The Depot Theatre is pleased to announce the details of its 2019 Boquet River Theatre Festival (BRTF) Youth Theatre Program.

The 2019 Junior program production (ages 8-12), will be THE LION KING JR.  Rehearsals begin July 15, with performances on August 2, 3 and 4.

The 2019 Senior program production (ages 12 and up) will be LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS. Rehearsals begin July 29, with performances on August 9, 10 and 11.

Auditions for both the junior and senior BRTF programs will be held on June 1 beginning at 9am at the Depot Theatre, located at 6705 Main Street in Westport. Rehearsals and performances will be held at the Whallonsburg Grange Hall.

Created in 1993, the BRTF Program is an organization that was designed to provide young people with theatrical training and experience. Each summer, BRTF has featured both junior and senior programs that culminate in musical theatrical performances held at the Whallonsburg Grange Hall during August.

In 2018, The Depot Theatre took on the BRTF program with the intention of featuring it as their signature education and outreach program.
The 2019 program includes a number of enhancements, including live musical accompaniment, interaction with professional artists, master theatre workshops, and opportunities for participants to attend performances and/or rehearsals at the Depot Theatre’s main stage.

he registration fee is $250 per participant. For families with more than one child participating in the program, the fee for the additional participants is $180/child. Scholarships are available.

Both productions will be directed by Diana McGuigan George, the Depot Theatre’s Outreach Program Coordinator, with musical direction by Adam Tilford, and choreography by Jackie Robertin.

“We’re excited about this year’s enhanced youth theatre program,” said George. “In addition to the opportunity for our actors to tackle two terrific productions, I’m pleased to work with the Depot’s new Producing Artistic Director Kenney Green to provide an enhanced program that honors the tradition of the BRTF experience while infusing it with the Depot’s professional resources.”  

Diana McGuigan George will be happy to answer any questions regarding the 2019 BRTF program, including inquiries about scholarships. She can be reached by email at brtf@depottheatre.org or call 518.962.8072.  

Registration for the program is now open. More information about the program, sponsorship opportunities, playbill advertisements, and downloadable Participant Guidelines and online registration is now available at www.depottheatre.org/outreach.