BWW Previews: PCT YOUTH SPRING CONCERT at Palm Canyon Theatre

Palm Canyon Theatre (PCT), like all theatres around the world, closed their auditorium to productions a year ago. However, starting in January of this year, they entered into a very interesting (and I daresay, brave) project. Starting in mid-January, a troupe of 22 young performers (12 - 21) began a two-month intensive training program, culminating in a fully staged concert. The classes began online, then transitioned to small groups in the PCT auditorium. Students and teachers wore masks and socially distanced during all rehearsals. Once small ensembles were rehearsed, a few full cast sessions were run in order to record portions of songs that included the entire group. Instruction for the workshop was offered at no cost to the students by talented actors, vocalists and directors who volunteered their time to prepare the troupe.

"Because most schools were still engaged in distance learning, families were looking for a creative and social outlet for their kids," said Se Layne, co-artistic director and the visionary behind the special show. "We loved working with this group of energetic young people who were craving to get back on stage."

The group has now completed a full concert which was recorded on PCT's stage. Local youth performing in the concert include: Ava Tethal, Fabrizio Ibanez, Noah Arce, Matthew Pichler, AJ Fernandez, Kaiya Treash, Elizabeth Eldar, Isabella Morrison, Aidan Bosworth, Nathan Bosworth, Abel Rodriguez, Makayla Smith, Emma Walker, Diego Huerta, Victoria Herrera, Alice Stepleton, Audrey Stepleton, Imani Rachel, Amanda Miranda, Christopher Lopez, Mariana Robles, and Kristina Panagiotaros. The show was directed by Se Layne and Paul Grant, with musical direction by Jaci Davis. Costuming by Derik Shopinski, lights by Wyatt Tethal, and vidography and post production by Nick Wass.

Tickets for the streaming concert are $15 and available for TWO DAYS ONLY on Showtix4U.com, which is also the platform to view the recorded production. PCT's Youth Spring Concert is available for streaming for a 48-hour period between 12 a.m. on March 30 though 11:59 p.m. on April 2. Purchase at https://www.showtix4u.com/event-details/46332. All proceeds from this concert will benefit future educational programming at PCT.

For nearly 25 years, PCT has recognized their duty to their community to prepare the next generation of performers. Each summer, they offer a Kids Camp where young folks can experience classes in acting, singing, and dancing while enjoying the camaraderie of children from throughout the valley. Students participating in PCT's youth program have also received real-world experience by working alongside professionals on mainstage productions. Many of the students have subsequently appeared throughout the valley, including The McCallum Theatre, and even those students who don't continue performing will have a visceral understanding of performing arts which will enrich their entire lives.

The nonprofit theatre has been dark since March 2020 and is relying greatly on the generosity of donors and grant support through the pandemic. For more information about Palm Canyon Theatre, go to https://www.facebook.com/ThePalmCanyonTheatre or www.PalmCanonTheatre.org.

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