CAPTAIN LOUIE JR. Kicks Off Rubicon Theatre Company's 2012 Summer Youth Program, 7/5

Summer youth programs have begun once again at Rubicon Theatre Company (RTC), with nearly one-hundred students celebrating with events and performances that are perfect for the entire family.

School is out but the learning continues at RTC where aspiring thespians, ages 5 to 22, are expanding their horizons in theatre arts programs under the skilled direction of industry professionals. Founded in 2002 by award-winning actor/director/producer BrIan McDonald, the Rubicon Summer Youth programs were designed to offer intensive performing arts education that gave students the chance to grow and learn in a professional setting.

“As a professional theatre company,” says McDonald, “I believed it was important that Rubicon’s classes focused on the education and nurturing of students who were seeking to pursue a career in the performing arts. However, it became quite clear to me that, in truth, the importance of an arts education has very little to do with the nurturing of future talent in the arts as it does with development of skills like reading comprehension, critical thinking, creative development and social interaction. Without a doubt, arts programs like the ones offered at Rubicon are changing lives in ways that no other form of study can.”

The Rubicon summer program began simply; with one 4-week musical theatre camp. For 7 hours a day, 6 days a week, sixteen students (ten of which had never performed in a musical before) rehearsed tirelessly to present a production of Once on this Island. The following year it was a production of School House Rock Live, Jr. that toured to Ventura Elementary Schools introducing young audiences to live theatre for the first time. Currently, there are 4 performance camps for kids age 5-22 including the Fearless Shakespeare Program under the direction of Yale Drama School Graduate and award-winning actor Joseph Fuqua. The Rubicon Young Professionals program offers internships and apprenticeships in behind-the-scenes jobs including those in technical theatre, stage management, theatre education, directing, marketing, arts administration and most recently, has added a student orchestra.

This summer alone, nearly 100 students will cross the Rubicon and immerse themselves in one of the many youth programs offered. Be sure to check out the line-up of family entertainment and show your support for this glorious place where dreams are made and lives are forever changed.

10th Anniversary Summer Program Schedule:

4th of July Parade

Downtown Main Street, Ventura

Students of Rubicon’s Theatre Camp will be marching in the parade (10am), handing out invitations to the FREE Public Performance of Captain Louie, Jr. at Rubicon Theatre that afternoon at 2:30pm. They will also be presenting a few musical numbers on the street festival stage at Fir & Main St. at 12 noon.

July 5-8

CAPTAIN LOUIE, JR.

Music and Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz
Book by Anthony Stein
Based on The Trip by Ezra Jack Keats

A magical, musical journey about friendship from the composer of WICKED

Running Time: Approx. 45 min.

PERFORMANCES
Jul 5 • 2 pm, 7 pm | Jul 6 • 7 pm | Jul 7 • 2 pm, 7 pm | Jul 8 • 2 pm

TICKETS
Adults: $15 | $20 at door
Kids: 12 & under: $10 | $15 at door

July 21

1:00pm
Stinky Feet Theatre Workshop Presentation
Directed by Patricia Strickland

Students Ages 5-10 present a short original musical play

TICKETS: $5 Suggest Donation, No Advanced Reservation Required

July 19 – 22

AS YOU LIKE IT

Written by William Shakespeare
Directed by Joseph Fuqua
Running Time: Approx. 2 hrs. with intermission

PERFORMANCES
Jul 19 • 8 pm | Jul 20 • 8 pm | Jul 21 • 8 pm | Jul 22 • 2 pm, 7 pm

A Shakespeare Comedy

TICKETS
Adults: $15 | $20 at door
Kids: 12 & under: $10 | $15 at door

August 8 – 12

ONCE ON THIS ISLAND

Book by Lynn Ahrens
Music by Stephen Flaherty
Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens
Based on "My Love, My Love" by Rosa Guy
Directed by BrIan McDonald
Musical Direction by John Enrico Douglas
Choreography by Carolanne Marano

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