|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
||||
A New Pavilion for the Community
As
an important part of the revitalization of the theater, Solvang
Theaterfest plans to construct a small enclosed pavilion which will open
into the garden and provide a space for year-round use. This new space
will provide a home for an expanded youth theater program and a venue
for small productions and readings, as well as a place for private and
community events.
Youth Theater
Because young people of today are the thoughtful and supportive audiences
of tomorrow, youth theater plays an integral part in the Solvang Theaterfest
mission of bringing live theater and the performing arts to the Santa
Ynez Valley. Since 1995, Solvang Theaterfest has initiated three programs
to introduce young people to the magic of theater, both as performers
and audience members.
The Summer Shakespeare Program, held in the garden lobby of the
theater, introduces young people to the world of the stage actor. For
two weeks students learn the basics of vocal work, movement, text analysis
and character creation while rehearsing an abridged version of a Shakespeare
classic. The final “performance in progress” is always exciting as the
students meet the challenges of the text with commitment and passion.
The
Winter Workshop is a highly condensed one-day version of the
Summer Shakespeare Program. After the workshop, students and parents attend
a matinee performance of a Shakespeare production.
Kids Night Out, an annual free performance and workshop
designed to welcome children to the theater, has steadily grown over the
years to fill the Solvang Festival Theater. The program includes a short
demonstration of the creative process by cast members and audience participation
exercises, followed by make-your-own ice cream sundaes in the Lobby Garden
after the performance!
Despite its relatively small size, the Youth Theater has enriched the
lives of the hundreds of children who have participated. But in order
to accommodate more young actors and to be able to hold more workshops
and student productions throughout the year, a new space for the program
is needed.
©Copyright, Solvang Theaterfest, 2008