OFP bringing back summer youth program

BY DOROTHY SCHULTE
Old Fort Players

FORT MADISON - Old Fort Players is happy to announce the return of their Youth Summer Theater Program. With a generous grant from the United Way, the youth will perform two productions this year. The age limits have been extended and the kids will be divided into two groups.

“Our younger kids (10-14) will perform a short version of ‘The Wizard of Oz’ based on the book by Frank Baum, published by Classic Acts,” director Richar Abel said. “And our older kids (15-18) will star in their own production of ‘The Rehearsal.’” Both shows will perform the same weekend with a short intermission in between. ‘The Rehearsal’ written by Don Zolidis, is Produced by special arrangement with Playscripts, Inc. (www.playscripts.com)

Both casts call for multiple actors of various types of boys and girls. The play for the older group has music but is not a musical. Singing is not required for the cast, but may be helpful in some of the roles. Rehearsals are tentatively set for Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at a time to be determined by the actor’s schedules.

Old Fort Players Youth Summer Theater Program is a great opportunity to harness your child’s creative energy. They’ll experience the satisfaction of working together as a team and learn valuable skills. “We’ve seen shy kids blossom as they become more comfortable speaking in public and energetic kids gain focus and concentration as they memorize lines and blocking,” Abel said as she reflected on her prior years directing the youth program.  

All young actors are encouraged to drop by the OFP downtown location Sunday, June 13 between 1:00 and 3:00 pm or Monday and Wednesday between 3:00 & 5:00 pm. Auditions will consist of cold readings from a script. No experience or preparation is necessary. All children under 18 will need parental consent.

Also needed are youth and/or their parents to volunteer as Stage Manager and Sound and Lights Technician, Costume and Prop Managers, etc. Experience is preferred but not required and training will be provided.

Performances run July 23, 24 & 25, 2021. Evening shows begin at 7:30 and the Sunday matinee begins at 2:00 pm. Tickets will be available online and the link to purchase will be posted on www.oldfortplayers.com and the theater’s Facebook page.  For those wanting to pay cash or credit for tickets at the door, you can and should reserve your seat by phone or Facebook Messenger. 

This past season would have been Old Fort Players’ 40th anniversary but the celebration has been postponed until the next full season can be scheduled. The theater is located in downtown Fort Madison at 725 Avenue G. Send a Facebook message, send an email to oldfortplayersfm@gmail.com or call 319-372-9559 for more information. Like them on Facebook (Fb@oldfortplayers) or visit www.oldfortplayers.com to keep up with everything that’s going on at the theater.