A.C.T.'s Young Conservatory Announces 2016-17 Cabaret Season

American Conservatory Theater (A.C.T.) Young Conservatory Director Craig Slaight is proud to announce the 2016-17 cabaret season, featuring four unique cabarets performed by members of the Young Conservatory's High School Musical and Cabaret Ensembles. Performances include Celebrating Sondheim (November 4-7, 2016), a celebration of one of America's most prolific and successful composers for the stage; Singer's Choice (February 17-20, 2017), an eclectic program that has the young performers choosing material that speaks to them; Keep the Home Fires Burning (March 31-April 3, 2017), consisting of memorable songs from both World Wars; and Comedy Tonight (May 12-15), a celebration of humorous songs from throughout the years. The High School Musical ensemble will perform at Friday and Monday performances while the Cabaret Ensemble will perform at Saturday and Sunday performances. Single tickets for Young Conservatory cabarets are $20 and are available now by calling the A.C.T. Box Office at 415.749.2228 or online at www.act-sf.org/YCshows. Purchase a ticket package of all four cabarets and save 20%!

Says Slaight: "We have found that one of the most significant ways to develop musical theater talent is by placing the performer in the intimate setting of cabaret. In the YC, acting and singing combine to create a well-rounded performer . . . one that can express a story with truth and theatrical vitality. Our cabaret program offers the young performer exposure to a cross section of various musical styles, from the vast repertoire of musical theater to the pop music of today and times gone by. In the ten years that we've been doing cabarets with young actors, our audiences have responded with enormous enthusiasm, eager to watch the next notable performer in the making!"

The ensembles focus on developing a number of musical pieces in various styles-from the works of well-known composers to standard musical theater selections. Additionally, the ensemble members serve as musical ambassadors for the Young Conservatory, performing at events sponsored by A.C.T. and other organizations.

Celebrating Sondheim
Friday, November 4, 5:30 p.m. | Saturday, November 5, 5 p.m. | Sunday, November 6, 5 p.m. | Monday, November 7, 5:30 p.m.
The Garret at A.C.T.'s Geary Theater
415 Geary Street, San Francisco
One of America's most prolific and successful composers for the stage, Stephen Sondheim gives insight into the pleasures and hardships of life and love. His work resonates with audiences of all ages and offers a feast and a challenge to the YC's students of singing and musical theater. Celebrating Sondheim features a lively selections of songs from some of his greatest shows, including Merrily We Roll Along, A Little Night Music, Company, Into the Woods, Sunday in the Park With George, Sweeney Todd, and more!

Singer's Choice
Friday, February 17, 2017, 5:30 p.m. | Saturday, February 18, 2017, 5 p.m. | Sunday, February 19, 2017, 5 p.m.| Monday, February 20, 2017, 5:30 p.m.
The Garret at A.C.T.'s Geary Theater
415 Geary Street, San Francisco
In this eclectic program, the members of the ensemble select music that they find a particular closeness to, offering a very personal journey communing with the composer, lyricist, and audience.

Keep the Home Fires Burning
Friday, March 31, 2017, 5:30 p.m. | Saturday, April 1, 2017, 5 p.m. | Sunday, April 2, 2017, 5 p.m. | Monday, April 3, 2017, 5:30 p.m.
The Garret at A.C.T.'s Geary Theater
415 Geary Street, San Francisco
In the two great wars of the twentieth century, composers and lyricists embraced the brave souls and fragile hearts of the nation with songs to inspire, reflect, and comfort. As we head in to centenary of the Great War (WWI) this program consists of memorable songs from both World Wars, songs that have lasted for decades.

Comedy Tonight
Friday, May 12, 2017, 5:30 p.m. | Saturday, May 13, 2017, 5 p.m. | Sunday, May 14, 2017, 5 p.m. | Monday, May 15, 2017, 5:30 p.m.
The Garret at A.C.T.'s Geary Theater
415 Geary Street, San Francisco
A highlight each year for both performers and audiences, Comedy Tonight features an array of hilarious songs in a number of styles from throughout the years.

The YC's cabaret season is made possible by a generous grant from The Bernard Osher Foundation and Jewels of Charity. Additional support is provided by the Crescent Porter Hale Foundation and donors to A.C.T.'s season gala.

ABOUT YOUNG CONSERVATORY
The Young Conservatory (YC) at A.C.T. is an internationally recognized professional theater training program for young people between the ages of 8 and 19. Young actors from throughout the Bay Area (and often other states) who attend the Young Conservatory develop their creative talent, perform in professional-caliber productions, and learn confidence and communication skills.

Spearheaded by Craig Slaight, the Young Conservatory offers dynamic courses throughout the year for both beginners exploring acting for the first time as well as young actors with previous experience. Classes are designed to develop imagination, concentration, character, professionalism, and technique, and to strengthen the student's command of his/her body and voice.

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