Prescott Center for the Arts’s Teen Summer Stock Ensemble provides teens and young adults a unique opportunity to experience every facet of producing a musical
As part of its ongoing mission to create opportunities for the greater community to engage in and experience all facets of the arts, this summer the Prescott Center for the Arts (PCA) will offer the Teen Summer Stock Ensemble (TSSE), which provides people ages 15-22 the unique opportunity to experience what it’s like to work in a professional setting.
TSSE is an exciting and intensive program where teens are immersed in the process of mounting a fully produced musical on the PCA stage. Not only do participants have the opportunity to dance, sing and act, but they also create sets, take workshops and market their show throughout the community, all under the tutelage of professionals with industry experience.
“The growth of youth programming is a natural part of PCA’s future, and needed in the community,” said PCA Executive Director Robyn Allen. “The TSSE program is a prime example of success not only for the teens, but also for the community. Everyone who saw last year’s show experienced theater at its best.”
Last summer during TSSE, more than 30 teens performed the award-wining musical, “Urinetown,” to more than 1,000 patrons. Scott Neese, Music Faculty at Yavapai College, directed “Urinetown” and will direct this summer’s production, “Shrek the Musical,” providing participants with both a challenging educational experience and the reward of an outstanding production.
Many of the teens who participate in TSSE do so on scholarship, and travel from around the quad-city every day to enjoy this one-of-a-kind theater experience.
Last year was the first TSSE experience for Duncan and Tatum Calhoun. Although the two young actors come from a family of acting and have participated in many shows they said they found the TSSE experience unique.
“My experience from last year’s TSSE was great,” said Duncan. “The directors were very well educated. I’m looking forward to doing it this summer.”
His sister, Tatum, said she enjoyed spending the summer with friends, and the educational experience as well.
Their older sister Laurel Calhoun has participated in three TSSE programs as an actor, costumer and sound technician, and said her favorite was acting several years ago in “West Side Story.” Laurel made lasting friendships with several talented individuals through TSSE and called the experience, “ a great example of how hard work and dedication can lead to wonderful opportunities.”
“I’m so glad that I share this experience with both my sisters,” Duncan said.
TSSE runs from June 6-July 22 this year. Please contact PCA with interest in participation, donating to scholarships and buying tickets at (928) 445-3286, or visit pca-az.net. In addition, check out PCA’s other youth programming with “Disney’s Aristocrats Jr.” musical, and “Emma and the Lost Unicorn.” All summer programs are open to youth with or without experience and scholarships are available.
PCA has been serving the community for almost 50 years, and awards more than 200 scholarships and awards to youth annually to help them pursue their talent and interest in all forms of art.