Villa Playhouse gives opportunities to local youth

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    By MARISSA SCHOENFELD

    With most public school districts unable to fund high school arts programs, the Villa Playhouse Theatre in Springville offers a solution to Utah Valley: plays directed, produced and performed by local high school students.

    The Villa Playhouse Theatre’s production of “No Boys Allowed,” running through Nov. 14, was cast, staged and rehearsed with little help from adults.

    Bill Brown, owner of the Villa Playhouse Theatre, started the Youtheatre Program in the spring of 1996.

    He said his main goal with the program is to provide an educational opportunity for students.

    “Most states just don’t have the dollars or the manpower to give a well-rounded arts education,” Brown said. “We think there’s a real need in this area.”

    The Villa Playhouse Board of Trustees tries to make as many opportunities for students in their shows as possible, Brown said. Of its eight main stage productions a year, four are youth productions. “No Boys Allowed” was produced 80 percent by students. And in the upcoming play, “Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” about 35 youth, ages six to 18 are participating.

    “No Boys Allowed” director Cara Baker, a high school senior, said she’s grateful to be associated with the Youtheatre Program.

    “An opportunity like this doesn’t come along often for someone my age,” Baker said. “(The Youtheatre Program) gives young people like me the chance to accomplish their goals.”

    Not only does the Youtheatre Program teach the how-to’s of acting and directing, it teaches life lessons, Brown said.

    “They’re learning teamwork and dedication,” he said. “They’re pulling it together as an ensemble without adults constantly pushing them.”

    Andy Snyder, an actor in “No Boys Allowed,” said although there’s a strong temptation to “goof off” with fellow teen-agers, this youth production is the greatest acting experience he’s ever had.

    “There are no older directors telling us we’re too immature,” Snyder said. “We can learn from each other instead of reacting to teachers. And when it comes down to crunch time we pull together.”

    Snyder also said the Youtheatre Program allows students more creativity, a more professional venue and more fun than high school programs.

    The Villa Playhouse Theatre intends to establish a separate location fully dedicated to youth productions across the street from its main theater. It also plans to host education outreach programs, seminars and workshops to teach youth about the performing arts.

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