The Children's Theatre S.T.A.R. Programs -- Training for Teens and Children Culminates in a Free Performance in July

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 14, 2004

CINCINNATI, OH — The Children's Theatre's three-week S.T.A.R. (Stars That Are Rising) Program is a professional training program for students ages 12-17 who want to further their skills in musical theater performance. This is the fifth year for the S.T.A.R. Program. New this year, is a three-week Little S.T.A.R. Program for 8-11 year-olds who have a true interest in exploring the performing arts. Both programs begin July 5 and culminate with a performance on Friday, July 23, 2004 at 7:30 PM at Northern Kentucky University. Admission is free. The students will be showcasing songs from hit musicals and performing dramatic monologues and self-written scenes.

Students are accepted by audition only. Almost 40 students from all over the tri-state area make up the program this year. The program is being led by Jack Louiso, Artistic Director for The Children's Theatre with Susie Louiso, Executive Director of The Children's Theatre producing. Spring Starr Pillow, Education Director for The Children's Theatre is the program's administrator. Instructors include:

• Musical Director: Vincent Lee, a conductor who holds a Masters degree from the Indiana University School of Music. He is currently a doctoral candidate.
• Drama Instructor: Mary Tensing, locally-celebrated playwright, director and actress.
• Dance Instructor: Jenny Goodlett, CCM Dance graduate who danced with the Cincinnati Ballet for five seasons.
• Drama Instructor: Lori Lee Wainscott, a Fine Arts teacher at Notre Dame Academy, has performed in theatres and cabarets throughout the U.S.
• Music Instructor: Joshua Huff, holds a Master of Music Education degree from the University of Kentucky. He teaches music at Cline Elementary and is the accompanist for the Northern Kentucky Children's Ensemble.

The program offers intense training in musical theater performing skills, including dance, vocal and drama coaching. In addition, students are gaining a basic understanding and appreciation for technical theater by participating in lectures and demonstrations by professional artists.

"Our S.T.A.R. students eventually want to make their living as working performers. Their dedication to the craft is impressive," said Jack Louiso, Artistic Director of The Children's Theatre and Director of the S.T.A.R. Program. "Through the years, we have had so many requests for a course for younger students, so this year we decided to create the Little S.T.A.R. program. There are a lot of talented kids out there, and to give up three weeks out of their summer vacation to learn their craft and perform in a production, shows just how serious they are."

Learn more about the S.T.A.R. Program»

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