Summer Lyric Theatre reaches out to youth
Summer Lyric Theatre at Tulane University is expanding its educational outreach program. The musical theater program is offering children and youth more opportunities to taste the world of triple-threat performers by working with community professionals and guest artists.
In additional to the Little Lyric program, which has been offered for 39 years, a High School Intensive offers serious musical theater students five days of workshops in dance, voice and acting for the musical theater stage. Participants also will have the opportunity to attend a dress rehearsal of a Summer Lyric Theatre production.
Michael McKelvey, artistic director of Summer Lyric Theatre, says he is trying to create a pipeline of talented high school students to perform with the musical theater company in the future.
“We want those who have a talent and passion for musical theater to go into it with their eyes wide open.”
Michael McKelvey, professor of practice in music
“This initiative will show them what training would be like if they enter a college program in musical theater — the level that will be expected of them,” McKelvey says.
“A lot of kids have these aspirations at a very young age. We want those who have a talent and passion for musical theater to go into it with their eyes wide open.”
McKelvey says he also is consciously developing future theatergoers who will appreciate musical theater as an American art form.
The High School Intensive for ages 15 through 18 will take place June 27 through July 2, and tuition is $150. A performance will be held July 2.
Little Lyric for ages 8 through 12 will be held June 6–25, with performances of Seussical Jr. on June 24 and 25. Junior Lyric for ages 12 through 16 will be July 6–23, with performances of Into the Woods Jr. on July 23 and 24. Tuition for each of these programs is $475. Tulane faculty and staff members receive a $75 discount for registering by March 30.
For more information, contact Michael McKelvey in the Newcomb Department of Music, 504-865-5267.
