Participants, who must be Queens residents, will sing, act and dance throughout the…
The Astoria Performing Arts Center will offer a free musical theater summer program for kids — APAC’s Summer Stars 2004, for ages 8 to 13. Auditions will be June 26.
Participants, who must be Queens residents, will sing, act and dance throughout the program, which APAC Director Susan Scannell said is a great way to increase a child’s self-confidence, team-building and social skills and ability to concentrate. “And they have a lot of fun during it all, too.”
There is no fee for participants and there will be a showcase performance at the end of the program.
Scannell is APAC’s executive director and a professional actress with television and stage credits. She has also enjoyed working with the youth of Queens and the Bronx as a teaching artist.
Choreographer Danielle Erin Rhodes is a member of APAC’s acting company and has toured nationally in starring roles in musicals such as “Grease” and others. Rhodes has also worked with children in various church choirs and groups.
Community outreach coordinator Trisha Fallon is APAC’s house manager and has acts as administrative assistant for the company as well.
Community outreach coordinator Gina Holland has acted as APAC’s casting director and was program director of last year’s Summer Stars program. She is also an actress and has appeared on APAC’s stage.
Auditions will be Saturday, June 26, from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Space is limited. Experience is not required — only enthusiasm and desire. Kids should be prepared to sing a song of their choice (music is not necessary), dance and participate in acting games.
Classes will run from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 3 through Aug. 14. Children must attend all seven classes in order to participate. Classes and a performance open to the public will be held at The Astoria Performing Arts Center in The Presbyterian Church of Astoria at 31-30 33rd St.
Funding for this program is provided by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey with support from state Assemblyman Michael Gianaris, City Councilman Peter Vallone Jr. and The Presbyterian Church of Astoria, APAC’s performance home.
For information and an audition appointment call Gina Holland at 917-701-8670. Visit www.apacny.org for more information.
