Bay City Players Celebrates 35 Years of Youtheatre
Local Students Perform at Our Local Theatre
June 10, 2008
By: Chelsea Anderson
Director Patrick McKinnon and Actor Tommy Jacobs rehearse a scene
The cast has a meeting to discuss last-minute details
35 years ago, our local theatre, the Bay City Players, began a program to help keep kids off the streets and on the stage.
In 2008, approximately 150 kids participate Youtheatre.
In essence, Youtheatre is a collection of plays put on by Bay County students. High school volunteers direct elementary and junior high students, who are onstage. Along with choosing the scripts, casting and blocking the productions, directors are also in charge of choosing costumes and running lights and sounds. Four or five directors are assigned to each play, along with 15-20 actors.
This year, eight productions are scheduled; from the well known such as
Treasure Island, to the unfamiliar like
Toy School. Many of the plays incorporate a common story or character with a twist; for instance:
The Vampire's Bride stars Cinderella.
Robert McKinnon, a director that's been involved with Youtheatre for six years believes that it's a great activity to be involved in. He and his brother, Patrick, are directing
Treasure Island. "I look forward to it every year," Robert says.
Performances are held at the Players June 12-14, with each play lasting about a half hour. Tickets are $3.00 and can be purchased at the door. For more information call (989) 893-5555 or visit www.baycityplayers.com.
Come support your local theatre and youth.