Pasadena Playhouse Kicks Off 3rd Annual High School Theatre Festival Today

The Pasadena Playhouse announced that the theatre would host the THIRD ANNUAL HIGH SCHOOL THEATRE FESTIVAL today, April 27, from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. The event will feature fifteen local high schools, each performing a theatrical piece of their selection. Admission to the Festival is $5.00 and all proceeds will go towards funding next year's High School Theatre Festival. This special, non-competitive, event was created so that all friends, family and supporters of the surrounding communities and the local schools may enjoy the talent of the participating students. This year's event will also feature surprise celebrity guest appearances.

"It is such a pleasure to see this event grow from year to year, and to watch the hundreds of students bring their youthful energy to our stage," said Playhouse Artistic Director Sheldon Epps. "Hopefully this Festival will inspire many of them to continue to pursue a life in the arts or to be enriched by their theatrical experiences so that they will support the arts as they begin their life's journey."

Participating high schools include: Alverno High School, Blair High School, Brethren Christian High School, Flintridge Preparatory School, John Muir High School, King Chavez High School, Maranatha High School, Marshall Fundamental High School, Mayfield Senior School, North Valley Charter Academy, Pasadena High School, Ramona Convent Secondary School, Rosemead High School, St. Francis High School and Westridge School.

"Even during this busy time of year, post-holidays, before summer vacation, in the middle of AP tests, proms, and production runs of Spring high school plays and musicals, the community of the greater Pasadena area and the amazing teachers at these high schools, see the importance of coming together to share and rejoice as an artistic community," said Courtney Harper, Outreach & Education Manager/Artistic Associate and Producer of the High School Theatre Festival. "The world class performers who grace our stage at The Pasadena Playhouse, the Tony Award-winners who walk the boards, and the writers, directors, designers, and creatives who bring visions like One Night With Janis Joplin, Sleepless In Seattle - The Musical, or Fallen Angels to life had to start somewhere - maybe even in their own high school play or musical. To be on the front lines, fostering the talents of our youth, supporting their dreams, and guiding them towards the many opportunities in their future is a very humbling honor. With arts funding being cut and/or threatened nationally, regional theatres and artists in communities throughout the country are stepping up to make sure our future generations experience and value art in all its forms. The Pasadena Playhouse's Annual High School Theatre Festival is one small way we can walk the walk we talk and really make theatre accessible to all, and theatrical diversity a true cornerstone of our programing and living part of our mission."

Mary Lea Carroll, founder of the Annual High School Theatre Festival added, "My desire is to shine a light on the tremendous effort our high schools' theatre departments put forth and the stunning talent that pours from them all. This festival is a way to experience the beauty and wonder of our teenagers!"

The High School Theatre Festival is a part of The Pasadena Playhouse's Outreach and Education Program and is made possible in part by the support of the Wells Fargo Theatrical Diversity Project.

The Third Annual High School Theatre Festival is today, April 27, 2013, at The Pasadena Playhouse (39 S. El Molino Avenue). The event is from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. and the doors open at 8:30 a.m. All tickets are $5.00 general admission, and are available for purchase on the day of the event at The Pasadena Playhouse Box Office. Concessions will be on sale at the event and all proceeds will go towards next year's High School Theatre Festival event. Donations for this year's festival as well as next year's High School Theatre Festival are also gladly accepted and may be made at the time of your ticket purchase on the day of the event.

For more information, contact The Pasadena Playhouse Development Office at HSTF@pasadenaplayhouse.org or 626-204-7388. Information on all current Outreach and Development events is available by visiting www.PasadenaPlayhouse.org.

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