AYAA to the Rescue!: What do I do about pre-casting?

Rumors will always surround casting.

"She only got it because she's the director's daughter."
"He was promised the role three months ago."
"We shouldn't even bother auditioning; all the good parts have already been cast."

Sometimes, this is very true. Whether they mean to or not, directors envision certain people in certain roles before auditions occur. Sometimes the audition process will change their minds; sometimes it won't.

When the production team releases knowledge publically that certain roles have already been cast, people tend to be okay with it. If it's a part they really wanted, they might not audition, but there are not as many hurt feelings that go along with it. It's a little different when what happens seems a little more shady.

From an actor's point of view who hears a lot from many kids from many theatres, I can't tell you how many times these rumors have passed by me. In the past four months alone, kinds have told me or one of my friends that they've been already been promised a part in a show. More often than that, a third party source will past similar info along.

Now, obviously, not all rumors are true; we should take everything we hear about casting with a grain of salt. However, when people even catch wind of these rumors, it becomes very discouraging. "Why should I even both auditioning if Mary is already going to get Leisl?"

It sucks; there is no denying it. Having even semi-reliable knowledge that "part promising" and/or secret precasting is occurring totally decreases people's confidence when they go into the audition room.

So how do we combat this?

Unfortunately, there isn't much to be done about rumors and precasting; they will always happen. There is nothing we can do to stop people from talking and stop directors from making decisions we don't agree with.

However, what we can do is keep going. Giving up will never serve you. (Unless you're totally miserable and you realize theatre just isn't the right choice for you; all the power to you.)

To get personal, in the past year, I've been on nine auditions and never got cast; I haven't been cast in a community theatre production since May 2014. Now, granted, I have conflicts going in; moreover, in about four of those instances, I would only accept certain roles, so I take that on myself. That being said, it still hurts to be constantly told "no" over and over and over and over again.

But I haven't given up; in fact, I was at a callback yesterday. Only God (and the directors) know if it is going to work out, but even if it doesn't, I'm not going to throw the towel in and go "ring-a-ding-ding -- 10 times the charm! I'm quitting theatre and becoming an accountant!" (No hate to accountants.)

I have to persevere. I love theatre and I enjoy performing. When I'm an adult, I want to change my focus to directing, but I don't think I'll ever stop loving being on stage. I can't stop and I won't.

To end, there is an old saying that claims "good things come to those who wait." Personally, I think that's a bit -- pardon me -- stupid. Sitting around, watching New Girl and eating Skittles isn't going to get you something good; working hard is. So, today, I want to amend that statement to:

Good things come to those who keep going.

Audition Information: The Secret Garden at TheatreWorks

Auditions September 19th BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

Make appointments at: www.SignUpGenius.com/go/20F0A4AA8AB2FA2FE3-secret

Please prepare 32 bars of a musical theater ballad. Please bring a backing track on CD, iPod or Cell Phone. No accompanist will be provided. No a capella.

Callbacks on September 22nd 6:00pm-9:00pm.

Performances are November 6-22, 2015

Director: Chris Hamby

Musical Director: Ken Goodenberger

Choreographer: Paul Pedersen

CAST LIST

LILY - Female, (Range: Soprano, Bb3-D6) Mary's aunt and Archibald Craven's wife. Died of a tragic accident within her garden and metaphorically haunts the walls of Misselthwaite Manor.

MARY LENNOX - Female, (Range: Young Voice, Ab3-D5) A ten year-old girl sent to live with her uncle, Archibald, when her parents die from cholera in India. Quite the curious explorer, and often finding herself in trouble. Stubborn and always fighting for what she believes in.

MRS. MEDLOCK - Female, (Range: Ensemble/Part Flexible) Archibald’s housekeeper. As cold as the Misselthwaite Manor.

DR. NEVILLE CRAVEN - Male,  (Range: Baritone, C3-F#4) Archibald’s brother. Trapped by the idea that he is responsible for the caretaking of Colin. Even though he was never loved back by Lily, he is still in love with her. This adds to his unwillingness to move on and leave Misselthwaite.

MARTHA - Female,  (Range: Mezzo-Soprano Belt, G3-D5) A faithful housemaid. Grew up near Yorkshire and has the accent to prove it. Although she is from a lower class family, her wisdom is often far beyond her age.

ARCHIBALD CRAVEN - Male,  (Range: Baritone, C3-A4) Mary's uncle and lord of Misselthwaite Manor. He has a hunch-back. Haunted by the past and afraid of the future, he locks himself away both physically

and mentally. Mary painfully reminds him too much of his wife, Lily, who died ten years ago.

BEN WEATHERSTAFF - Male, (Range: Ensemble/Part Flexible, E3-D#4) Head gardener. Secretly entrusted to take care of the garden after Lily’s death. Knows a great deal about the history of the garden and the grounds it sits on. He has worked for the family for many years. He calls himself “an old man.”

DICKON - Male,  (Range: Tenor, D3-G4) Martha's younger brother. Looks after the sick plants and animals within the Misselthwaite grounds—including Mary. He is a young man who is between the world of child imagination and adult reasoning. Befriends Mary and convinces her to take care of the Garden.

COLIN CRAVEN - Male,  (Range: Young Voice, A3-E5) Archibald's ten year-old son. Spent his life in bed due to a heart condition. He is very stubborn and throws temper tantrums to get what he wants. He believes his father hates him for causing Lily’s death.

MRS. WINTHROP - Female, (Range: Ensemble/Part Flexible) Headmistress of a private school. Prides herself on nurturing girls with tempers. Mary seems to be more than she can handle.

The Following characters, referred to collectively as the Dreamers, are people from Mary's life in India, who haunt her until she finds her new life in the course of the story. They are free to sing directly to us, appearing and disappearing at will.

ROSE LENNOX - Female, (Range: Soprano, A3-D6) Mary's mother. A “dreamer” from the past who doesn’t understand how her sister Lily could truly love Archibald. Very loyal to her husband and refuses to leave India during the cholera outbreak that takes her life.

CAPTAIN ALBERT LENNOW - Male, (Range: Tenor, D3-A5) Mary's father. Tries to send Rose out of India during the cholera outbreak.

ALICE - Female, (Range: Ensemble/Part Flexible) Rose's friend.

LIEUTENANT WRIGHT - Male, (Range: Ensemble/Part Flexible) Officer in Mary's father's unit.

LIEUTENANT SHAW - Male, (Range: Ensemble/Part Flexible) Fellow officer.

MAJOR SHELLEY - Male, (Range: Ensemble/Part Flexible) Officer.

MRS. SHELLY - Female, (Range: Ensemble/Part Flexible) Major Shelley's wife.

MAJOR HOLMES - Male, (Range: Ensemble/Part Flexible) Officer.

CLAIRE HOLMES - Female, (Range: Ensemble/Part Flexible) Major Holmes' wife.

FAKIR - Male, (Range: Tenor, C3-B4) Itinerant Hindu ascetic.

AYAH - Female, (Range: Ensemble/Part Flexible) Mary's Indian nanny.

For more information about Theatreworks, click here!

Are you a theatre who wants to post their information on Arizona Young Actors' Alliance? Shoot me a message of Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/azyoungactors) or an email at mackenna.azyoungactors@gmail. 

AYAA Review: Evita at the Tuscany Theatre Company

Our first review! This a review by Sarah Davidison -- who is the queen of sumbitting things to the site! The rest of you: follow her lead! -- about Evita at the Tuscany Theatre Company, which ran August 12th to August 22nd. For more information on the Tuscany Theatre company, click here.

Sarah's review: 

Tuscany Theatre Company started off their second season strong with Andrew Lloyd Webber's EVITA. EVITA follows the life and death of Argentina's own First Lady Eva Peron. Whether or not it is an accurate representation of the former actresses life is not what draws audiences into it (besides Webber and the shows lyricist Tim Rice were very vocal about how against they were of her), but it's what the actors bring to the table.

