Escape To The Theatre
For many children, getting on stage to act or sing is a liberating experience. Wallflowers often transform into confident little hoofers, shedding layers of self-consciousness. We are fortunate to have in Santa Clarita a terrific children’s theater group called ESCAPE, which affords many children their first theatrical experience.
Escape To The Theatre
By Randy Simer “I’ve done children’s theater since I was 19”, Burson says. “In Long Beach, I was musical director for a children’s theater for about 10 years. Then I got married, had a couple children, and my husband said it’s time to move to Santa Clarita. We moved here nine years ago. I continued to drive to Long Beach. Then my husband said, ‘That’s it; you’re not driving anymore. Let’s do it here!’ I said, ‘Ok, let’s think of a name; ESCAPE – Experience Santa Clarita’s Actor’s Performing Ensemble.’ Theater is an escape for us.” Husband Kyle directs the shows and does the set design. A former actor, he currently runs Bill Ferrell Company, which provides steel decking and confetti for television, commercials, concerts, and other events. Their clients include Dick Clark and Hannah Montana. The Burson children – Jesse, 14, Kayla, 12, Mikey, 8, and Rachel, 5 – all perform in ESCAPE, as well. Starting with 80 children at Mitchell Elementary School in Canyon Country almost six years ago, ESCAPE has grown to include 210 young performers from all over Santa Clarita. Each year they present two large productions in January and June, with attendance growing steadily as they’ve moved into larger venues such as Hart High’s Auditorium and College of the Canyon’s Performing Arts Center. These are not some dinky little plays they’re putting on here, folks. The production values are of the highest quality, with costumes and sets displaying real skill and imagination. Prior to opening night, the children receive four months of musical and acting training, are included in the ensemble cast, and can audition for lead roles, as well. They also offer a two-week workshop in the summer and a Holiday Dinner Theater Event in December. Burson loves watching these young people stretch their boundaries. “The joy we have is in seeing them grow,” she enthuses. “They are coming and socializing, getting out of their comfort zone. It’s a couple hours without ipods or video games that we call ‘unplugged’ time; a chance to interact while having a great time in the theater. Even the teenagers can’t wait for rehearsal.” Don’t miss Escape’s major productions for 2009, “The Music Man”, January 9-11 and “The Wizard of Oz” in June. |
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