Youths in spotlight as 'Oz,' 'Mermaid' make Carson City kids stage-struck

The Youth Theatre Carson City production of "Wizard of Oz" takes to the stage this weekend and next, one of the signs that youthful performing arts are on the move here.

The show, featuring cast members from age 5 to 18, will be staged at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and at 2 p.m. Sunday in the Bob Boldrick Theater in the Carson City Community Center. It repeats at 7 p.m. Aug. 10 and 11, and at 2 p.m. on Aug. 12 in the same location.

Audiences will be seeing the inaugural production by Youth Theatre Carson City, which is under the tutelage and direction of Andie Anderson. She operates the program in conjunction with the Carson City Recreation Department.

Cost for each performance is $5 for children under age 6, $10 for students and seniors, and $12 for general admission.

The production is billed as an exciting adaptation of the classic film that starred Judy Garland as Dorothy and captivated audiences through multiple generations.

The show is just one of several indicators that young people in Carson City can stretch their dramatic and performing arts muscles.

For example, Wild Horse Children's Theater just announced dates for auditions next month to cast the Northern Nevada premiere of Disney's musical "The Little Mermaid Jr."

Wild Horse Children's Theater, which is affiliated with the Brewery Arts Center, plans auditions beginning at 4 p.m. Sept. 6 and at 1 p.m. Sept. 8. Children aged 5 to 18 will audition at the BAC Performance Hall, 511 W. King St.

Auditions are by appointment only, said Wild Horse, and interested parties must make contact for a slot. The Wild Horse office telephone is 775-887-0438; the e-mail is pat@wildhorsetheater.com.

After casting, rehearsals will begin Sept. 19 and be held at 4:15 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays. The production is scheduled for three weekends beginning Nov. 30.

Another indicator of thriving youth theater and other arts for children in the city is a BAC summer program, in conjunction with Boys and Girls Clubs of Western Nevada, which will culminate with exhibits and performances the weekend of Aug. 17-19.

Finally, St. Teresa of Avila elementary school in Carson City is among the five Diocese of Reno's Roman Catholic schools that will enhance drama and related arts by sharing in a $119,750 grant. It is from the E.L. Wiegand Foundation to fund an innovative performing arts program.