This operetta was lead by Allyson Igeleski with an alternating Danielle Hale at certain performances as the title character, Javier Stefano De Vita as Che, the story's ultimate narrator, Chris Chavez as Eva's husband and President of Argentina Juan Peron, Joshua Lindbloom as Magaldi, Eva's first "love" at the age of 15, and Adyson Nichols as the Mistress, the underaged girl Eva practically "fires" when she meets Peron, an ensemble comprised of Danny Blankemeier, Kaitlin Booth, Jason Harms, Brenna Jackson, Jared Kitch, Erin McFeely, Kate Ponsiek, Tyler Ray, Sergio Santa Cruz, Ayanna Siders, Mary Simmons, Corinne Tachuk, J.T Turner, Andee Wolfe, and a children’s chorus featuring Iris Giles, Alex Harms, Eric Lundgreen, Olivia Lundgreen, Grace Schwenn, and Dani Wolfe.

The show was directed by Andrea McFeely, music directed by Karli Giles Kemper, choreographed by Corrinne Mann, and produced by Cherri Lundgreen.*

The specific day I saw the show, the alternate Hale was portraying Eva and she did not disappoint. You never would’ve known that she wasn’t playing the title role daily (I obviously can’t compare her to Igeleski for I  never saw her in the role). Hale brought the exact amount of manipulative, sass, and devotion to the role to play Webber’s vision of Evita to life. Her vocals were always on point which is hard to obtain through this show, since it is sang all the way through and even though Evita is a high soprano role with belting here and there so I can only imagine how tired my voice would be after the first act alone. De Vita as Che was a nice addition to the cast. With him being originally from Venezuela, his accent made him more believable as a 24 year-old who grew up in Argentina. With Che being the narrator of the show, he continuously shows off his vocal range with the amount singing he has to do throughout the 2 ½ hour show. He also shows off that Che, while also frustrated at the country of Argentina, can be compassionate. He shows this off when he is comforting the Mistress when Eva kicks her out. He accompanies her on her song “Another Suitcase in Another Hall” and his voice helps back up the Mistress’s vocals. Chris Chavez was probably one of my favorite parts of the show. I’m not entirely sure why, but I feel for the people who are used by the person they truly love. For example, at the end of the second act when Eva is dying, Chavez broke down into tears and that’s when I lost it. Chavez perfectly portrayed a man who simply loved this woman who may have only used him to rise to fame and he wasn’t too worried about it. His vocals were also some of the best throughout the show. His portrayal of Che was one to never forget. Joshua Lindbloom’s portrayal of Magaldi was superb. I’m a sucker for a tenor who sings healthily. His rendition of “On This Night of a Thousand Stars” left me with chills all over my body. For a character who is practically ditched by Eva halfway through the first act, he sure left an impression to be remembered throughout the rest of the show. Adyson Nichols as the Mistress was nothing short of impeccable. I’ve alway felt that the role of the mistress wa either out of place or cut  short, depending on the actress. In this case, the Mistress was definitely cut short. I would have loved to hear her float the high notes I know Nichols possesses in either a longer song or have the Mistress be featured before the only song she is in, so you can get to know her a little more and understand why she sleeps with all these men just a little better (WEBBER DO YOU HEAR ME????!!!). The ensemble was probably the strongest ensemble, both vocally and dance oriented, I’ve ever seen. They were the first thing you hear at the beginning of the show, and it set you up to not be let down the rest of the show because they set a high standard of singing, acting, and dancing. They were also energetic and dare I say...spunky? It was a pleasure to see these actors perform this show.

The show would not have happened without the production team. Andrea McFeely’s shows are always fantastic and they are my favorite shows to watch. She connects with her actors on such a unique level that she is able to extract more of a real and heartfelt performance out of them. Her direction on this show was no different. You can tell that the actors mean every motion they make and every lyric they sing. I applaude McFeely on her work with the show for it was truly magical. The music direction of Karli Giles Kemper was no different. Kemper’s lightheartedness and killer vocals help her teach the difficult music of this show to anyone and make it seem like a piece of cake. She also doesn’t let anyone fall behind musically. She is always there ready and willing to help out any struggling cast members and I know from experience, it is really appreciated. Also, the technical side of all the vocals were just as fabulous as she is. You can hear the dynamic contrast through every phrase of music, through every syllable and every note that is sung. Her musical direction is always beautiful. Corrinne Mann’s choreography was stunning as always. Her choreography is always visually pleasing. Her partner dances are probably my favorite dances of her to watch. She just knows how to make two people look good together and make sure the two people understand each other enough to know that the two will work well together, which ends up looking aesthetically pleasing on stage.

Tuscany Theatre Company’s production of Evita provided just the right amount of everything it needed to be a stellar show. With every show that they put on, TTC gets stronger and their name builds a great meaning throughout the valley. I can’t wait to see what they produce throughout the rest of the season and I hope everyone gets the opportunity to see at least one of their shows or even the opportunity to audition to be in their shows. I do know of audition for another one of their plays coming up shortly…...but who knows. Just get your butt out to Gilbert to see an ever growing theatre turn into something bigger and beautiful.

*I kinda lost my program with the rest of the production team’s names so I’m sorry I couldn’t give some people the proper recognition they deserve

If you have a review you would like to submit, e-mail it to mackenna.azyoungactors@gmail.com.

AYAA Quiz: Help me! What should I major in?

The topic of what to major in daunts every incoming (and current) college student. In general, students can switch their major -- sometimes many times.

But for arts majors, it can be harder. BFA (Bachelor of Fine Arts) degrees are structured very strictly and intensely, making it difficult to change to a different program; oftentimes, switching into a different BFA program means tacking on an extra year of college.

I've designed this quiz to help facilitate the process. It includes the following majors, both BFA and BA (Bachelor of Arts): Acting, Musical Theatre, Design/Technology, Directing, General Theatre, State Management, Playwriting, Voice/Opera, and Theatre Education. Hopefully, this helps facilitate your choice!

Please make sure to hit the submit button at the end. I am not collecting any personal info from this, but I am looking to see how people are finding the quiz.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/16rhg89rtshoVMpdC9smKCoQmYlmVIXaySbdvJML3CCk/viewform?usp=send_form

If you have any suggesting for the quiz or content you would like to see, comment below.

GENTLEMAN'S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER EXTRA ENTRY: If you take the quiz and comment below or on the Facebook page what major you got, it will earn you ONE entry for the Gentleman's Guide contest. More info about that can be found here: http://azyoungactors.blogspot.com/2015/08/ayaa-contest-that-you-for-over-1000.html

AYAA to the Rescue!: But what should I audition for this year? (Youth Theatre Edition)

Figuring out what to audition for is very hard to do. There are so many great shows that go on around Arizona that it can be hard to choose what you actually want to audition for. Today, I am providing a breakdown or shows being done by youth theatres around Arizona. I have them broken into a few categories:

1. Older musicals (first performed 1975 or before; or mostly music from an older musical i.e. Mary Poppins), newer musicals (first performed 1976 or later), and plays
2. City -- the biggest issue I face as a performer is picking theatres close enough to me that I'm not driving 45 minutes to rehearsal
3. Show period: Fall (September through November), Winter (December through February), Spring (March through May) and Summer (June through August)

Please note: I am only including shows that have not already held auditions. Also, I am only including youth theatres or larger theatres that have youth only productions. (If there is a want for adult or all ages productions as well, I will include those!) I will also include relevant information like age ranges and show dates.

