Palatine Park District Presents Youth Theater Summer Workshop
Palatine Park District presents Caught In The Act, a youth theater immersion workshop, beginning July 8 and ending with two performances on August 2 and August 3 at Cutting Hall Performing Arts Center, 250 E. Wood Street, Palatine. This year's production will be “Snoopy!!!.” The program meets Monday through Friday from 8am to 4pm or 9am to 4pm from July 8 through the production dates of August 2 and August 3.
Caught In The Act is a program designed for young singers/actors/dancers ages 10 to 15 looking for an immersion experience in the world of musical theater. Students who are not trained in all three areas but who are willing to learn will be trained during the course of the workshop. All participants will be assigned a role in the show appropriate for their level of development and experience. Roles are assigned based on a prepared vocal audition, as well as movement and script reading auditions which will be taught on the first day of the program. The workshop will consist of training in proper vocal, acting, and movement technique, as well as rehearsals for the production of “Snoopy!!!.”
Cast size for Caught In The Act productions is limited to 30 to 40 cast members per production in order to ensure individualized instruction and quality experience for all participants. One of the program's many strengths is their ability to deliver a completely developed product, from lead roles all the way through the cast to the members of the chorus. Educational aspects in addition to the theatrical skills offered through the program include research, oral presentations, writing autobiographies for the program, creating costumes and props, memorization skills, and much more.
The rehearsal process offered by Caught In The Act is extensive. Full cast music rehearsals are held and correct vocal technique is stressed to develop better diction, intonation, balance and blend. All cast members participate in acting workshops focusing on character work, improvisation, reacting, staying in the moment, and choreography rehearsals. Breakout groups are also held throughout the workshop and can include vocal lessons, small group choreography, blocking rehearsal, character work discussion, acting class, and prop and costume making. Downtime is minimal to ensure engagement and maximum learning time throughout the workshop experience.
Other aspects of the program include a cast picnic with a guest speaker, Rehearsal Olympics Day with fun games and contests for the cast, and six swimming days at the Family Aquatic Center. The cast will also be holding a Flying Ace Car Wash fundraiser on Wednesday, July 10 from 4:30pm to 7:00pm at the Family Aquatic Center, 262 E. Palatine Road.
The final productions of “Snoopy!!!” will be offered to the public on August 2 and August 3at 1:00pm accompanied by a live orchestra. Tickets are $10 per person, or $9 per person for groups of 20 or more. Tickets can be purchased online at www.cuttinghall.org, by phone at 847-202-5222 or in person at the box office, 150 E. Wood Street, Palatine.
For more information about the Caught In The Act Youth Theater, contact Carol Lange, Cultural Arts Coordinator, at (847) 496-6237 or clange@palatineparks.org.
The mission of Palatine Park District is to provide a variety of safe, enjoyable and affordable parks and recreation facilities and activities that will enhance the quality of life by promoting good health and well-being for all residents and visitors of the Palatine Park District.