ESCAPE's most recent production of "Annie" brought audiences to their feet.

Ever picture yourself on stage performing in front of a live audience? With ESCAPE Theatre, you can turn this fantasy into a reality. ESCAPE stands for Experience Santa Clarita's Actor's Performing Ensemble. The goal of ESCAPE is to "educate children and young adults in the wonderful world of musical theatre." Founded by Elizabeth and Kyle Burson, each ESCAPE production is a three-month learning process. Students who join an ESCAPE production will have the chance to sing, dance and act. The Bursons promise that all children in Santa Clarita who sign up are guaranteed a spot in the theatre's next production. Even parents can get are involved because they have the unique opportunity to train and perform with their children.

At ESCAPE, it is not the final show that counts, but the cast's entire learning experience. The kids learn to work as a team during their months of instruction.

They also get to make new friends while they learn how to act, which includes vocal projection, stage presence, dancing and singing techniques. As a special bonus, family members are welcome to rehearse and even perform along side their children.

In June, I had the pleasure of seeing ESCAPE's performance of the musical "Annie" and I was very impressed. It was wonderful to see all 170 of the actors performing on stage. In fact, my favorite scenes were the ones in which seemingly the entire cast shared the stage. Every member of the cast had a huge smile on his/her face and seemed so excited to be there. With an orchestra providing the music for this much-loved classic, it felt as if I was watching a professional play in downtown Los Angeles. Instead, I was sitting front-row-center in the Hart High School Auditorium enjoying a show that cost just $10 dollars per person. You have to go and see for yourself what an amazing show ESCAPE puts on.

If this sounds wonderful to you, you can sign up for up for their two upcoming 2007 plays. Registration and rehearsal for "The Sound of Music" begins September 11 and show dates are January 19 to January 21 at the Hart High School Auditorium. You can also sign up for "Peter Pan" on February 12. This production will be shown at the COC Performing Arts Center on June 22 to June 24.

For more information about "The Sound of Music" or "Peter Pan," go online to www.escapetheatre.org or call ESCAPE's office at 299-5264. Now is the time to see if acting is "your thing." Who knows, maybe you will become a famous actor or actress, all thanks to your first acting experience with ESCAPE!


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