Everyone has found themselves Up the Creek at one time or another. This summer, a group of teens (ages 13 -18) will draw on the history of the Bean Creek Valley and their own experience to tell their story of being Up the Creek. The Summer Theater Workshop is sponsored by the Fayette Opera House and the Fayette Community Fine Arts Council. Award-winning, Kennedy Center trained, music and theater educators will work with participants to hone (or discover) their skills in acting, music, storytelling, dance and stagecraft. Terry Boyarsky is a musician, performer, and educator on the Ohio Arts Council Teaching Artist Roster. Robin Pease is a storyteller, playwright , actor and educator. They have worked together in the past to develop original plays and music with students and are excited to be working together again.
The Workshop is July 12 – August 2, 2014 and begins with a week is in residence at Adrian College, where participants live in dormitories and experience the college campus while focusing on theater basics. The second and third week return to Fayette and operate as a day-camp at the Fayette Opera House. Guest instructors will join Terry and Robin and work with participants on set design, stagecraft, and publicity. Field trips to see the acclaimed outdoor drama Trumpet in the Land and a performance at the Coldwater Opera House provide inspiration and examples of both professional and community theater. Up the Creek will be presented at the Bull Thistle Arts Festival on Saturday, August 2.
Several area families have offered to host program participants who may be too far away to commute to the Opera House and help with carpooling for local families will be available. We encourage distant grandchildren and nieces and nephews to consider the program as an opportunity to visit area family. Payment plans and scholarships are available. With grant support and corporate underwriting, the goal is that the cost of the program will not be a barrier to participation.
No prior experience is necessary. Of course experienced singers, dancers, and actors are welcome – but so are those with no prior experience. We have outstanding instructors and their passion is to teach these skills. The application deadline is extended to May 15.
More information is available at the Fayette Opera House website: operahouse-fayette.org. By email: operahousefayette@gmail.com. Or call Susan Burke 941.726.1337.
The Fayette Community Fine Arts Council was founded in 1972 and incorporated as a non-profit in 1974. The face of the FCFAC is Fayette’s Historic Opera House which the Council purchased in 1978 and is the venue for most of its programs. The Fayette Opera House has become a community center housing bi-weekly Senior Nutrition program, receptions, parties, and meetings.
Fulfilling its mission of enriching cultural life of the community, FCFAC presents performances by outstanding artists with regional, national and international reputations as well as nurturing local performers through mentorship and performance opportunities at Bean Creek Coffee Houses and other special programs. The Fayette Opera House is internationally known for its collection of reed organs and the restoration work done by Don Glasgow.
More information and schedule of events: www.operahouse-fayette.org.