Daily Youth Theatre set to start its spring session of Stage Academy

Daily Youth Theatre (photo submitted)

Oskaloosa, Iowa – Daily Youth Theatre is set to start its spring session of Stage Academy next week. Stage Academy is an after-school program that teaches students about teamwork and acting, while helping to build self-confidence and creativity. Time spent at Stage Academy is made up of fun improvisation activities, acting exercises, technical stage education, entertaining games and play rehearsals.

Stage Academy is unique from other youth theatre programs because it is open enrollment – any and all interested students are able to participate. During the first week of the session, the directors get to know the children, and then write a play specifically for them so it is tailored to fit their unique personalities and abilities. For the spring session, students are grouped by age, giving them the opportunity to work closely with their peers.

Middle school students will rehearse on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays after school until 6:00 p.m. beginning January 30. Elementary students first grade and up will rehearse on Tuesdays and Thursdays after school until 6:00 p.m. beginning on January 31. All rehearsals are held at the George Daily Auditorium. At the end of six weeks, students will perform their plays for family, friends and the community on March 8 and 9.

Youth Theatre Director Katy Ottosson Nye is encouraged by the growth the program has seen recently, and is excited to start the new year with the program. “Over the last 18 months, we’ve had a total participation of over 600 students, and have put on 28 unique productions,” she said. “We’ve worked with students ranging in age from six to 15 and coming from Pella, New Sharon, Eddyville and Ottumwa, as well as Oskaloosa. We continue to receive tremendous support from the community and we’re looking forward to an incredible 2012.”

For more details about Daily Youth Theatre, visit www.georgedaily.org/youth.