By type:

Older musicals:

• Bye Bye Birdie - Christian Youth Theatre - February 12 through 21 - Ages 8 to 18
• Oliver! - Greasepaint Theatre - December 11 through 20 - Ages 6 to 19
• Mary Poppins - Musical Theatre of Anthem - April 28 through May 8 - Ages 11 to adult
• 101 Dalmatians Kids - Musical Theatre of Anthem - May 12 through 22 - Ages 6 to 10
• My Son Pinocchio Jr. - Musical Theatre of Anthem - June 16 through 19 - Ages 9 to 14
• Alice in Wonderland Jr. - Spotlight Youth Theatre - October 23 through November 8 - Ages 6 to 17
• Pinocchio - Valley Youth Theatre - February 5 through 21
• Snoopy the Musical - Studio 3 Performing Arts Academy - December 4 through 13
• Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat - Studio 3 Performing Arts Academy - March 28 through April 3

Newer musicals:

• The Little Mermaid - Christian Youth Theatre - May 6 through May 15 - Ages 8 to 18
• TBA: School Edition (I'm sure you'll find your "Purpose" if you audition for this show) - Desert Foothills Theatre - January 8 through 17 - Ages 13 to 19
• Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus - East Valley Children's Theatre - December 3 through 13 - Ages 8 to 18
• Snow White and Rose Red - East Valley Children's Theatre - June 16 through 26 - Ages 8 to 18
• Into the Woods - Fountain Hills Theatre - February 12 through 28 - Ages 12 to 19
• Dear Edwina Jr. - Fountain Hills Theatre - April 22 through May 1 - Ages 8 to 16
• The Producers - Greasepaint Theatre - October 16 through 25 - Ages 14 to 19
• Heathers, the Musical - Greasepaint Theatre - February 19 through March 6 - Ages 16 to 19
• Honk! - Greasepaint Theatre - May 6 through 15 - Ages 6 to 14
• Annie Jr. - Musical Theatre of Anthem - December 3 through 13 - Ages 6 to 14
• Junie B. Jones the Musical - Musical Theatre of Anthem - February 18 through 28 - Ages 6 to 13
• Legally Blonde Jr. - Musical Theatre of Anthem - March 3 through 6 - Ages 14 to 18
• Annie Jr. - Desert Stages - November 13 through December 20 - Ages 3 to 19
• Back to the 80s - Desert Stages - February 19 through March 20 - Ages 3 to 19
• Shrek Jr. - Desert Stages - May 20 through June 26 - Ages 3 to 19
• Into the Woods - Desert Stages - July 8 through August 8 - Ages 12 to 19
• Spring Awakening - Spotlight Youth Theatre - January 15 through 31 - Ages 15 to 19
• Bring It On the Musical - Spotlight Youth Theatre - April 22 through May 8 - Ages 14 to 19
• Cinderella: A Rock-and-Roll Fairytale - Spotlight Youth Theatre - June 3 through 19 - Ages 8 to 19
• Seussical - Starlight Community Theatre - January 29 through February 13 - Ages 6 to 19
• Pocahontas - Starlight Community Theatre - May 6 and 7 - Ages 6 to 15
• Winnie the Pooh: A Christmas Tail - Valley Youth Theatre - December 4 through 23
• Pinkalicious - Valley Youth Theatre - April 8 through 24
• The Little Mermaid - Valley Youth Theatre - June 10 through 26
• Sweeney Todd: School Edition - Actor's Youth Theatre - February 18 through 27 - Ages 10 to 18
• Peter Pan and Wendy - Actor's Youth Theatre - February 4 through 13 - Ages 8 to 13
• Bonnie and Clyde - Studio 3 Performing Arts Academy - November 6 through 15 - Ages 14 to 19 (select roles for 10 to 13)
• Shrek Jr. - Studio 3 Performing Arts Academy - January 27 through 21

Plays:

• Alice in Wonderland - Desert Foothills Theatre - May 13 through 22 - Ages 8 to 19
• Sixty-Seven Cinderellas - East Valley Children's Theatre - February 11 through 21 - Ages 8 to 18
• Junie B. Jones in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells - Fountain Hills Theatre - December 5 through 20 - Ages 12 to 19
• Miss Minnie’s Melodrama-odeon! - Fountain Hills Theatre - May 27 through June 12 - Ages 8 to 19
• The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane - Musical Theatre of Anthem - November 12 through 15 - Ages 13 to adult
• The Best Christmas Pageant Ever - Spotlight Youth Theatre - December 4 through 20 - Ages 6 to 17
• Fairytale Courtroom - Spotlight Youth Theatre - February 19 through 28 - Ages 6 to 17
• John Lennon and Me - Spotlight Youth Theatre - March 4 through 13 - Ages 12 to 19
• Mission: Possible - Starlight Community Theatre - April 8 through 17 - Ages 6 to 19
• The Hobbit - Actor's Youth Theatre - November 12 through 21 - Ages 8 to 13
• Wind in the Willows - Actor's Youth Theatre - March 17 through 26 - Ages 8 to 13
• The Haunted - Actor's Youth Theatre - October 22 through 31 - Ages 10 to 18

By location: 

Phoenix:

• Christian Youth Theatre (Bye Bye Birdie, The Little Mermaid)
• Starlight Community Theatre (Seussical, Pocahontas, Mission: Possible)
• Valley Youth Theatre (Pinocchio, Winnie The Pooh: A Christmas Tail, Pinkalicious, The Little Mermaid)

Scottsdale:

• Desert Foothills Theatre (TBA: School Edition, Alice in Wonderland)
• Greasepaint Theatre (Oliver, The Producers, Heathers, Honk)
• Desert Stages (Annie Jr., Back to the 80s, Shrek Jr., Into the Woods)

Mesa:

• East Valley Children's Theatre (Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus, Sixty-Seven Cinderellas, Snow White and Rose Red)

Fountain Hills:

• Fountain Hills Theatre (Into the Woods, Dear Edwina Jr., Junie B. Jones in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells, Miss Minnie's Melodrama-odeon!)

Anthem:

• Musical Theatre of Anthem (Mary Poppins, 101 Dalmatians Kids, My Son Pinocchio Jr., Annie Jr., Junie B. Jones the Musical, Legally Blonde Jr., The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane)

Peoria:

• Spotlight Youth Theatre (Alice in Wonderland Jr., Spring Awakening, Bring It On, Cinderella: A Rock-and-Roll Fairytale, Best Christmas Pageant Ever, Fairytale Court, John Lennon and Me)

Gilbert:

• Actor's Youth Theatre (Sweeney Todd: School Edition, Peter Pan and Wendy, The Hobbit, Wind in the Willows, The Haunted)
• Studio 3 Performing Arts Academy (Bonnie and Clyde, Snoopy, Shrek Jr., Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat)

By time of year: (NOT chronologically; just grouped. By opening date.)

Fall (Sept. to Nov.):

• Alice in Wonderland Jr. - Spotlight Youth Theatre - October 23 through November 8 - Ages 6 to 17
• The Producers - Greasepaint Theatre - October 16 through 25 - Ages 14 to 19
• The Haunted - Actor's Youth Theatre - October 22 through 31 - Ages 10 to 18
• Annie Jr. - Desert Stages - November 13 through December 20 - Ages 3 to 19
• Bonnie and Clyde - Studio 3 Performing Arts Academy - November 6 through 15 - Ages 14 to 19 (select roles for 10 to 13)
• The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane - Musical Theatre of Anthem - November 12 through 15 - Ages 13 to adult
• The Hobbit - Actor's Youth Theatre - November 12 through 21 - Ages 8 to 13

Winter (Dec. to Feb.):

