CAPTAIN LOUIE JR. Kicks Off Rubicon Theatre Company's 2012 Summer Youth Program Today, 7/5

Summer youth programs have begun once again at Rubicon Theatre Company (RTC), with nearly one-hundred students celebrating with events and performances that are perfect for the entire family.

School is out but the learning continues at RTC where aspiring thespians, ages 5 to 22, are expanding their horizons in theatre arts programs under the skilled direction of industry professionals. Founded in 2002 by award-winning actor/director/producer BrIan McDonald, the Rubicon Summer Youth programs were designed to offer intensive performing arts education that gave students the chance to grow and learn in a professional setting.

“As a professional theatre company,” says McDonald, “I believed it was important that Rubicon’s classes focused on the education and nurturing of students who were seeking to pursue a career in the performing arts. However, it became quite clear to me that, in truth, the importance of an arts education has very little to do with the nurturing of future talent in the arts as it does with development of skills like reading comprehension, critical thinking, creative development and social interaction. Without a doubt, arts programs like the ones offered at Rubicon are changing lives in ways that no other form of study can.”

The Rubicon summer program began simply; with one 4-week musical theatre camp. For 7 hours a day, 6 days a week, sixteen students (ten of which had never performed in a musical before) rehearsed tirelessly to present a production of Once on this Island. The following year it was a production of School House Rock Live, Jr. that toured to Ventura Elementary Schools introducing young audiences to live theatre for the first time. Currently, there are 4 performance camps for kids age 5-22 including the Fearless Shakespeare Program under the direction of Yale Drama School Graduate and award-winning actor Joseph Fuqua. The Rubicon Young Professionals program offers internships and apprenticeships in behind-the-scenes jobs including those in technical theatre, stage management, theatre education, directing, marketing, arts administration and most recently, has added a student orchestra.

This summer alone, nearly 100 students will cross the Rubicon and immerse themselves in one of the many youth programs offered. Be sure to check out the line-up of family entertainment and show your support for this glorious place where dreams are made and lives are forever changed.

10th Anniversary Summer Program Schedule:

July 5-8

CAPTAIN LOUIE, JR.

Music and Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz
Book by Anthony Stein
Based on The Trip by Ezra Jack Keats

A magical, musical journey about friendship from the composer of WICKED

Running Time: Approx. 45 min.

PERFORMANCES
Jul 5 • 2 pm, 7 pm | Jul 6 • 7 pm | Jul 7 • 2 pm, 7 pm | Jul 8 • 2 pm

TICKETS
Adults: $15 | $20 at door
Kids: 12 & under: $10 | $15 at door

July 21

1:00pm
Stinky Feet Theatre Workshop Presentation
Directed by Patricia Strickland

Students Ages 5-10 present a short original musical play

TICKETS: $5 Suggest Donation, No Advanced Reservation Required

July 19 – 22

AS YOU LIKE IT

Written by William Shakespeare
Directed by Joseph Fuqua
Running Time: Approx. 2 hrs. with intermission

PERFORMANCES
Jul 19 • 8 pm | Jul 20 • 8 pm | Jul 21 • 8 pm | Jul 22 • 2 pm, 7 pm

A Shakespeare Comedy

TICKETS
Adults: $15 | $20 at door
Kids: 12 & under: $10 | $15 at door

August 8 – 12

ONCE ON THIS ISLAND

Book by Lynn Ahrens
Music by Stephen Flaherty
Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens
Based on "My Love, My Love" by Rosa Guy
Directed by BrIan McDonald
Musical Direction by John Enrico Douglas
Choreography by Carolanne Marano

Running Time: Approx. 90 min. No Intermission

PERFORMANCES
Aug 8 • 7 pm | Aug 9 • 2 pm & 8 pm | Aug 10 • 8 pm | Aug 11 • 2 pm & 8 pm
Aug 12 • 2 pm & 7 pm

Rated PG This highly original and theatrical Caribbean adaptation of the popular fairy tale The Little Mermaid garnered eight Tony nominations for its Broadway run, including Best Musical, Book and Score.

TICKETS
Adults: $20 | $25 at door
Kids: 12 & under: $15 | $20 at door

August 17

7:00 pm

The Dessert Roast of BrIan McDonald
Hosted by Stephen and Lynn Kipp

A dessert party and comedy roast in honor of BrIan McDonald’s 10-year anniversary. Limited to 45 people who have contributed $10,000 or more to the Anniversary Campaign.

BRIan McDonald (Rubicon Education and Outreach Director) most recently directed Rubicon Theatre’s production of MASTER HAROLD…AND THE BOYS which was an LA Times Critics Pick and Ovation Recommendation, and received several Santa Barbara Independent Awards. Other Rubicon directing credits include Bus Stop (nominated for an L.A. Stage Alliance Ovation Award for Best Production of a Play), Forever Plaid and A Rubicon Family Christmas. Before moving to California, Brian appeared in the National Tours of Miss Saigon and Forever Plaid, and appeared in performances at Denver Center, Theatre Virginia, The Lyric Stage, La Mirada Performing Arts Center, Center Theatre Group, Pasadena Playhouse, Thousand Oaks Performing Arts Center and Rubicon Theatre Company. Brian received an LA Weekly award for Best Supporting Actor as Gaveston in Circle X’s production of Brecht’s Edward II and is the recipient of the Ventura Mayor’s Arts Award, the Phi Delta Kappa Community Partnership Award and two Honorary Service Awards from the California State PTA. Brian has been on staff at Rubicon since 2002 and served as Production Manager and Associate Producer before becoming the Company’s first Education and Outreach Director. He is the founder and program director of Rubicon’s Summer Youth Program, which offer training intensives in Musical Theatre, Drama and Technical Theatre. Brian is a B.F.A. graduate of the Boston Conservatory of Music, Dance and Theatre. Presently, Brian is working with writer Cheri Steinkellner and arranger/composer Georgia Sitt on The New-Fashioned Musical Comedy Hello! My Baby which will be produced in collaboration with the Lobero Theatre, PCPA and Rubicon Theatre Company in spring of 2012.

August 18

7:00 pm

Kids for Kids Benefit Concert
A Tribute to BrIan McDonald in Story and Song

A youth-produced fundraiser to benefit the Rubicon Summer Youth Theatre Program honoring BrIan McDonald’s 10 year anniversary.

TICKETS: $40 / $45 at door

Tickets may be purchased in person through the Rubicon Theatre Box Office, located at 1006 E. Main Street (Laurel entrance). To charge by phone, call (805) 667-2900. Or visit Rubicon online at www.rubicontheatre.org.

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