The stars of tomorrow could be among children getting theatrical training in Oneonta this summer, a local program producer said.
Orpheus Theatre is running a children's and teen musical theater workshop again this year. The sessions run through July 12 at two locations. Children age 7-12 are rehearsing at 99 Main St. for their upcoming performance of "Aladdin."
Teens 13 and older are working at the First United Methodist Church on "Seussical The Musical."
Both groups will be performing at the First United Methodist Church fellowship hall.
The sessions have been held each summer for about 15 years, said workshop producer Janet Lampo, who has been involved for about 10 years.
"Children are the future of the theater," she said. "Starting them at a young age gets them involved. They have a lot of fun," she said.
While there are often newcomers, there were many teens at the rehearsals of "Seussical" who have attended for years. They included several 15-year-olds who are students at Oneonta High School.
Meredith Clemons has been attending workshops for six years.
"They work with us on singing, acting and dancing," she said. "By teaching the vocabulary of the theater, it's easier to take direction."
Being involved with ballet, she said, she hasn't had the time to try out for parts in local productions, but she would like to try in the future.
Shane Heidecker has been attending for seven years. He has performed in school and Orpheus productions, he said.
He likes the classes because "it sharpens your skills and it's fun," he said.
"It gives you a lot of confidence," said Adrian Adamo, who has been involved with Orpheus and drama club. "Everybody gets a chance to shine."
Sarah Lynn Hazard is the director of the teen production. She directed "Beauty and the Beast" for a recent Orpheus production.
Hazard said all aspects of production are taught, including singing and dancing, and technical aspects like set design and costumes.
There are 19 teens involved, and "they learn it all," she said.
There are 38 students in the children's group. They are being directed by Jacey Lambros, an Oneonta native and a Radio City Rockette, and Elisabeth Baldanza, 2007 Miss New York State. She went to school in the Oneonta area.
"Aladdin" will be performed at 7 p.m. July 10 and 3 p.m. July 11.
"Seussical" will be performed at 7 p.m. July 11 and 3 p.m. July 12.
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