The Audrey Herman SPOTLIGHTERS Theatre announces the 2009 YOUNG ACTORS’ ACADEMY, a five week summer theatre academy for Baltimore area youth, ages 13 to 17, June 22 through July 23, 2009.

The Young Actors Academy began in 2005 with 11 young actors working for three weeks on techniques and acting skills, and presenting the hilarious Clue, The Musical. In July 2006 twelve young actors spent five weeks learning, developing and refining their theatre and acting skills. They presented two wonderfully acted and fun-filled productions: Mmmbeth and Hamlette - hilarious parodies of the Shakespearean classics. The 2007 Academy was a smaller group of just 4 young actors, who worked on character development and scene interpretation and presented an Evening of Scenes and Monologues in September 2007. Scenes from The Crucible, Doubt, Antigone, Faust and Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead were presented. Last year’s Academy was the largest class yet, 13 young actors spent five weeks working on short scenes. The Academy presented an afternoon of short scenes and improv games at the conclusion of the Academy.

The 2009 program will run from 9:00AM until 4:00PM, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday; and will include lunch each day. Each day begins with a 30 minute Check-In followed by a 30 minute Physical/Mental Warm-Up; the first session of the day is a 90 minute Acting Intensive, that will focus on Acting Skills and Methods. At 11:30, the Theatre History Session that will focus on the origins of theatre, from the ancient Greek and Asian styles, through the Renaissance period and into the modern era. Homework will be assigned!

Lunch (30 minutes) will give the participants a break and time to relax, before the afternoon Special Focus Sessions. The Special Focus Sessions (90 minutes) will include such daily topics as Improv Acting, Comedic Acting, Audition Preparation, Voice and Projection, Movement and Dance, Stage Combat, Musical Theatre, Make-up and other technical aspects of theatre. The Special Focus Sessions are designed to cover the full spectrum of the theatre experience. The day will end with a 90 minute Rehearsal for the Young Actors’ Academy Fall Production.

The 2009 Academy will have a dual track program for both novice and advanced students.

SPOTLIGHTERS is pursuing public and private grants, along with corporate funding to=2 0underwrite the costs for this project. At this time, the cost per youth is $525. If paid in full by May 1, 2009, there will be a $50 reduction ($475) or the applicant may include a $150 deposit with the application, with payments of $187.50 due on June 23 and July 7, 2008. If an applicant withdraws prior to the start of the program, all funds paid will be refunded, less a $100 administrative fee. Once the program has started, the refund will be prorated upon attendance.

Parents of youth in the program are encouraged to seek sponsorships and donations from businesses and community organizations to underwrite the cost of the program. These may be provided in an individual youth's name to underwrite their tuition if desired.

Scholarships will be provided on a financial need basis for students desiring theatre education and training. A letter of recommendation from either the student’s school or another local theatre company will be required. For more information, please contact SPOTLIGHTERS Theatre - Young Actors’ Academy - 410-752-1225. The program will be limited to twenty (20) participants. The deadline for initial applications will be June 1, 2009. Applications will be taken on a first come first served basis. Recommendations from community and school leaders will be used to assist in making a determination for those that apply after the deadline. All applicants will receive notification by letter as soon as their=2 0application has been reviewed and a determination made.

For more information, please contact the theatre at 410-752-1225 or FUZZ Roark, Executive Director at fuzz@spotlighters.org. Applications are available on the website (www.spotlighters.org) and may be faxed to 410-752-1299 or mailed to SPOTLIGHTERS Theatre at 817 Saint Paul Street - Baltimore, MD 21202.

SPOTLIGHTERS Theatre is excited about being able to offer this program to the youth of the Baltimore community. This is just one of the new programs that SPOTLIGHTERS is developing to further our mission statement: "To provide the Baltimore community with exceptional, creative, diverse and affordable theatrical productions which stimulate and entertain both audience and artist. Spotlighters strives to increase and enhance the community's appreciation for and participation in the experience that is live theatre."