4-H Performing Arts Troupe

4-H Performing Arts Troupe

In recognition of the North Carolina 4-H Centennial, we are pleased to announce that in 2009 4-H’ers and leaders from across the state will have the opportunity to be involved in a new version of the 4-H Performing Arts Troupe. Unlike most 4-H performing groups around the country, our Troupe will not be a variation on a show choir. Instead, we will rehearse and stage an original musical theatre production written to celebrate the 100 year history of 4-H in North Carolina as part of the Centennial Celebration at 4-H Congress.

Current 4-H members ages 12-18 will have the opportunity to audition for the 30-40 performing roles in the Troupe. 4-H’ers who are more interested in the technical components of the show can apply to work with our technical staff in the areas of costumes, props, set, lighting and sound. Applications for performing and technical students will be available beginning in January with three regional auditions being planned for March.

We are also offering opportunities for 10-12 adult volunteer leaders to help bring this dream to fruition. The adult volunteers will work with our directors and technical staff to support and provide leadership for our teens. Adults who are interested in music, dance, costumes, props and the technical aspects of theatre are encouraged to apply.

We are still working out some of the details, but below is a tentative schedule for the Troupe.

November, 2008 – Applications accepted for adult volunteer leaders. All applications are due by January 15, 2009. Adults will be selected by late-January.

January 5 – February 23 – Applications accepted from 4-H’ers (ages 12-18) interested in performing or technical roles with the Troupe.

March, 2009 – Three regional auditions will be held in the East, West and Central areas of the state. Performing students may audition at any of the three sites.

Early April – Selections of performing and technical students will be finalized.

May 8-10 – A weekend retreat (Friday evening through Sunday afternoon) will be held at Betsy-Jeff Penn 4-H Center where we will begin rehearsals and planning the technical aspects of the production. All adult leaders and 4-H’ers selected MUST attend.

Additional rehearsals will be held the weekend before Congress (July 18-19), Monday, Wednesday and Thursday of Congress with a premier performance tentatively set for Thursday evening.

Costs: There will be a $300 participant fee for all 4-H aged performers and technical students to cover the cost of the rehearsal weekend in May and the weekend rehearsals before Congress. There will be no participant fee for adult leaders. All performers, technical students and adult volunteers must register for Congress which requires an additional registration fee to cover room and meals for the Congress week.

We are very excited about bringing this expressive arts opportunity back to North Carolina for the Centennial.