• Oliver! - Greasepaint Theatre - December 11 through 20 - Ages 6 to 19
• Snoopy the Musical - Studio 3 Performing Arts Academy - December 4 through 13
• Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus - East Valley Children's Theatre - December 3 through 13 - Ages 8 to 18
• Annie Jr. - Musical Theatre of Anthem - December 3 through 13 - Ages 6 to 14
• Winnie the Pooh: A Christmas Tail - Valley Youth Theatre - December 4 through 23
• Junie B. Jones in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells - Fountain Hills Theatre - December 5 through 20 - Ages 12 to 19
• The Best Christmas Pageant Ever - Spotlight Youth Theatre - December 4 through 20 - Ages 6 to 17
• TBA: School Edition (This show will make you feel "Special") - Desert Foothills Theatre - January 8 through 17 - Ages 13 to 19
• Spring Awakening - Spotlight Youth Theatre - January 15 through 31 - Ages 15 to 19
• Seussical - Starlight Community Theatre - January 29 through February 13 - Ages 6 to 19
• Shrek Jr. - Studio 3 Performing Arts Academy - January 27 through 21
• Bye Bye Birdie - Christian Youth Theatre - February 12 through 21 - Ages 8 to 18
• Pinocchio - Valley Youth Theatre - February 5 through 21
• Into the Woods - Fountain Hills Theatre - February 12 through 28 - Ages 12 to 19
• Heathers, the Musical - Greasepaint Theatre - February 19 through March 6 - Ages 16 to 19
• Junie B. Jones the Musical - Musical Theatre of Anthem - February 18 through 28 - Ages 6 to 13
• Back to the 80s - Desert Stages - February 19 through March 20 - Ages 3 to 19
• Seussical - Starlight Community Theatre - January 29 through February 13 - Ages 6 to 19
• Sweeney Todd: School Edition - Actor's Youth Theatre - February 18 through 27 - Ages 10 to 18
• Peter Pan and Wendy - Actor's Youth Theatre - February 4 through 13 - Ages 8 to 13
• Sixty-Seven Cinderellas - East Valley Children's Theatre - February 11 through 21 - Ages 8 to 18

Spring (March to May):

• Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat - Studio 3 Performing Arts Academy - March 28 through April 3
• Legally Blonde Jr. - Musical Theatre of Anthem - March 3 through 6 - Ages 14 to 18
• John Lennon and Me - Spotlight Youth Theatre - March 4 through 13 - Ages 12 to 19
• Wind in the Willows - Actor's Youth Theatre - March 17 through 26 - Ages 8 to 13
• Mary Poppins - Musical Theatre of Anthem - April 28 through May 8 - Ages 11 to adult
• Dear Edwina Jr. - Fountain Hills Theatre - April 22 through May 1 - Ages 8 to 16
• Bring It On the Musical - Spotlight Youth Theatre - April 22 through May 8 - Ages 14 to 19
• Pinkalicious - Valley Youth Theatre - April 8 through 24
• Mission: Possible - Starlight Community Theatre - April 8 through 17 - Ages 6 to 19
• 101 Dalmatians Kids - Musical Theatre of Anthem - May 12 through 22 - Ages 6 to 10
• The Little Mermaid - Christian Youth Theatre - May 6 through May 15 - Ages 8 to 18
• Honk! - Greasepaint Theatre - May 6 through 15 - Ages 6 to 14
• Shrek Jr. - Desert Stages - May 20 through June 26 - Ages 3 to 19
• Pocahontas - Starlight Community Theatre - May 6 and 7 - Ages 6 to 15
• Alice in Wonderland - Desert Foothills Theatre - May 13 through 22 - Ages 8 to 19
• Miss Minnie’s Melodrama-odeon! - Fountain Hills Theatre - May 27 through June 12 - Ages 8 to 19

Summer (June to Aug.):

• My Son Pinocchio Jr. - Musical Theatre of Anthem - June 16 through 19 - Ages 9 to 14
• Snow White and Rose Red - East Valley Children's Theatre - June 16 through 26 - Ages 8 to 18
• Cinderella: A Rock-and-Roll Fairytale - Spotlight Youth Theatre - June 3 through 19 - Ages 8 to 19
• The Little Mermaid - Valley Youth Theatre - June 10 through 26
• Into the Woods - Desert Stages - July 8 through August 8 - Ages 12 to 19

Any questions? Did I miss anything? I'd love to know what everyone is auditioning for this year. I can't wait to see some of these shows.

College Series: Where the heck do I go? (Out-of-state)

The Common Application is open.

For those of you who don't know what that is, the Common Application is the biggest place for students to submit their college applications for school. Some colleges don't do their applying process through the Common App, but a large majority do.

However, for theatre kids, the process gets more complicated. Not only do we have to submit applications, but then there are pre-screens and Unified auditions and flying across the country to go audition for schools -- it's a mess.

Regardless, the first step in figuring all this out is knowing where to apply to. Now, we're in Arizona, so a lot of us will just go to ASU, GCU, NAU, U of A, MCC, CGCC, etc. and be perfectly happy. But, as a high school student myself, I've noted that one of the largest populations of students looking to go out of state are performing arts students.

Additionally: I emailed most of these schools. I will be posting some of their responses on the website over the next month. If you want additional information about any one of these colleges, e-mail me at mackenna.azyoungactors@gmail.com and I can share my info with you and refer you to a good person to talk to about theatre at that college.

In any case, today, I thought I would break down more than 30 of the best colleges for theatre. Not only will it include notes of the program, but academics and how easy it is to get it.

*Note: I am only including undergraduate programs. If you have a question on graduate schools, I can do a post of that later on, so let me know! Also, all schools are in the US. This information was accumulated via the internet, so for specific info, contact the schools. Also, in some cases, the alumni may not have been theatre alumni, but attended the school in which the theatre program is housed in another major area. Acceptance rates refer to the school, not specific programs.

The Juilliard School
I bet most of you reading this know something about Juilliard; it's prestigious. Mentioned in popular movies like High School Musical 3 and Fame, theatre kids grow up hearing about how amazing Juilliard is. Alumni note how intense the school is and really focuses on classical theatre training.

Location: New York, NY
Acceptance rate: 6.7%
Degree programs: Acting BFA, Acting Certificate
Cost (not just tuition): $59,690
Solely focused on performing arts
No academic requirements
Alumni: Patti LuPone, Viola Davis, Kevin Spacey, Jessica Chastain, Alex Sharp
Info about application process

Carnegie Mellon
Like Juilliard, a lot of people know about Carnegie Mellon. And a lot of kids have their hearts set on going there. Just consider how competitive the program is before getting your hopes up.

Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Acceptance rate (for the school): 25.5%
Degree programs: Acting BFA, Music Theatre BFA, Design BFA, Directing BFA, Dramaturgy BFA, Production Technology and Management BFA
Cost: $65,895
SAT or ACT required, most incoming freshman: 3.75+ GPA, Accepts AP credits
Alumni: Stephen Schwartz, Holly Hunter, Ted Danson, Zachary Quinto, Matthew Bomer, Christian Borle
Audition info here

New York University (NYU) / Tisch School of the Arts
They have a noted undergrad program, but it's more known for its graduate school.

Location: New York, NY
Acceptance rate: 32.4%
Degree programs: General BFA, General BA, BFA Dramatic Writing
Cost: $70,444
SAT or ACT required, most incoming freshman: 3.5+ GPA, Accepts AP credits
Alumni: Philip Seymour Hoffman, Michael C. Hall, Lisa Kron
Audition info here

University of North Carolina School of the Arts
Really works hard to make sure students are equipped for the real world when they graduate. Many leave with agents upon graduation.

Location: Winston-Salem, NC
Acceptance rate: 43%
Degree programs: General BFA
Cost: $37,701
SAT or ACT required, most incoming freshman: 3.5+ GPA, Accepts AP credits
Alumni: Mary-Louise Parker, Dane DeHaan
Application info here

Northwestern University
Chicago is definitely an incredible theatre town and Evanston is not far from the city. Also has a noted graduate school.

