What is Park Playhouse II?



In the tradition of the Park Playhouse mission, Park Playhouse II offers the Capital Region free Broadway-quality musical theater. Park Playhouse II provides those who might not otherwise have the opportunity, the enriching cultural experience of live theater. In addition, Park Playhouse II has performed at nursing homes, inner city schools, and camps/summer programs that serve special needs, disabled, or ill children and senior citizens. The entire focus is that of a Community Outreach Program, beginning in March with audition information distributed in all area middle and high schools. Scholarship opportunities provide youths of low-income families with funding to participate in the program. Casting is without regard to ethnic or religious backgrounds.

The Park Playhouse II cast, crew, and staff members have become more than a theater. Many company members can be found participating in community service projects, such as performing for the Gala Benefits for Cystic Fibrosis, Crohn`s Disease, and Ronald McDonald House. They have been involved in storytelling nights at area elementary schools and have assisted in the direction and choreography of area schools` productions. Some have volunteered at PAL`s “Capital Lights in the Park” during the holiday season. Each Spring they raise money for the Park Playhouse II Scholarship Fund at the Freihofer`s Community Walk. They have been sought after to perform at senior centers, nursing homes, at religious institutions, at First Night, for the Olympic Torch Run in 2002, Winterfest, and for various community organizations and events.

Background
Park Playhouse II, an intensive youth theater education component of Park Playhouse, Inc., celebrates its 13th season in 2007. Mayor Gerald D. Jennings founded Park Playhouse II as a training ground for aspiring young performers to showcase their talent while developing and refining their creative skills. The staff, comprised of teachers and theater professionals, offers workshop classes in Costuming, Scenic Design, Props, Audition Techniques, Developing a Character, Theater as a Business, Voice, and Dance. These workshops are designed to enhance the growth and development of each student`s natural abilities, and to present challenging, and creative activities. As a result of Park Playhouse II`s active Scholarship Campaign, young performers of all socio-economic circumstances have the opportunity to participate in this tuition-based program. The effort to promote the program in all Capital Region middle and high schools has created a widespread interest among students of all ethnic backgrounds

Spring of 2006 marked the beginning of Park Playhouse Kidz, an afterschool program much like the Summer Park Playhouse II program. Based mainly in the Albany City Schools, the Albany JCC now has a Park Playhouse Kidz program as well.

Tuition
Tuition for the Summer 2008 season is $600

Tuition Assistance Opportunities - CLICK FOR FULL DETAILS
2008 Freihofer’s Community Walk
Park Playhouse II Scholarship Fund
The Carol Butler Simons/Park Playhouse II 5th Annual Scholarship

For further information, call Shirley at 434-2035.

Park Playhouse II Shows 1995-2006
Aladdin, Jr.2006
The Wizard of Oz 2005
Into The Woods 2004
Cinderella 2003
Once On This Island 2002
The Wiz 2001
Grease 2000
Dames at Sea 1999
Joseph...1998
Robin Hood 1997
Li'l Abner 1996
Once On This Island 1995