LYTE program takes to the Palace stage this fall; auditions begin Sept. 22

London Community News

Teenagers interested in a career in the performing arts will be able to get some insight this fall into what it might take to make their dreams come true. The London Youth Theatre Education (LYTE) program offers an opportunity to young people (ages 12-17) who are interested in performing arts and the operations of live theatre or who are just interested in a great learning experience as it builds towards its first full-scale production in March 2013. The play that will be staged is Harry’s Hotter at Twilight, written by Jonathan Dorf, and will be a natural fit for young people who love Harry Potter and Twilight. It will also fuel their imaginations as they get to operate creatively in a fantasy world populated by some of the same characters they have grown to love in some of the most popular youth fiction and movies of the moment. Through this vehicle the youth will take classes on acting, and other stage skills such as auditioning, blocking, stage combat, lighting cues, script reading and the building of a prompt book. Interested parties, or their parents, can contact the LYTE, part of the London Community Players, through the Palace Theatre. Auditions begin Sept. 22 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for actors and continue the following day for crew interviews as well. Participants are required to choose either a Saturday or Sunday for their weekly acting courses and a weeknight for a course in the one of the above theatrical skill set development. All levels of experience are welcome as the purpose of the program is to offer a safe environment for young people to engage in a creative and supportive project. It’s a wonderful way for anyone to work on self-confidence and make friends with similar interests. There is some flexibility for children that fall outside the desired age range, but the LYTE program should be contacted directly. LYTE has been in operation since the London Community Players began a youth theatre initiative in 2003. It has grown from a two-week summer camp to a year-round project that has its own portion of the LCP’s annual budget and its own board of directors. In the past LYTE has helped over 100 kids a year interact with all facets of the theatre in a variety of genres including musicals and comedies. The program prides itself on keeping costs low and offering a reputable and safe community atmosphere in London’s East End. For more information or inquiries about the program, contact Melodie Lumley by email at melodielumley@rogers.com or The Palace Theatre at 519-432-1029. Find us on Facebook: London Community News