Summer Theater at St. Thomas is back

The 2011 St. Thomas Youth Group Summer Theater is about to begin for the 14 consecutive year. The goal the program is to provide young people with a fun, safe vacation-season activity. Additionally, through the program children learn the many aspects of theatrical production — whether on stage, backstage or in the orchestra pit.

The program offers audiences a rousing, colorful, tune-filled entertainment spectacular starring their own young friends, neighbors and loved ones. This is accomplished through hard but fun work, rehearsing and building sets and scenery several nights a week over a seven-week period from June through early August.

This summer, on Aug. 12, 13 and 14, we will be performing “Oliver!” This production is open to youths from seventh grade through first year of college for leads, supporting parts, chorus, orchestra and stage crew.

Summer Theater auditions for lead parts only are scheduled for Monday, May 16, and Tuesday, May 17, in the Monsignor Smith Auditorium from 7 to 9 p.m., with call-backs scheduled for Wednesday, May 18. Registration for those parts, as well as supporting roles, ensemble, orchestra pit and stage crew, will be held on Tuesday, June 7, at 7 p.m. in the Monsignor Smith Auditorium.

A parent must be present to register. There will be a brief parent meeting after registration.

Attendance at rehearsals is mandatory. Please check your vacation plans prior to registration to ensure you can attend the rehearsals and all three performances. If you have any questions, please call the St. Thomas Youth Center at (516) 538-7467.