Places, everyone!
Footlights Theater Company, an emerging youth-centered program, will officially launch with a musical performance at the Bedford Hills Community House this month.
The brainchild of arts educator and mentor Lara Paquette, Footlights has — so far — attracted more than a dozen middle and high school students from Bedford, Lewisboro, Somers, Ossining, and Armonk.
(As Footlights founder and artistic director, she is exploring reaching out to other communities around Northern Westchester as well.)
The new theater company’s goal is to empower young artists through “performance, mentorship, and meaningful leadership opportunities.”
The 75-minute inaugural concert, “Places, Please: Launching Footlights Theater Company,” is set for 7 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26. It will feature students performing alongside Broadway artist Carla Stickler, who is best known for her work in the musicals Wicked and Mamma Mia!.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. The 120-seat venue is located at 74 Main St., Bedford Hills, N.Y. Parking is freeon the street and also at the Bedford Hills Train Station (after 6 p.m.).
For tickets, visit www.footlightstheater.com.
Raffle prizes include gift cards to local businesses as well as Broadway-themed memorabilia and surprises from Broadway Up Close and Scenery Bags. A complimentary dessert reception will follow the performance.
Paquette, herself a “theater kid” from back in her high school and college days, explained that Footlights is designed for students interested in both performing and behind-the-scenes work.
It also has lots to offer for young folks who are curious about “leadership, collaboration, and creative responsibility” and families “seeking a thoughtful, well-supported theater experience,” according to Footlights’ website.
Paquette’s two children have both been bitten by the theater bug.
Her 7-year-old daughter is definitely the “onstage personality" while her 11-year-old son loves being backstage where he is learning to build sets and how soundboards work.
“Footlights was created because I wanted students to experience what theater can be at its best: a place where every young person feels valued and finds a way to take ownership over the process,” Paquette said. “Sharing the stage with accomplished Broadway professionals while helping build a new theater company is an experience I hope they’ll carry with them long after the final curtain.”
GOOD TO KNOW
For updates, sign up for Footlights Theater Co.'s newsletter or email Paquette at footlightstheaterco@gmail.com.
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