Location: Evanston, IL
Acceptance rate: 14.02%
Degree programs: General BS, Music Theatre Certificate
Cost: $68,060
SAT or ACT required, Accepts AP credits
Alumni: Zach Braff, Stephen Colbert, Stephanie D'Abruzzo, Anne Dudek, Kate Baldwin, Ana Gasteyer
Admissions info here

Brown University
It's an Ivy League school, so good education in both the arts and in general

Location: Providence, RI
Acceptance rate: 9.18%
Degree programs: General BA
Cost: $65,380
SAT (and Subject Tests) or ACT required, AP credit used for placement
Alumni: John Krasinski, Laura Linney, Emma Watson, Sarah Ruhl, David Yazbeck
Admissions info here

University of California: San Diego
The La Jolla Playhouse is literally on campus.

Location: La Jolla, CA
Acceptance rate: 36.84%
Degree programs: General BA
Cost: $54,020
SAT or ACT required, majority of incoming students 3.75+ GPA, AP credit for 3s and higher
Alumni: James Avery, Danny Burstein, Mike Judge, Jefferson Mays
Audition info here

California Institute of the Arts
Founded by Walt Disney

Location: Valencia, CA
Acceptance rate: 25%
Degree programs: Acting BFA, Design BFA, Costume Design BFA, Lighting Design BFA, Sound Design BFA, Technical Direction BFA, Management BFA, Stage Management BFA, Critical Studies BFA
Cost: $60,392
No ACT or SAT required, Accepts AP credits
Alumni: Alison Brie, Don Cheadle, David Hasselhoff, Paul Reubens, Julie Taymor
Application info here

Syracuse University
In New York, albeit it's about a four hour drive to good ol' Broadway. And it's a party school!

Location: Syracuse, NY
Acceptance rate: 49.49%
Degree programs: Acting BFA, Musical Theatre BFA, Stage Management BFA, Theatre Design and Technology BFA, Drama BS
Cost: $61,242
SAT or ACT required, Most incoming freshman 3.5+ GPA, Accepts AP credits
Notable alumni: Lynn Ahrens, Dick Clark, Taye Diggs, Vera Farmiga, Lisa Lampanelli, Riki Lindhome
Undergraduate info here

Pace University
Located right in New York City. Students are allowed to audition for shows in the city while in college.

Location: New York City, NY
Acceptance rate: 81.24%
Degree programs: Acting BFA, Musical Theatre BFA, Production and Design BFA, Acting BA, Directing BA, Stage Management BA
Cost: $62,163
SAT or ACT required, Most incoming freshman 3.25+ GPA, Accepts AP credits
Notable alumni: Bradley Cooper, Paul Dano, Glenn Taranto
Audition info here

University of California: Los Angeles
Beautiful campus, particularly known for screenwriting program (which could translate into playwriting as well)

Location: Los Angeles, CA
Acceptance rate: 20.43%
Degree programs: General BA
Cost: $58,747
SAT or ACT required, Most incoming freshman 3.75+ GPA, Accepts AP credits
Notable alumni: Beth Behrs, Carol Burnett, Nicolas Cage, Francis Ford Coppola, Rob Reiner
Audition info here

University of Southern California
Close to Hollywood, lots of connections to movie studios and theatres in the area

Location: Los Angeles, CA
Acceptance rate: 19.84%
Degree programs: General BA (two different types -- interdisciplinary degrees), Acting BFA, Design BFA, Sound Design BFA, Stage Management BFA, Technical Direction BFA
Cost: $67,212
SAT or ACT required, Most incoming freshman 3.75+ GPA, Accepts AP credits
Notable alumni: Forest Whitaker, Troian Bellisario, Kyra Sedgwick, Sophia Bush, Leigh Allyn-Baker
Application info here

State University of New York - Purchase
In New York state, a great program for less money than some of the larger schools

Location: Purchase, NY
Acceptance rate: 33.19%
Degree programs: Acting BFA, Playwriting and Screenwriting BA, Theatre Design/Technology BFA, General BA
Cost: $34,250
SAT or ACT required (SAT preferred), Most incoming freshman 3.00+ GPA, Accepts AP credits
Notable alumni: Parker Posey, Edie Falco, Josh Hartnett, Zoe Kravitz, Melissa Leo, Stanley Tucci
Audition info here

Elon University
Highly revered college for theatre, especially musical theatre

Location: Elon, NC
Acceptance rate: 53.98%
Degree programs: Acting BFA, Music Theatre BFA, General BA, Theatrical Design and Production BA
Cost: $46,670
SAT or ACT required, Most incoming freshman 3.75+ GPA, Accepts AP credits
Notable alumni: Grant Gustin, Barrett Wilbert Weed
Audition info here

Oklahoma City University
Mentioned on a couple lists as having good theatre programs. Good alternative to some of the really competitive programs.

Location: Oklahoma City, OK
Acceptance rate: 70.39%
Degree programs: Acting BFA, Design and Production BFA, Theatre for Young Audiences BFA, General BA
Cost: $44,608
SAT or ACT required, Most incoming freshman 3.5+ GPA, Accepts AP credits
Audition info here

Boston Conservatory
Probably one of the most famous conservatories for music and theatre in the country. Boston is a great place for theatre.

Location: Boston, MA
Acceptance rate: 40%
Degree programs: Contemporary Theatre BFA, Stage Management BFA, Musical Theatre BFA
Cost: $64,220
SAT or ACT required, accepts AP credits
Notable alumni: Carlos Pena Jr., Kimiko Glenn, Chad Kimball
Audition info here

Ithaca College
Known as a great school for theatre. Also located in New York state.

Location: Ithaca, NY
Acceptance rate: 66.6%
Degree programs: Acting BFA, Musical Theatre BFA, Theatre Arts Management BS, Theatre Studies BA, Theatrical Production Arts BFA
Cost: $58,798
SAT or ACT NOT required, Accepts AP credits
Notable alumni: David Boreanaz, Kerry Butler, Jeremy Jordan, Ricki Lake
Audition info here

Pennsylvania State University
Regarded as a great school for theatre

Location: University Park, PA
Acceptance rate: 55.45%
Degree programs: Theatre BA, Musical Theatre BFA, Design and Technology BFA, Stage Management BFA
Cost: $48.814
SAT or ACT required, majority of incoming freshman 3.5+ GPA, Accepts AP credits
Notable alumni: Keegan Michael Key, Ty Burrell
Application info here

Boston University
Located in a great town for theatre. Offers dual degree option.

Location: Boston, MA
Acceptance rate: 36.85%
Degree programs: Stage Management BFA, Acting BFA, Theatre Arts BFA, Production BFA, Design BFA
Cost: $65,906
SAT or ACT required, majority of incoming freshman 3.5+ GPA, Accepts AP credits
Notable alumni: Jason Alexander, Michael Chiklis, Julianne Moore, Emily Deschanel, Ginnifer Goodwin
Audition info here

University of Minnesota
Regarded as a great school for theatre.

Location: Minneapolis, MN
Acceptance rate: 44.42%
Degree programs: General BA, Acting BFA
Cost: $34,724
SAT or ACT required, Accepts AP credits
Notable alumni: Maria Bamford, Santino Fontana, Kate Mulgrew, Ron Perlman
Admission info here

University of Washington
Located in an awesome city for theatre. Big program. Beautiful campus.

Location: Seattle, WA
Acceptance rate: 55.18%
Degree programs: General BA
Cost: $49,338
SAT or ACT required, Most incoming freshman 3.75+ GPA, Accepts AP credits
Notable alumni: Joel McHale, Jean Smart, Rainn Wilson
FAQ here

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
One of the best college towns in the nation. Very diverse degree programs.

Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Acceptance rate: 33.26%
Degree programs: Performance (Directing or Acting) BFA, Design and Production BFA, Interarts Performance BFA, Musical Theatre BFA
Cost: $57.432
SAT or ACT required, Most incoming freshman 3.75+ GPA, Accepts AP credits
Notable alumni: Selma Blair, Bruno Campos, Gavin Creel, Darren Criss, Hunter Foster, Andrew and Celia Keenan-Bolger, Starkid Productions
Audition info here

Wagner College
Princeton Review frequently places Wagner atop its best colleges for theatre list. Located on Staten Island.

