YOUNGSTERS could be a star for a week in an annual summer theatre project.
But Ruislip-based musical group, StageWorks, needs more teenage boys for this summer’s production, Meredith Wilson’s The Music Man.
Stageworks, the youth branch of Ruislip Operatic Society (ROS), runs the highly popular, week-long course at the start of the summer holidays.
It ends with three performances of a musical at the Winston Churchill Hall in Pinn Way.
Director Malcolm Unwin said: “We started StageWorks to develop an interest in performing arts.
“But we’re different from other stage schools because we don’t drive them to be professional; we just want them to enjoy it.
“It’s a very warm environment.”
But the perennial problem of a lack of likely lads – not to mention an always tight budget – has led to a double appeal.
“We always have plenty of girls, but when they hit their teens the lads seem to lose interest,” said Malcolm.
“But those that do come end up having a great time.”
Children aged eight to18 can still sign up for The Music Man, which like all StageWorks productions goes from first read through to performance in a week.
StageWorks relies on sponsorship to operate, even more so now the rent of the Winston Churchill Hall has increased.
Malcolm said he has been forced to push up the cost of the project this year, meaning some children may not be able to take part.
So now he hopes for a corporate partner who will get good exposure by helping out.
“Companies can have their name on the back of the T-shirts which we wear all week and to rehearsals throughout the year – it’s like our uniform,” said Malcolm.
“Or they could have an advert in our programme. There’s all sorts of options.”
The StageWorks week costs £170 per child, and run from 9.30am to 4.30pm on Monday to Saturday.
Because the fee is £25 more than last year, help is available in certain circumstances by way of a £25 grant.
To find out more, or to become a sponsor, call Malcolm on 07775 603 060.
