Following the success of its production of “The Music Man” at Vail-Leavitt Theater in Riverhead in December, the ACT Out East youth theater company will soon begin rehearsals for “Seussical,” the musical based on the books of Dr. Seuss.
Darby Moore of New Suffolk and partners Kim Galway of East Quogue, Kristin Poulakis of Hampton Bays and John Batterman of Southold teamed up to create ACT Out East last year with two goals: to give young people a chance to live their dreams of being on stage, and to help them develop as creative individuals. To that end, social, emotional, and behavioral goals are integrated into the creative activities.
Ms. Moore and Ms. Galway are licensed creative arts therapists and Ms. Poulakis teaches individual voice and dance. Mr. Batterman is a credentialed alcohol and substance abuse counselor. All have considerable stage and performance experience.
Young people between the ages of 8 and 18 are encouraged to take part in the upcoming program, which culminates with the production of “Seussical” at the Vail-Leavitt. Classes will start January 19 and rehearsals will run for 15 weeks. Registration is ongoing until the first day of class.
In another development, ACT Out East will offer a scholarship to a Riverhead student involved in the Pederson-Krag in-school mental health program. It’s hoped that a partnership between the two programs will help expand ACT Out East’s offerings.
Several parents had high praise for the fall program.
“I am an educator and have seen a lot of children’s theater,” one mother said, “and I just want to let you know how impressed I was on a number of fronts. The performance was marvelous ... I couldn’t ask for a better experience for my child.”
“Thank you,” another parent said. “You gave so much to my daughter, more than she even realizes. She’s been really missing the group and the practices ... Her confidence has skyrocketed and I can’t tell you how grateful I am for that.”
For more information, call 631-348-2142, or visit their website at www.actouteast.com.
on Jan 12, 2010