C.A.S.T.

Contact: 208.726.9124

Children’s After School Theatre, or C.A.S.T., is the brainchild of local Nancy Harakay, whose aim was to provide an intimate, fun and friendly atmosphere of study in the dramatic arts for children of all ages. And that’s just what she got. In three short years, Harakay had 40 students performing up to three productions a year with a growing need for more elbow room. She rented space at Ketchum’s nexStage Theatre to satisfy that need, which led to an alliance that still exists today. C.A.S.T. is now under the wing of nexStage Theatre’s Sun Valley Performing Arts Educational arm headed by Bob Rais. C.A.S.T. is preparing for its Fall Program, to be held September to November, 2006. A spring workshop—a rousing success last year—will be held again this year, offering children ages seven to 14 a chance to hone their skills at improvisation, organic acting techniques, movement and voice. Last year, their experience culminated in June with a full stage production of “Off the Wall Fairy Tale” which included scripts, costumes, set, props, sound and lighting. Past performances have included: “Princess & The Pea”, “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow”, “Christmas Carol”, “Rumpled Beauty”, “Paying The Piper.” “Charlie & The Chocolate Factory”, “Peter Pan/ Wonderland”, “Hansel & Gretel” and “Good Times at Gabby’s” (a blast to the past 50’s play).