Maltz Jupiter Theatre Seeks Middle And High School Students To Produce Shakespeare's ROMEO AND JULIET

The Maltz Jupiter Theatre is offering local students the chance to produce a historic Shakespearian classic.

Under the guidance of industry professionals at Florida's largest award-winning professional regional theatre, the Theatre is inviting students in grades 6 through 12 to apply to be part of a free summer mentorship program to produce the William Shakespeare's tragedy Romeo and Juliet. The show will take place on the Theatre's stage on Saturday, August 10, at 7:30 p.m.

In one of the greatest love stories ever told, the city of Verona is divided by an historic bitter feud where two star-crossed lovers meet. Romeo and Juliet's tragic end brings light to the necessity of peace.

One of Shakespeare's most popular plays, the plot is based on the Italian tale The Tragical History of Romeus and Juliet by Arthur Brooke in 1562 and retold in prose in Palace of Pleasure by William Painter in 1567. Shakespeare borrowed from both but expanded the plot by developing a number of supporting characters; he first published his story as a quarto version in 1597. It has been adapted numerous times for stage, film, musical, and opera venues in the years since its inception.

"William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet is a beloved classic that tackles issues of love, fate and chance and the tragedy of learned hatred and the inability to forgive," said Julie Rowe, director of education for the Theatre. "Though the play was written centuries ago, its language and lessons are powerful and timeless. I know it will be a life-changing experience for our students to produce."

Known as the Youth Artists' Chair, the project aligns middle and high school students with individual Theatre staff members for one-on-one mentoring and guidance during the creation process of the show. Through the project, students have produced the dramas To Kill a Mockingbird, The Diary of Anne Frank, Rhinoceros, The Glass Menagerie, The Crucible, Hamlet, The Laramie Project and The Good Times are Killing Me since 2011.

"Romeo and Juliet is one of the most iconic plays ever written, and I'm looking forward to seeing how our students interpret it," Rowe said. "The Maltz Jupiter Theatre's annual Youth Artists' Chair mentorship program has become a place where middle and high school students can spend their summer working on a dynamic, significant project with their peers."

Applicants for the project will be interviewed and chosen by a committee. Winning students will then take on specific roles throughout the summer months that include producer, director, set designer, costume designer, lighting designer, sound designer, properties designer, stage manager, assistant stage manager, marketing, dramaturg and run crew. The students will then lead three weeks of rehearsals before mounting the show on stage.

The deadline to apply for the project is March 8, with interviews that will take place through March 15. Please note: this production explores mature themes. Submission packets are available by visiting www.jupitertheatre.org/youth-artists-chair-program.

Those chosen for the role of director and producer will also assist in casting the show's young performers. With casting open for local students in grades 6 through 12, open auditions and callbacks for the show will be held April 28. Students interested in auditioning for Romeo and Juliet should come prepared with a one-minute monologue in the style of the show; pre-registration is required. For additional audition information and an audition appointment, call (561) 743-2666, ext. 123.

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