Youth theater offers kids a full stage

02/02/2012

Written by Lauren Basile

All the world’s a stage. And the kids are running it.

That’s the theme behind the award-winning Fountain Hills Youth Theater as they premier the first production of the year this weekend, Seussical Jr.

Opening Friday, the musical brings to life all your favorite Dr. Seuss childhood characters, Horton the Elephant, Gertrude McFuzz, Lazy Mayzie and the Cat in the Hat, in a new and exciting plot that is sure to surprise. Written by Tony award winners Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, the show will be at 7 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. on Sundays.

“The show is so much fun because it has great choreography, wonderful music and a great story line,” said Anne Kelleher, the youth theater producer.

The production, which runs until Feb. 19, features 28 child actors ages 8-16 who manage the entire musical themselves. The youth are responsible for running all aspects of the show on production nights, from spotlights and stage managing to sound systems and props, with a little adult supervision of course.

“You can really see what youth can do,” Kelleher said. “We pay attention to the kids and their needs. We teach them everything they need to know.”

Putting together a full-fledged youth production is far from an easy task. One show can easily take 2,500-3,000 volunteer hours for this non-profit community organization. FHYT provides youth actors a safe and creative after-school activity.

Chuck Disney, whose entire family has been involved with the FHYT for more than three years, said his sons played every sport growing up but seemed to gravitate toward theater for the creative outlet.

“It’s been an excellent experience,” Chuck said, “The kids have developed a camaraderie with the other children.”

Nick, 14, and Christopher, 16, have both won prestigious ariZoni awards that recognize outstanding contribution and distinguished service to the Valley theater community and are in the Seussical Jr. production.

“Theater really helped them with their social life,” Chuck said. “Both boys have a lot more confidence.”

Holding a little fewer than 100 seats, the youth theater provides the perfect venue for an intimate and in-your-face show.

“Children will come out of themselves, have lots of friends and learn to respect and be kind to one another,” said Kelleher. “Public speaking is a difficult and scary thing, but kids who do theater are much more comfortable in social situations.”

The Fountain Hills Youth Theater produces five shows every year and offers year-round after-school performing arts workshops, a full-day teen summer camp and mini-camps for ages 6-12. Ticket prices for the show are $15, $12 for youth 17-and-under . Group prices are available.

For information, click here.