonderland, Santa and the Wicked Wazoo, The Magic Toy Shop, Ernie’s Incredible Illucinations, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Fiddler on the Roof, Jr. as well as Ho, Ho…Oh! written for the company by Gould.
“We’re also looking at doing more community outreach, finding where we can give back through things like nursing home visits, events like Festival of Trees and maybe the Children’s Festival next year.”
Tree House Youth Theatre has also partnered with artsparks on the boards, an initiative that pairs persons with developmental disabilities and members of the community including performers from Tree House.
The spring of 2007 saw the world premiere of Dry Heave Undressed: Chronicles of a Town on the Edge and the upcoming production of A Dry Heave Christmas which premieres this December.
For more information, call 403-346-9399, email treehousemail@shaw.ca or visit www.treehouseyouththeatre.ca. Details are also available in the City of Red Deer Activity Guide.
mweber@reddeer.greatwest.ca 309-5459
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