Summer Youth Conservatory To Perform “Sweeney Todd”

CHAPEL HILL – PlayMakers’ Summer Youth Conservatory will perform “Sweeney Todd” this Wednesday through Sunday at the Center for Dramatic Art at UNC.

The Summer Youth Conservatory consists of current high school students and recent high school graduates, giving them the chance to learn more from a professional aspect.

Student Emma Beck works on the play from the technical side and comments on her experience working with professionals in the Summer Youth Conservatory.

“Being there are so many people helping us, so many professional adults that we get so much one on one attention and we are able to learn so much more than we are in high school,” says Beck.

The program allows for high school students to gain experience working in a professional theatre environment and perform difficult shows like “Sweeney Todd.”

Director of the performance and artistic director of Cape Fear regional theatre in Fayetteville, Tom Quaintance, has worked with the SYC for four years and says he was astounded at the level of work the students were doing.

“I came up and I got to see You’re in Town and I saw that the program had grown to the point and the students were so talented, the training they had received, they absolutely can do Sweeney Todd, so we picked Sweeney Todd,” says Quaintance.

Quaintance says he had previously never expected to work with high school students on such a difficult performance, but after last years performance he thought they were ready.

“Really exciting play to be working on with students, it was something I never though I would want to do with students because it is one of the most challenging musicals ever, I’ve always loved it” Quaintance says.

The program began June 17, giving the students only one month to prepare for opening night.  Quaintance says the level of work and commitment that the students put into this performance is unlike most high schools.

Star of last year’s “Urinetown,” Adrian Thornburg, again plays a spotlight role in this years “Sweeney Todd.”  As an experienced member of SYC and star actor, Thornburg comments on his idea of this year’s performance.

“Well I’m playing Sweeney Todd and this has really been a very special experience, I really do think that this is easily the greatest show I’ve been apart of, both just on the merits of the show and on the merits of what we’ve put together,” says Thornburg.

For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.

‹

There Will Be Blood: "Sweeney Todd" At PlayMakers

Attend the tale of "Sweeney Todd," March 30-April 23 at PlayMakers.

On Air Today: 'Death of a Salesman' at PlayMakers Repertory Company

Dramaturgy fellow Lexi Silva joins Aaron to discuss PlayMakers Repertory Company's next show, the classic "Death of a Salesman."

Show Must Go On for a Ukrainian Director Drafted for War Ahead of Opening Night

Written by BERNAT ARMANGUE and HELENA ALVES The show must go on, even when its Ukrainian director is drafted by the army weeks before opening night. “Silence, Silence, Silence, Please,” a play that tackles Russia’s war in Ukraine had its world debut in Portugal last week, but it’s chief creator was conspicuously missing from among the packed […]

PlayMakers Announces In-Person Season, Commits to 50 Percent BIPOC Playwrights

After a year of virtual theatre performances, PlayMakers Repertory Company – the professional theatre company in residence at UNC – announced an in-person season for 2021-2022. Previously, as part of an anti-racism accountability statement, the company committed to 50 percent or more playwrights in their season being from Black, Indigenous, People of Color and other diverse or underrepresented populations.

Indoor Venues of Chapel Hill Respond to Challenges Introduced by Pandemic

Indoor venues in Chapel Hill have pursued changes in appearance and operations in response to the challenges introduced by the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, these venues are preparing for an ease in certain COVID-19 restrictions as more of the country becomes vaccinated. Since the Chelsea and Lumina theaters were forced to close last March, each have […]

Local Lore: The Forest Theatre

The Forest Theatre, located on the eastern side of UNC-Chapel Hill campus has been around for 100 years. The outdoor amphitheater borders Battle Park — home to 93 acres of land and trails. William Coker, botany professor at the university originally recommended the location of the theatre back in 1916. Coker’s building proposal led to […]

From "Shrek" To "Joy," It's A Loverly Week For Local Theatre

Fair Lady" and "Mr. Joy" are up at PlayMakers, while Chapel Hill High School's spring musical, "Shrek," takes the stage.

News Around Town: "Planting Hope," "May Queen"

A new book to benefit PORCH - and your last chance to catch PlayMakers' latest production.

More Relevant Than Ever: "The Crucible" Opens At PlayMakers

Crucible" was one of the first shows PlayMakers ever staged - and it's just as timely in 2016.

"We Drew A Circle And Took Him In!": PlayMakers Opens 2016-17 Season

PlayMakers kicks off 2016-17 with a comedy about being transgender and Muslim in America.

›