Playhouse caters to kids

With the children’s show “Suessical the Musical” coming this July, the Whidbey Playhouse is forging a summer youth program to draw kids into playhouse activities.

This year, in addition to a kid’s production, the playhouse staff is offering opportunities for children to participate in design and backstage work and to attend workshops.

The playhouse will take on 10 technical theater apprentices to assist in designing, building, sewing, makeup, lighting, directing and stage managing. Kids in the program will work backstage for the full run of “Suessical,” beginning June 21.

Summer workshops will be open to kids aged 9 to 18, regardless of skill level. Several of the playhouse’s seasoned actors and directors signed on to teach, including people who have worked in the “industry” in Hollywood and Europe. The workshops will include stagecraft, voice, improv, costume design, playwriting, audition techniques, special effects makeup and acting. A participation fee of $50 will be due at time of registration, which ends June 10. Classes will begin on June 6.

Workshop instructors will include Richard Guntz, a former set designer for the Johnny Carson show, and Rusty Hendrix, a director and producer for numerous playhouse shows.

A full list of classes, instructors and prices are listed at www.whidbeyplayhouse.com/seussicalsummeryouth.html.

Multiple sibling discounts and scholarship funding may be available to those who qualify for financial assistance.

Comment on this story.

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.