Location: Staten Island, NY
Acceptance rate: 69.88%
Degree programs: General BA, Arts Administration BS, Theatre and Education Dual Major
Cost: $58,495
SAT or ACT NOT always required (some programs want it), Most incoming freshman 3.25+ GPA, Accepts AP credit
Notable alumni: Renee Marino
Information here

Bennington College
On Princeton Review's list of best colleges for theatre.

Location: Bennington, VT
Acceptance rate: 64.87%
Degree programs: General BA
Cost: $66,770
SAT or ACT NOT required, Accepts AP credits
Notable alumni: Alan Arkin, Carol Channing, Peter Dinklage, Justin Theroux
Their website here

Emerson College
Great liberal arts college in the heart of Boston. Just revamped their programs. Structured to reflect the professional theatre world.

Location: Boston, MA
Acceptance rate: 47.98%
Degree programs: General BFA, Theatre & Performance BFA, Theatre Education BFA, Theatre Education & Performance BFA, Acting BFA, Musical Theatre BFA, Stage & Production Management BFA, Theatre Design/Technology BFA, Stage & Screen Design/Technology BFA
Cost: $60,230
SAT or ACT required, Most incoming freshman 3.5+ GPA, Accepts AP credits
Notable alumni: Emily Skeggs, Matt McGorry, Jay Leno, Andrea Martin
Application info here

Drew University
#9 on Princeton Review's best college theatre list. An hour drive to Broadway.

Location: Madison, NJ
Acceptance rate: 77.43%
Degree programs: General BA
Cost: $62,306
SAT or ACT required, Most incoming freshman 3.25+ GPA, Accepts AP credits
Information here

Fordham University
Intense, busy program. Comparable to UCLA and Emerson's programs. Located in NYC.

Location: New York, NY
Acceptance rate: 47.13%
Degree programs: General BA
Cost: $67,072
SAT or ACT required, Most incoming freshman 3.5+ GPA, Accepts AP credits
Notable alumni: Alan Alda, Robert Sean Leonard, Denzel Washington, Taylor Schilling, Amanda Seyfried
Admission info here

Vassar College
Located in New York state. #13 on Princeton Review's college theatre list.

Location: Poughkeepsie, NY
Acceptance rate: 24.11%
Degree programs: General BA
Cost: $66,070
SAT (& Subject Tests) or ACT required, Accepts AP credits
Notable alumni: Meryl Streep, Lisa Kudrow, Stacy London
Information here

Muhlenberg College
#6 on Princeton Review's college theatre list

Location: Allentown, PA
Acceptance rate: 46.16%
Degree programs: General BA
Cost: $66,010
SAT or ACT NOT always required (some programs want it), Most incoming freshman 3.25+ GPA, Accepts AP credits
Audition info here

Kenyon College
Great liberal arts college! #10 on Princeton Review's list. Looks like Hogwarts.

Location: Gambier, OH
Acceptance rate: 38.39%
Degree programs: Theatre, Film and Dance BA
Cost: $64,390
SAT or ACT required, Most incoming freshman 3.75+ GPA, Accepts AP credits
Notable alumni: Alison Janney, Paul Newman, Josh Radnor
Information here

Wabash College
#7 on Princeton Review's college theatre list

Location: Crawfordsville, IN
Acceptance rate: 69.62%
Degree programs: General BA
Cost: $52,040
SAT or ACT required, Most incoming freshman 3.5+ GPA, Accepts AP credits
Their website here


What other questions do you have about college? Was this helpful? Did I miss any out-of-state schools? Comment below and I will take that into consideration. I plan to do a few more college posts.

Bedroom Session: Sarah Davidson

Today we have our second Bedroom Session! This is Sarah Davidson singing "Some People" from the iconic Gypsy.

Thank you so much for your submission, Sarah! The Arizona Young Actors' Alliance is only possible because of participation from people like you.

Additionally, Sarah earns SIX -- count 'em -- SIX entries for our 1000 page views contest! More info about that here: http://azyoungactors.blogspot.com/2015/08/ayaa-contest-that-you-for-over-1000.html

If you would like to submit a video of you singing, dancing, acting, juggling, etc. in a casual environment for the Bedroom Sessions, shoot a video of you performing over to mackenna.azyoungactors@gmail.com.

AYAA Contest: Thank you for over 1000 page views!!

YOU GUYS ARE THE BEST!

Big big thank you for 1000 page views! This website and project is not possible without your clicks and participation in our various programs.

As a thank you, we are going to be doing our first giveaway. In the future, giveaways will be tickets to shows (hopefully) but for this first one, I wanted to give away something really really awesome...

The vocal selections book for Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder!

If you win, the book will come straight to your home and then you can use it for whatever pleases you.

The nitty gritty:
1) All ages can win this prize, but if you are under 13, make sure you have parent permission.
2) The contest runs from today to August 31st at 9:00 PM.
3) Must be an Arizona resident to win.
4) Must have liked our Facebook page, which you can check out here!
5) Commenting on this post what your musical dream role is earns you ONE entry.
6) Posting what you love about Arizona theatre on our Facebook page earns you ONE entry.
7) Submitting a review (500 words or more) of a show you saw earns you FOUR entries. (Send to mackenna.azyoungactors@gmail.com)
8) Submitting a video of you performing for our Bedroom Sessions earns you SIX entries. Info about that program and how to submit here! (So it is possible to earn up to 12 entries for this awesome prize!)

Again, thank you so much for 1000 page views! I appreciate you all and thanks for support!

Love, love, love,

Mackenna

AriZoni Nominations!

Here are all the youth theatre AriZoni nominations and some additional info!

Overall Production - Youth Play

• Actor's Youth Theatre  Anne of Green Gables
• East Valley Children’s Theatre  Moonprince
• Fountain Hills Theater  The Giver
• Musical Theatre of Anthem  The Diary of Anne Frank
• Spotlight Youth Theatre  Ramona Quimby
• Starlight Community Theater  Alice in America-Land
• Starlight Community Theater  Peter Pan and Wendy
• Studio 3 Performing Arts Academy  Murder at Crooked House
• Theater Works, YouthWorks  Night of the Living Dead
• Theater Works, YouthWorks  The Tales from the Arabian Nights

Overall Production - Youth Musical

• Actor’s Youth Theatre  Footloose
• Don Bluth Front Row Theatre  Disney’s Beauty and the Beast
• East Valley Children’s Theatre  Wonderland!
• Fountain Hills Theater  Disney's The Aristocats Kids
• Musical Theatre of Anthem  Cats
• Musical Theatre of Anthem  Into the Woods
• Spotlight Youth Theatre  Annie Get Your Gun
• Spotlight Youth Theatre  Rent
• Spotlight Youth Theatre  The Wedding Singer
• Studio 3 Performing Arts Academy  The Addams Family

Actress in a Major Role - Youth Play

• Actor's Youth Theatre  Anne of Green Gables  Gracie Gentile
• East Valley Children’s Theatre  Arya’s Rock, a video game adventure  Elizabeth Schaible
• East Valley Children’s Theatre  Moonprince  Zoe Whiting
• East Valley Children’s Theatre  Moonprince  Paige VanConant
• Musical Theatre of Anthem  The Diary of Anne Frank  Zoe Tanton
• Spotlight Youth Theatre  Ramona Quimby  Julia Burks
• Spotlight Youth Theatre  Ramona Quimby  Sophia Matin
• Starlight Community Theater  Alice in America-Land  Caitlyn Martinez
• Starlight Community Theater  Peter Pan and Wendy  Kayla DeWees
• Studio 3 Performing Arts Academy  Murder at Crooked House  Gillian Eliott

