Young People’s drama plays out on stage

One summer. Nine performances in two weeks. Sound like a blast? If you think so, and you’re a Cincinnati youngster, The Young People’s Theater might be the perfect way to spend your summer.  Started in 1982 by Executive Director Tim Perrino, The Young People’s Theater began as a summer camp for child thespians at the Dunham Recreation Center and Westwood Town Hall. Thirty years later, the program exists under the umbrella of Cincinnati Landmark Productions, which also operates the theater on the Showboat Majestic. “The Young People’s Theater is the genesis of everything we’ve done,” says Perrino. “I was looking to do what I did with my summers as a kid and it just gained momentum.” Each summer more than 100 children audition for the chance to perform with The Young People’s Theater at the Covedale Performance Art Center. The space was purchased exclusively for the program in 2002. This summer, the theater put on a performance of “Crazy For You,” a musical based on George Gershwin’s “Girl Crazy” with Judy Garland. “Crazy For You” is a 90s adaptation that packed more Gershwin songs from other musicals into the score. Two of the nine performances sold out and each show boasted at least 350 audience members, Perrino said. Last year’s production of “Les Miserables” sold out every night.  “It’s all about the show,” Perrino says. “We give them the experience by putting on a full- scale musical production.” Do Good:  • Volunteer. Visit the website to get involved. Operational meetings for next summer’s program begin in December. You can get involved in everything from set design to costumes. • Donate: YPT benefits from outside donations and also offers two $500 scholarships for child actors. • Make a friend: Facebook “like” Cincinnati Landmark Productions. By Ryan McLendon