Venice Little Theatre will continue its Summer Stock program for teen and college age students this summer. The five week program – described by VLT as a high energy ‘theatre boot camp’ – will culminate in a full musical production of Oklahoma on the MainStage from July 31 to August 2, 2008.

The Summer Stock program is open to teens (entering junior and senior year) and college age students who are serious about pursuing careers in theatre. Acceptance into the tuition-based program will be by audition.

Auditions have been scheduled at the theatre on two days - Sunday, March 9, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. and Monday, March 10, at 4:30 p.m. Those who aren’t able to audition at those times may call the Education Department at VLT for an appointment. (Contact Sandy or Brad at 941-486-8679.)

Applicants should be prepared to sing a number from one of the classic American musicals (such as those by Rodgers & Hammerstein or Lerner & Loewe) and bring their own sheet music. They should also prepare a 30-second monologue. They are advised to wear comfortable clothing.

The Summer Stock program begins on June 30, and runs through August 8, and students will be at the theatre from 2:00 p.m. through 9:00 p.. Monday through Friday.

VLT’s Brad Wages will direct and choreograph the production of Oklahoma. Instructors for the overall program will include a number of area professionals.

The theatre has also created an advisory council to lend professional strength to the educational component of Summer Stock; it includes Scott Keys and Candace Artim from Booker High School, Miles Mowry from Riverview, Sharon Ferguson from Venice High and Dena Henderson from North Port High.

For further information, call Sandy Davisson at 941-486-8679.

Venice Little Theatre is located at 140 West Tampa Avenue, on the island in Venice. The box office is open from 10am to 5pm Monday through Saturday. It also opens for walk up business one hour before all performances.