Actress in a Major Role - Youth Musical

• Actor’s Youth Theatre  Footloose  Adyson Nichols
• Don Bluth Front Row Theatre  Disney’s Beauty and the Beast  Emily McAtee
• East Valley Children’s Theatre  Wonderland!  Isabelle Jensen
• Fountain Hills Theater  Disney's The Aristocats Kids  Hunter DiGrazia
• Fountain Hills Theater  Disney's The Aristocats Kids  Emily Campbell
• Fountain Hills Theater  Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr  Haylee Klein
• Greasepaint Youtheatre  Into the Woods  Becca Bauer
• Spotlight Youth Theatre  Annie Get Your Gun  Carly Makani Copp
• Studio 3 Performing Arts Academy  The Addams Family  Lina Cappellano
• Studio 3 Performing Arts Academy  The Addams Family  Jessica Sinodis

Actor in a Major Role - Youth Play

• East Valley Children’s Theatre  Arya’s Rock, a video game adventure  LJ Deacon
• East Valley Children’s Theatre  Moonprince  Brian Robertson
• Fountain Hills Theater  The Fabulous Fable Factory  Asher Sheppard
• Fountain Hills Theater  The Giver  Sebastian Harris-Wylde
• Spotlight Youth Theatre  Ramona Quimby  Kira Kadel
• Spotlight Youth Theatre  Ramona Quimby  Tatum DeMichael
• Starlight Community Theater  Peter Pan and Wendy  William Rippenkroeger
• Starlight Community Theater  Peter Pan and Wendy  Derick Haenitsch
• Studio 3 Performing Arts Academy  Murder at Crooked House  Devan Policci
• Theater Works, YouthWorks  Night of the Living Dead  Taylor Updegraff

Actor in a Major Role - Youth Musical

• Actor’s Youth Theatre  Footloose  Dallin Urness
• Desert Foothills Youth Theater  The Wizard of Oz  John Newell
• Desert Foothills Youth Theater  The Wizard of Oz  Curtis Horger
• Don Bluth Front Row Theatre  Disney’s Beauty and the Beast  Brennen Longman
• Greasepaint Youtheatre  Into the Woods  Andrey Lull
• Greasepaint Youtheatre  Seussical the Musical  Hale Stewart
• Spotlight Youth Theatre  Annie Get Your Gun  Michael Schulz
• Starlight Community Theater  Li’l Abner  Griffin LeBlanc
• Studio 3 Performing Arts Academy  The Addams Family  Connor Brigola
• Theater Works, YouthWorks  A Year with Frog and Toad  Tyler Lewis

Actress in a Supporting Role - Youth Play

• East Valley Children’s Theatre  Arya’s Rock, a video game adventure  Maria Boas
• East Valley Children’s Theatre  Arya’s Rock, a video game adventure  Grace Sallee
• East Valley Children’s Theatre  Arya’s Rock, a video game adventure  Paige VanConant
• East Valley Children’s Theatre  Moonprince  Brittany Flemming
• Musical Theatre of Anthem  The Diary of Anne Frank  Ann Emilie Tjorhorn
• Musical Theatre of Anthem  The Diary of Anne Frank  Ava Tyson
• Musical Theatre of Anthem  The Diary of Anne Frank  Emily Spets
• Starlight Community Theater  Alice in America-Land  Brittany Fresevic
• Starlight Community Theater  Alice in America-Land  Chelsea Carll
• Theater Works, YouthWorks  The Tales from the Arabian Nights  Quincy Janisse

Actress in a Supporting Role - Youth Musical

• East Valley Children’s Theatre  Wonderland!  Suzy Olson
• Fountain Hills Theater  Disney's The Aristocats Kids  Victoria Pond
• Musical Theatre of Anthem  Cats  Julia Davis
• Musical Theatre of Anthem  The Wizard of Oz  Grace Davis
• Spotlight Youth Theatre  Annie Get Your Gun  Lyssa Horney
• Spotlight Youth Theatre  Annie Get Your Gun  Ali Whitwell
• Spotlight Youth Theatre  RENT  Carly Nicole Grossman
• Spotlight Youth Theatre  The Wedding Singer  Payton Bioletto
• Starlight Community Theater  Li’l Abner  Jesse Pike
• Theater Works, YouthWorks  13  Addison Bowman

Actor in a Supporting Role - Youth Play

• East Valley Children’s Theatre  Arya’s Rock, a video game adventure  Tyler Briggs
• East Valley Children’s Theatre  Arya’s Rock, a video game adventure  Tanner Morris
• East Valley Children’s Theatre  Arya’s Rock, a video game adventure  Calvin Mugge
• Musical Theatre of Anthem  The Diary of Anne Frank  Michael Hoover
• Spotlight Youth Theatre  Ramona Quimby  Taylor Bader
• Spotlight Youth Theatre  Ramona Quimby  Levi Hoover
• Starlight Community Theater  Alice in America-Land  Will Rippenkroeger
• Starlight Community Theater  Alice in America-Land  Calvin Novicki
• Starlight Community Theater  Alice in America-Land  James Wilson
• Theater Works, YouthWorks  The Tales from the Arabian Nights  Skyler Washburn

Actor in a Supporting Role - Youth Musical

• Desert Foothills Youth Theater  Hairspray  Mason Reeves
• Don Bluth Front Row Theatre  Disney’s Beauty and the Beast  Stefan Mladenov
• Musical Theatre of Anthem  Into the Woods  Alex Martinez
• Musical Theatre of Anthem  The Wizard of Oz  T. J. Rossi
• Spotlight Youth Theatre  Annie Get Your Gun  Taylor Bader
• Spotlight Youth Theatre  RENT  Michael Schulz
• Starlight Community Theater  Li’l Abner  William Rippenkroeger
• Starlight Community Theater  Li’l Abner  Thomas F. Graca
• Studio 3 Performing Arts Academy  Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Jr  Samuel Ellefson
• Studio 3 Performing Arts Academy  The Addams Family  Marty Loehr

Director - Youth Play

• Actor's Youth Theatre  Anne of Green Gables  Erin McFeely
• East Valley Children’s Theatre  Arya’s Rock, a video game adventure  Joel Cranson
• East Valley Children’s Theatre  Moonprince  Karen Rolston
• Fountain Hills Theater  The Fabulous Fable Factory  Ross Collins
• Fountain Hills Theater  The Giver  Ross Collins
• Musical Theatre of Anthem  The Diary of Anne Frank  Laura O’Meara
• Spotlight Youth Theatre  Ramona Quimby  Brenda Goodenberger
• Starlight Community Theater  Alice in America-Land  Janette Wyatt
• Starlight Community Theater  Peter Pan and Wendy  Eric Gibson, Susan Gibson
• Theater Works, YouthWorks  The Tales from the Arabian Nights  Chris Hamby

Director - Youth Musical

• Actor’s Youth Theatre  Footloose  Mackenzie Mitchell
• Desert Foothills Youth Theater  Hairspray  Chris Hamby
• Don Bluth Front Row Theatre  Disney’s Beauty and the Beast  Don Bluth
• East Valley Children’s Theatre  Wonderland!  Karen Rolston
• Fountain Hills Theater  Disney's The Aristocats Kids  Ross Collins
• Musical Theatre of Anthem  Cats  Sherry Henderson
• Musical Theatre of Anthem  The Wizard of Oz  Sarah Brayer, Lynzee Foreman
• Spotlight Youth Theatre  Annie Get Your Gun  Kenny Grossman
• Studio 3 Performing Arts Academy  The Addams Family  Brian Foley
• Theater Works, YouthWorks  A Year with Frog and Toad  Chris Hamby

Music Direction - Youth Theatre

• Desert Foothills Youth Theater  Hairspray  Dan Kurek
• Fountain Hills Theater  Disney's The Aristocats Kids  Paige Beckman
• Greasepaint Youtheatre  Into the Woods  Mary Ellen Loose
• Greasepaint Youtheatre  Seussical the Musical  Jana DeLaTorre
• Musical Theatre of Anthem  Cats  Jackie Hammond, Shawna Weitekamp
• Musical Theatre of Anthem  Into the Woods  Cris Wo
• Musical Theatre of Anthem  The Wizard of Oz  Karen Blanzy, Ginette Rossi
• Spotlight Youth Theatre  Annie Get Your Gun  Mark Foreman
• Studio 3 Performing Arts Academy  The Addams Family  Emma England
• Theater Works, YouthWorks  A Year with Frog and Toad  Ken Goodenberger

