Liberty Center Jr. Theatre Program Back With New Musical

When I was in junior high and high school theater was a big part of my life. "Teen Theater" and then "Acting" classes at the local community college. Then roles in a couple of high school plays. And finally, joining one of Chicago's only south side theater company's. If you have a theater obsessed child or teenager, the Liberty Center Association for the Arts has an opportunity for your kids.

The Liberty Center's Junior Theatre Program is presenting "We Will Rock You Young @ Part" directed by Lucy Lemke Clark, and musical direction by Michelle Gilger, and tech by Carl Hutcherson and Amber Reith Hutcherson.

According to Theatrical Rights Worldwide "We Will Rock You Young @ Part" is an authorized sixty minute edition of the musical for elementary and middle schools as well as youth theaters. Theatrical Rights Worldwide says:

 Inspired by and featuring the songs of Queen, this new version of the show is perfect for kids to perform! Through a series of workshops, our Young@Part® musicals are tailor-made for younger actors. Song keys are changed where needed, songs and scenes are edited for time and content, while keeping the spirit of the original West End show intact. There are great parts for girls, boys and can include any sized ensemble/chorus, who appear throughout the show.

According to a Facebook post the Liberty Center says their Junior Theatre Program is designed for kids 8 to 18, or kids entering second grade to recent high school graduates. A parents meeting for children interested in auditioning for the play, or those who would like to be part of the crew, will be held Saturday May 1 at 11:00AM CDT and Monday May 3 at 6:30PM CDT.

Parents will sign their kids up for audition slots and receive packets that must be filled out and returned with payment at auditions. Cost for performers is $125.00 and cost for those involved in "crew only" is $80.00. Masks will be required in the Liberty Center and auditions will be held on Monday May 10 and Tuesday May 11. Callbacks, if needed will be on Thursday May 13. And rehearsals start on Monday May 17 and will be held in the evening.

The production will run Thursday June 24, Friday June 25, Saturday June 26 at 7:30PM CDT, and Sunday June 27 @ 2:00PM CDT. Contacts for more information can be found on the Facebook post.

Working on productions and in the theater group I was a part of as a kid was great for a teenager like me. It taught me responsibility. Exposed me to people a little older and a little younger. Helped me become more independent. And was fairly important as I transitioned from a kid to an adult. If you're kid has an interest in the theater, see if this is something they'd like to do. You might be giving your kid a great gift.