Prescott Center of the Arts
Hybrid Summer Youth Program Connects History and Community with “Rodeo”
By Tara Fort
When Prescott Center for the Arts (PCA) ramped up the 2021 season, Director Robyn Allen made it a focus and priority to ensure the youth of the community were included. The newly launched hybrid Summer Youth Program—which includes both community children and teens, as well as the teens who are already a part of PCA’s youth program—hopes to do just that in July with “Rodeo,” a lighthearted play for the whole family. And, with performances that align with scheduled performances of the World’s Oldest Rodeo in Prescott, the timing couldn’t be better!
Kelsey Claire, “Rodeo” director and frequent PCA performer, said, “If last year has given us anything, it’s a greater appreciation for the arts and the endless ways that it helps our youth express and discover who they are,” she said. “This experience will serve as a summer intensive for the community children and youth, giving them focused time and opportunity to learn and grow in their performance skills.”
The play, a slapstick show, allows the kids to hone a new style of comedic training and understanding.
Added Kelsey, “We look forward to bringing this performance to the stage as a way to represent Prescott’s iconic event so families can continue the rodeo celebration within the theater walls.”
While the PCA underwent some major renovations and changes in how they deliver performances, the momentum to keep a program for community youth was always in the forefront. Although many 2020 performances were virtual, the program continued in creative ways.
As for “Rodeo,” Kelsey said, “It’s a passion and blessing for me to help nurture a safe place of expression, creativity, theater knowledge and experience for all of the youth and kids in our community in any way possible. I feel especially grateful to expand that mission this summer directing on the same PCA stage where I found my path and my voice as a youth many years ago.”
This season, PCA will also invite the youth to serve on the production team for “Rodeo,” learning the essentials in technical and stage skills that will enhance their understanding as performers and as potential production team members of future shows at PCA.
Robyn said she could not be more pleased with how the Summer Youth Program will be launched this season: “The arts are such an important tool for teaching our kids life skills such as teamwork, critical thinking, and collaboration. We are thrilled to bring back our youth program in a safe and fun learning environment.”
To find out more about PCA, visit: https://www.pca-az.net/. To find out more about auditions taking place throughout the year visit https://www.pca-az.net/season/auditions, or email the box office at [email protected] to be put on the audition notification email list.