Scenic Design - Youth Theatre

• East Valley Children’s Theatre  Moonprince  Dori Brown
• Fountain Hills Theater  Disney's The Aristocats Kids  Ross Collins
• Musical Theatre of Anthem  Cats  Sherry Henderson, Sallyann Martinez
• Spotlight Youth Theatre  Annie Get Your Gun  Bobby Sample, Michael Armstrong
• Spotlight Youth Theatre  Ramona Quimby  Bobby Sample
• Spotlight Youth Theatre  RENT  Bobby Sample, Clancy DeGroodt
• Studio 3 Performing Arts Academy  Grease  Emma England
• Studio 3 Performing Arts Academy  The Addams Family  Emma England
• Theater Works, YouthWorks  A Year with Frog and Toad  Dori Brown
• Theater Works, YouthWorks  The Tales from the Arabian Nights  Michael Armstrong

Costume Design - Youth Theatre

• East Valley Children’s Theatre  Arya’s Rock, a video game adventure  Barbara Jakucki, Emily Simzyk
• East Valley Children’s Theatre  Moonprince  Barbara Jakucki
• East Valley Children’s Theatre  Wonderland!  Barbara Jakucki
• Fountain Hills Theater  Disney's The Aristocats Kids  Anne Kelleher, Marcie Rozalsky
• Musical Theatre of Anthem  The Diary of Anne Frank  Mickey Courtney, Rhea Courtney
• Musical Theatre of Anthem  The Wizard of Oz  Peggy Sullivan, Karin Ikesaki
• Spotlight Youth Theatre  Annie Get Your Gun  Laurie Marchon
• Studio 3 Performing Arts Academy  Grease  Emma England
• Studio 3 Performing Arts Academy  The Addams Family  Emma England
• Theater Works, YouthWorks  The Tales from the Arabian Nights  Cari Smith

Hair and Makeup Design - Youth Theatre

• East Valley Children’s Theatre  Arya’s Rock, a video game adventure  Beth Mosey
• East Valley Children’s Theatre  Moonprince  Beth Mosey
• East Valley Children’s Theatre  Wonderland!  Cori Johnson
• Fountain Hills Theater  Disney's The Aristocats Kids  Tralonie Smith
• Musical Theatre of Anthem  Cats  Jacob Hamilton
• Musical Theatre of Anthem  The Wizard of Oz  Jacob Hamilton
• Spotlight Youth Theatre  Annie Get Your Gun  Angel DeMichael, Alex Acosta
• Starlight Community Theater  Alice in America-Land  Nathalie Velasquez
• Studio 3 Performing Arts Academy  Grease  Emma England
• Studio 3 Performing Arts Academy  The Addams Family  Emma England

Lighting Design - Youth Theatre

• Don Bluth Front Row Theatre  Disney’s Beauty and the Beast  Curtis Watson
• East Valley Children’s Theatre  Arya’s Rock, a video game adventure  Dale Nakagawa
• East Valley Children’s Theatre  Moonprince  Daniel Davisson
• East Valley Children’s Theatre  Wonderland!  Martin Zavala
• Fountain Hills Theater  Disney's The Aristocats Kids  Ross Collins
• Musical Theatre of Anthem  The Wizard of Oz  Daniel Kersh, Sonia Tomaso
• Spotlight Youth Theatre  Annie Get Your Gun  Kenny Grossman
• Studio 3 Performing Arts Academy  Grease  Jeff A. Davis
• Studio 3 Performing Arts Academy  The Addams Family  Emma England, Brian Foley
• Theater Works, YouthWorks  The Tales from the Arabian Nights  Daniel Davisson

Sound Design - Youth Theatre

• Don Bluth Front Row Theatre  Disney’s Beauty and the Beast  Roger McKay
• East Valley Children’s Theatre  Arya’s Rock, a video game adventure  Karen Rolston
• Fountain Hills Theater  Disney's The Aristocats Kids  Ross Collins
• Musical Theatre of Anthem  Cats  Brian Sosowski
• Musical Theatre of Anthem  The Diary of Anne Frank  Sonia Tomaso
• Musical Theatre of Anthem  The Wizard of Oz  Brian Sosowski
• Spotlight Youth Theatre  Annie Get Your Gun  Kenny Grossman
• Starlight Community Theater  Li’l Abner  Thomas F. Graca
• Theater Works, YouthWorks  A Year with Frog and Toad  Matthew Sanders
• Theater Works, YouthWorks  The Tales from the Arabian Nights  Stephen Christensen, Chris Hamby

Property Design - Youth Theatre

• East Valley Children’s Theatre  Arya’s Rock, a video game adventure  Karen Rolston
• East Valley Children’s Theatre  Moonprince  Karen Rolston
• East Valley Children’s Theatre  Wonderland!  Karen Rolston
• Fountain Hills Theater  Disney's The Aristocats Kids  Amanda Campbell, Alisa Feugate
• Musical Theatre of Anthem  The Diary of Anne Frank  Harald Tjorhorn
• Spotlight Youth Theatre  Annie Get Your Gun  Mary Rooney, Linda Copp, Vicki Grossman, Mitra Matin
• Studio 3 Performing Arts Academy  Grease  Stephanie Wright, Amy Vance
• Studio 3 Performing Arts Academy  The Addams Family  Emma England, Brian Foley, Jodi Brigola
• Theater Works, YouthWorks  A Year with Frog and Toad  Jason Washburn
• Theater Works, YouthWorks  The Tales from the Arabian Nights  Jason Washburn

Artistic Specialization - Youth Theatre

• Actor’s Youth Theatre  Big Fish  Puppet Design: Stephanie Wright
• Fountain Hills Theater  The Giver  Projection Design: Keith Bollman, Todd Carrie
• Fountain Hills Theater  Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr  Projection Design: Todd Carrie
• Greasepaint Youtheatre  Into the Woods  Puppet Design: Alexa Rose
• Musical Theatre of Anthem  Cats  Acrobatics: Sherry Henderson
• Spotlight Youth Theatre  Annie Get Your Gun  Trapeze: Mike Armstrong
• Spotlight Youth Theatre  RENT  Video Design: Kenny Grossman, Luke Bader, Josh Hontz
• Spotlight Youth Theatre  Honk Jr  Animation Design: Bobby Sample
• Starlight Community Theater  You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown  Flying Doghouse Effect: Mike Rippenkroeger
• Theater Works, YouthWorks  The Tales from the Arabian Nights  Mask Design: Jason Washburn

Original Script - Youth - Play or Musical

• Actor's Youth Theatre  Anne of Green Gables  Andrea McFreely
• Actor's Youth Theatre  Frankenstein  Andrea McFreely
• East Valley Children’s Theatre  Arya’s Rock, a video game adventure  Mark Smolyar
• East Valley Children’s Theatre  Moonprince  Drew Ignatowski
• The Homestead Playhouse  Sing Your Own Adventure  Jen Gantwerker, Colin Ross, Jamie Sandomire

Original Music Composition – Youth - Play or Musical

• East Valley Children’s Theatre  Arya’s Rock, a video game adventure  Karalyn Schubring

And that's all folks! The youth ceremony will be on September 21st at the Tempe Center for the Arts. The ceremony is tentatively placed at 5:30 pm, but nothing is set in stone in regards to time. Details regarding tickets will be available soon at arizoniawards.com

Big congrats on Julia Davis, who was recently interviewed on this site, for her nomination for her role in CATS at Musical Theatre of Anthem! Big congrats to all the other nominees as well.