Lakewood Playhouse: Auditions Are On The Minds Of Youths

The Lakewood Playhouse has a few opportunities tomorrow from noon-3:30 p.m. for children ages 7-15 and 12-18 to get their artistic kicks in while also meeting new friends and gaining some valuable life skills.

The theatre will be putting on an adaptation of Shakespeare’s classic tragedy “Hamlet” and “The House at Pooh Corner” based off of A.A. Milne's children's stories March 25-27, and the Lakewood Playhouse needs a few willing and able thespians to fill the roles and entertain the audiences.

Kids who have yet to act in a play or who have just discovered their passions for the theatre are welcome to try out as seasoned veterans, said Christian Doyle, director of this winter's production of “Hamlet.”

“I always like more actors to choose from than less,” Doyle stated. “I like working with new people, and if I can get a good mix of seasoned vets and new people then I’m very happy. I’ve had kids that I’ve been teaching for six years straight through the fall, spring and winter productions.”

Each young actor auditioning for a role does a cold reading from the play that day, and thus no prep is necessary, other than a good attitude and a propensity to having fun.

“A willingness to play is pretty much all I’m looking for,” Doyle said. “They’ve got to want to come out and have a good time and learn something.”

Those kids who ride the line between both age groups (age 12-15) are welcome to audition for both productions, said Maggie Knott, education director at Lakewood Playhouse.

“They can definitely read for both and maximize the possibility of the cast,” Knott said. “We’re not sure how many kids we’ll take for each play, but it depends on the cast size and I’d guess we’ll have between 12-18 actors each.”

In addition, theater productions helps kids and teens learn many life skills that can carry on through adulthood.

“We teach the basics of theater through the rehearsal and performance process, the basics of theatre but also are putting on a full show," Knott said. "They’re learning teamwork, responsibility, self-awareness, innumerable life skills that I think they learn more than with any other extra-curricular activity. It’s a great way to learn these things, basic human empathy and understanding. I’m a big believer in all kids taking part in some kind of theatre program.”

Auditions for Lakewood Playhouse’s upcoming youth theatre productions of “Hamlet” and “The House at Pooh Corner” will take place on Feb. 12 from noon to 1:30 p.m. and 2-3:30 p.m. Tuition is $250 and is due, if a youth is cast, on the first day of rehearsal. Scholarships are available based on financial need.

For more information on the upcoming auditions and the Lakewood Playhouse youth theatre program call (253) 588-0042 to speak with Education Director, Maggie Knott or visit www.lakewoodplayhouse.org.