Festival Theatre will open its Conservatory production of “The Frogs” this Saturday, July 19th at 7:30 pm. An Afterglow gathering will follow for the cast and opening night attendees, sponsored by Chuck and Sherry Pearce from North Branch, MN. The show will run in rotating repertory through July 31st.
Aristophanes’ comedy classic, “The Frogs,” directed by Stephen Pearce, features five young actors in the cast, along with five adult members of the professional artistic company. The youth are Christopher Lewis of Grantsburg, Ella Middleton of Dresser, Erin Myhran of Shafer, plus Abigayle Paulson and Claire Scharfenberg of St. Croix Falls. The adult guest artists are Isaac Bont, Deanna Davis, Gregory Hilleren, Kayla Klammer, and Jerry Kurek.
With an emphasis on teaching theatre arts, the Festival Theatre Conservatory for Young Performers (FTCYP) is now in its fourth year, engaging older youth actors in a professional process. When asked what they are learning in the rehearsal process, the youth had some definite answers. Erin Myhran responded, “I’m learning about a lot of things included in theatre, such as diction, character development, and neutral mask work.” Techniques mentioned by the others were breath control, energy sharing, improv and devised theatre.
When asked what they enjoy most about their roles in “The Frogs,” answers were quick and sure: “I enjoy how much freedom I have in choosing the personalities of my characters.” (Christopher). “The physical aspects of the chorus and the script.” (Ella). “How my personality changes and how all of the actors support it…” (Abigayle). “I enjoy getting to know everyone in this awesome cast, and working on this production with them.” (Claire).
Tickets are $13.50 adults and $8.50 for youth ages three to eighteen. Patrons have seven opportunities to see “The Frogs,” in rep with Festival’s first two summer productions, “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” and “Almost, Maine.” Make your reservations HERE.