Let's PLAY! Children's Theater Workshop

Brunswick Little Theatre launched it's very first Let's PLAY! Children's Theatre Workshop in the spring of 2013 with the goal to "provide our youngest performers with an opportunity to explore and excel in the theatrical arts, in a low-key, relaxed environment." Director Jen Iapalucci proposed the program as a way to introduce and teach the theatrical arts to younger children (4-12 year-olds) without the pressure of auditions. That first session, a series of 12 weekend workshops culminating in a showcase, was followed in the summer of 2013 by two weeks of summer camp and by a second weekend workshop in the spring of 2014.

This summer will see the second set of two week-long summer camps with registration opening on Saturday, April 26 at 9 am. Let's PLAY! Summer Camp will be offered the weeks of June 16-20 and August 11-15, 2014 and will be directed by professional theater educator Amanda Penegar. All the details can be found on the Let's PLAY! page of the BLT website.

Brunswick Little Theatre is very proud of this workshop and the students, teachers and parents who have invested so much time, effort and enthusiasm in its success. We are looking forward this summer's camps and another weekend workshop in the fall. Below are some quotes about the program from the students involved and their parents. We believe exposure to the arts is important for every child (and adult, really) and hope you'll agree and consider joining the Let's PLAY! family!

"I like Let's PLAY! because they showed me how to take my talent to the next level, and I had a really fun time" -- Ryleigh, age 11

"I like Let's PLAY! because my grandson has a blast. I can see real growth in his confidence and exploring

his creative side." Kim, Kiro's Grandmother

"I like when we get a story and get to act it out." - Jillian, age 7

"We love Let's PLAY! because of its freestyle and imaginative approach. The performances are earnest and very entertaining! We are grateful for it in Brunswick County. The kids are building up their public speaking skills without knowing. That is priceless to every parent and child. Let's PLAY! builds confidence while stimulating their artistic abilities." - Liz, Lila's Mom

"I Like Let's PLAY! because I get to pantomime." - Maddie, age 8

"I enrolled my child in Let's PLAY! because I wanted her to overcome her shyness. By participating in Let's PLAY!, she has developed more self-confidence and is more willing to step out of her comfort zone." - Monica, Maggie's Mom

"Let's PLAY! has been wonderful for Sophia because it has helped build her confidence and develop a love for theater. In a school writing assignment she wrote that when she is on stage she feels like a bird taking off to fly." Jennifer, Sophia's Mom

"I like Let's PLAY! because I get to see my friends and have fun with them." - Mallory, age 7

"As a parent I like Let's PLAY! because my child gained social skills, focused on taking turns, and was able to self-express his talents in a safe and fun environment." - Jenni, Nicholas' Mom

April Happenings

Happy Spring to one and all! We are more than happy to see the arrival of some warmer weather and are looking forward to a busy spring and summer.

Spring for Brunswick Little Theatre means the arrival of our FREE show in Southport's Franklin Square Park. This year's shows kick off in just over one month! An American Band, Music of the Rock Revolution (1965-1973) will rock the park 8 pm nightly May 16-18 and 23-15. If you were one of the very few people who missed last year's hugely popular My Generation concerts, you don't want to miss this one! It's being brought to you by most of the same musicians and vocalists that drove record crowds wild last spring. So, bring your entire family, bring some beach chairs and be ready to be entertained by the best free concert Southport offers. You can see some songs from last year's shows here and check out this year's rehearsals here.

Are you ready to venture Into The Woods with BLT this summer? Work has begun on our big summer

musical and auditions are less than THREE WEEKS away! Director Jen Iapalucci and Musical Director Michael Stringer will be hosting auditions at Building F on the campus of Brunswick Community College on Saturday, May 3 and Monday, May 5. Children under 15 (except those auditioning for the role of Red Riding Hood) are to audition from 11 am to 1 pm on Saturday, May 3, while adults and all those seeking Red Riding Hood's role are to come at 1 pm Saturday, May 3 or 7 pm Monday, May 5. All are asked to please try to make the Saturday date if at all possible. Complete details on roles available and expectations for those auditioning can be found on our web site's Auditions Page. Please come prepared and break a leg!

Tickets for Into The Woods will be available through the Odell Williamson Auditorium box office beginning Friday, May 16. You may purchase in person, over the phone or online. All the links, times and numbers you need are on our own Box Office page here.

Looking for something for the little theater aficionados in your family to do this summer? BLT is very excited to announce the return of Let's PLAY! Children's Theater Workshop Summer Camp! This year we will offer two one-week sessions, June 16-20 and August 11-15. With Director Jen Iapalucci busy preparing Into The Woods, this summer's camps will be directed by long-time BLT friend and professional theater educator Amanda Penegar. Camp will run from 10 am to 2:30 pm Monday to Friday with a showcase performance at 3 pm the Sunday following camp week at the South Brunswick High School drama classroom. Fees for

camp are $100 per student with a 20% discount for siblings. Registration opens 9 am Saturday, April 26 via email to jgstites@yahoo.com. These camps will fill up fast, so registration is on a strict first come, first served basis. To find out more about Let's PLAY! and our summer camp program, please visit the Let's PLAY! website here. You may also check out video from past Let's PLAY! classes and showcases on our YouTube channel here.

With all these great programs and shows Brunswick Little Theatre offers, the board of directors has decided it is time to start seriously looking for a permanent home for BLT. Our options are wide open right now, but the board will be creating a Facility Fund very soon and begin accepting donations to help us acquire a place of our own. Stay tuned for details on how YOU can help build the future of community theater right here in our own back yard.

Last but certainly not least, the Brunswick Little Theatre is proud and thankful to announce the election of Sue MacCallum as President-Elect of its Board of Directors. Sue brings years of experience in theater, community involvement and fundraising and will ensure that BLT remains an active and vibrant part of our community as we move forward. Sue will assume the office of BLT President as of January 2015. Thank you and congratulations Sue!