RB Productions will kick off its 14th children’s theater summer season with Annie Jr. at the Capitol Center for the Arts on Friday and Saturday.
It is the first of four main stage performances this summer for actors and actresses ranging from 9 to 19 years old.
And it’s really a fun way to do theater.
The kids sign up for one, two, three or all four shows, and it’s open to anyone.
In early June, auditions are held for all shows and parts are given out.
“We don’t have kids who audition to get into the show. Instead it’s first-come, first-served and they audition for roles,” said Clint Klose, artistic director, producer and sound designer with RB.
Then the actors/actresses are on their own to learn lines, the songs and whatever else that goes with their role.
They only have a week to prepare for the show as a group.
Rehearsals, which consist of learning choreography and blocking (where they need to move on stage), began for Annie Jr. last Monday and will continue each day until the debut performance at the Capitol Center on Friday at 7 p.m.
The group rehearses 9 a.m. to 4 p.m each day.
“Everybody’s busy every moment of the day,” Klose said. “It really becomes a learning environment for everyone involved.”
For many of the kids, this will be their first time on a stage the size of the Chubb Theatre.
“We would not do what we do without the Capitol Center,” Klose said.
Annie Jr. will also be performed on Saturday at 2 and 7 p.m.
In addition to the opening show this week, RB Productions will perform The Lion King Jr. (July 14-15), Thoroughly Modern Millie Jr. (July 21-22) and Beauty and the Beast Jr. (July 28-29). The shows are about an hour and 15 minutes each.
“There are a couple kids that are doing all the shows this summer,” Klose said.
Tickets are $15 and are available by visiting ccanh.com or at the box office the day of the show.
