Wellington has a new theater company just for kids. The Wellington Children’s Theatre is currently holding placement auditions for its inaugural season of classes and performances. The musical theater workshop, for children in grades three through nine, will be rehearsing for the off-Broadway hit Dear Edwina Junior, which will be performed in mid-December. For younger children, in kindergarten through the second grade, the musical and drama workshop “Acting Out!” is a perfect introduction to the stage.
The company’s cabaret troupe, a glee club for middle and high school singers who are able to sing in harmony, is also currently auditioning. The troupe will be performing staged, choreographed show and pop tunes.
Wellington Children’s Theatre will offer an advanced acting class for students 15 to 19 years of age, taught by Beverly Blanchette, former dean of the Dreyfoos School of the Arts Theatre Department. Blanchette will teach an intensive, three-hour audition workshop in January. This class will be open to all students.
Karen Braunstein, the director and producer of the Wellington Children’s Theatre, said that creating this company has been her dream for years.
“The western communities are sorely in need of a theatre company serving children who want to hone their performing skills,” Braunstein said. “I hope that the WCT will draw children who are being home-schooled as well. Unfortunately, the public schools, with the exception of the high schools, no longer offer a drama program for kids. There is nothing like being on stage and acting and singing your heart out, to build self-esteem and confidence. I believe that it’s vital to expose children to the performing arts and the richness of music, and give them the opportunity to express themselves through theater.”
Wellington Children’s Theatre is casting children in grades K-12 for its fall productions, including the musical Dear Edwina, Casting continues on Sept. 22, 28 and 29. Classes and workshops meet at the #1 Education Place, in the original Wellington Mall.
For more information on classes, tuition and schedules, or to set up and audition, call (561) 223-1928, e-mail karen@wellingtonchildrenstheatre.com or visit www.wellingtonchildrenstheatre.com.
