[Capdist-announce] FREE STAR performance at Capital Rep!

[Laura Andruski]

Capital Repertory Theatre announced today that the members of the 2011
S.T.A.R. Company will perform Of Texts and Turtles, an original book
musical, on the Capital Rep stage, August 5 - 7. 

Twenty-four students ranging in ages from 12 to 18 have developed this
original work based on the theme of Social Media. S.T.A.R. (Summer Theatre
At the Rep) is a 5-week intensive initiative that enables area youth to
explore the world of theatre. 

Using improvisation, music and dance, Of Texts and Turtles tells the story
of Erica, "the new girl," who tries to fit into the baffling social network
of her new high school. This daunting task is made even harder as Erica is
harassed by her cyber-bully cousin Janelle. Viral pics and impassioned
YouTube videos collide as Toby, the geeky boy who loves Erica from afar,
rallies the whole school to foil Janelle's nastiness. Of course, love
triumphs over all. Under the direction of Michael Burns and a staff of young
professionals, the S.T.A.R Company has worked together within the
disciplines of writing, costume and set design, dancing, acting and singing
to develop what will be showcased on Capital Rep’s stage. 

Established 14 years ago by Capital Rep’ Producing Artistic Director, Maggie
Mancinelli-Cahill, the S.T.A.R. programs have served more than 500 children
of the Capital District and help to further the careers of young actors.
Most recently, two members of the S.T.A.R. Company were featured in Capital
Rep’s production of A Christmas Story during the 2010-2011 season: Aaron
Steck (Ralphie) from Albany and Anna Stoneman (Helen), Loudonville. 

In his first year as S.T.A.R.’s Playwright/Director, Michael Burns leads the
acting troupe in developing and shaping the original book musical.  Burns,
the Artistic Director of the Mop & Bucket Co., has specialized in developing
new theatre pieces with youth for many years for such organizations as The
American Folk Theatre, Very Special Arts, CAPTAIN of Shenendehowa,
Shenendehowa Advocates for Gifted Education, Home Made Theatre, and Steamer
10, among others.  The rest of the S.T.A.R. staff includes: Musical Director
Elizabeth “Cookie” Sears (2nd year); Acting Coach Patrick Kiernan (1st
year); Choreographer Celeste Hudson (1st year); and Christopher D. Lawton
(1st year).  Overall coordination for STAR is provided by Capital Repertory
Theatre Education Coordinator Laura W. Andruski.

 “I am so excited to be presenting this year’s S.T.A.R. program.” says Laura
W. Andruski, Education Coordinator for Capital Repertory Theatre.  “The 2011
company is an amazingly talented and diverse group of 24 individuals who
have come together as an ensemble to create an original work based on the
theme of Social Media.   These dedicated students have committed themselves
to a rigorous rehearsal process and crafted some very funny and often
intuitive scenes that highlight the human condition.”

The performance schedule is as follows: Friday, August 5 at 4:00pm,
Saturday, August 6 at 11:00 am and Sunday, August 7 at 2:00pm. All
performances are FREE and open to the public.  No reservations or tickets
are necessary.  House will open for general seating 30 minutes prior to
curtain.  Performances will last approximately one hour.


Laura W. Andruski
Education Coordinator
Capital Repertory Theatre
111 North Pearl Street
Albany, NY  12207
p. 518.462.4531 x410
f. 518-881-4531
e. education at capitalrep.org
www.capitalrep.org

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