Youth learn the ways of the theater | Centerstage presents ‘Mr. A’s Amazing Maze Plays’ this weekend

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By Linda Pratt • August 6, 2010 3:19 pm
Caitlin Frances directed “How To Eat Like A Child” as part of Centerstage Theatre’s summer children’s camp. Pictured: Sarrah
Caitlin Frances directed “How To Eat Like A Child” as part of Centerstage Theatre’s summer children’s camp. Pictured: Sarrah

Centerstage Theatre Arts Conservatory has bought back its children’s theater camps this summer. There are classes for youngsters between the ages of 4 and 13. Taught by seasoned professionals, the children get a genuine theatre education while having fun.

Walayn Sharples is teaching the Creation Station (ages 4-7) and Theatre Potpourri (ages 7-13). A certified teacher, she has taught drama classes at Village Theatre and Second Story Repertory Theatre. Her performances at Centerstage include “A Christmas Carol” and “Enchanted April.”

Caitlin Frances directed “How To Eat Like A Child.” She was the Education Director at Second Story Repertory Theatre in Redmond and has taught for four years. She’s been acting professionally since she was 4 years old. You may recognize her from last season’s performance of “Enchanted April.” Mark Rabe is the musical director. He has worked on many shows for Centerstage and has directed music at Seattle Children’s Theatre and at the Village Theatre in Issaquah.

Centerstage’s own artistic director, Alan Bryce, is directing the 13-18-year-olds in a play called “Mr. A’s Amazing Maze Plays.” This is a fantastic play by Alan Ayckbourn full of twists and turns lead by the audience.

In addition to learning theater skills like singing, acting and movement, these youngsters also gain strength in focus, teamwork, and expressing feelings.

At the end of camp, each group presents a performance at the Knutzen Family Theatre. On July 31 and Aug. 1, the younger group performed the darling musical “How To Eat Like A Child” by Delia Ephron, John Forster and Judith Kahan. The show included the number “We Refuse To Fall Asleep!” The 13-18-year-olds will be performing “Mr. A’s Amazing Maze Plays.” Each show was selected to match the maturity of its performers and has the excellent production values you can expect from Centerstage.

Check it out: “Mr. A’s Amazing Maze Play” will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 6, and Saturday, Aug. 7, as well as 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 8. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for youth (17 and under). Info: centerstagetheatre.com or (253) 661-1444.