Findlay, Ohio – SummerStock at The University of Findlay is inviting young actors and actresses to spend a week this summer “Backstage for Beauty and the Beast.” SummerStock is accepting applications to the SummerStock Youth Conservatory to be held July 10-14.

While the SummerStock Youth Conservatory is a new program, SummerStock is no stranger to theatre education for area youth.  For the past two years, SummerStock personnel have provided all of the curriculum planning and instruction behind KidArts Kamp, a cooperative venture between SummerStock and the Arts Partnership of Hancock County. 

During the week-long conservatory, students will be directly involved with the creation of SummerStock’s production of “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.”  They will work backstage learning about and contributing to the various aspects that go into putting on a theatre production. The participants will learn the same vocal music, choreography, acting/character work and painting/construction techniques that will be used in “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.” 

In addition, up to eight conservatory students may be chosen to act in the professional production, which will perform July 26-30.

 As in previous KidArts Kamp seasons, the week-long conservatory will be led by the master teachers and theatre professionals involved with the 2006 SummerStock productions.

The conservatory is open for students age 6 through 14. The students will be separated into the following brackets: ages 6-8, ages 9-11 and ages 12-14.  No past experience in art and theatre programs is required.  Space is limited to the first 60 applicants. The cost is $50. 

SummerStock at The University of Findlay has been setting the standard for professional theatre in northwest Ohio since 1977.  SummerStock uses a core professional company and supplements with an adjunct company of undergraduate interns and high school apprentices. 

For more information or to R.S.V.P., contact the UF Box Office at 419-434-5335.