Sierra Repertory Theatre is giving a sneak preview of its new youth theatre program with its production of Jason and the Argonauts, a 45-minute musical comedy written by new SRT Education Director Ralph Krumins (Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story).
Based on the ancient Greek hero, the fast paced show for children will
feature three actors playing over 20 roles and will play at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. at the Fallon House Theatre in Columbia on December 7, 8, 14 and 15. Tickets are $5 for children and $10 for adults.
Travel
back in time to days when gods rules the sky, monsters roamed the earth
and every warrior was a brand new hero. Jason goes on a quest to bring
home the legendary Golden Fleece. With the help of the audience and
brave Argonauts such as Orpheus and Hercules, he will conquer many
dangers before he claims his prize. An abundance of audience
participation makes Jason and the Argonauts fun for all ages.
Creator,
actor and director, Krumins holds a degree in integrated studies in
music and theater and recently returned from South Korea, where he
developed youth programming as part of a language school. Before that,
he played Buddy in Sierra Rep’s Buddy Holly Story and spent three
years creating and running a very successful children’s program for
Great Plans Theatre in his native Kansas. He is eager to build SRT’s
first children’s program, a new initiative part of Sierra Rep’s upcoming
35th Anniversary season.
“I
love working with kids because they are the most honest audience and
actors you’ll meet,” Krumins said. “Also, they have the best sense of
imagination.”
Krumins believes youth actors are the most entertaining and rewarding type of performers to work with.
“With
actors of any age, you will see growth and confidence throughout time,
but with children it’s an explosion. The shy kid who could barely get
through introducing himself at the first audition is now belting to the
back row by the end of a run. Confidence and skill go and I hand and
it’s remarkable to see a child become something they didn’t even know
they could be.
“Also,
when you have adults performing children’s shows, kids get introduced
to theater at even younger ages. After performing for a young
kindergarten class, a little girl stomped up to me and said, ‘Hey, I
want to do this stuff. Tell me how.’ Everyone wins with this new
program, especially our community kids!”
Sierra
Rep Artistic Director Scott Viets said he is excited to take the steps
for the new program as the theatre moves into its 35th
Anniversary season. The plans for the program include musical theater
workshops, touring school performances and more, all with the goal of
meeting community needs and connecting local youth with Sierra Rep main
stage productions.
“It’s
something Sierra Rep has wanted to add for many years,” Viets said.
“We’re delighted to have a professional with such skills and energy to
take the lead. We know local families and educators in our region have a
continued desire for quality children’s programming both for young
audiences and young artists. Our plan is to start slowly and develop
elements that make sense for the community, complement what is now
available and give talented youth a place to grow, build experience and
polish their skills.
“We
had a great experience with Ralph as a performer, and were thrilled
when he proposed this partnership. Ralph is a creative and collaborative
co-worker. We love his approach to children’s programming and youth
training and we know he’s just the right person for this new venture.”
Jason and the Argonauts plays December 7, 8, 14, and 15 at the Fallon House Theatre in Historic Columbia State Park. Performances are at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
each day. Tickets are $5 for children and $10 for adults. For more
information or reservations, call Sierra Rep’s box office at (209) 532-3120 or visit Sierra Rep at www.sierrarep.org.