Conservatory plans to stage ‘Noodle Rat Rotten Hat’

After last year’s rousing success with the Summer Youth Theater Conservatory’s production of “Puss in Boots,” director Stanley Coleman and his assistant Bill Winkley are returning to lead the program this year.

The conservatory program, which runs from July 1-26, is sponsored by Lynn Canal Community Players.

Coleman described this year’s production, “Noodle Rat Rotten Hat,” as a children’s musical comedy that spoofs several fairy tales, including “Little Red Riding Hood,” “Goldilocks and the Three Bears” and “Hansel and Gretel.”

Registration in the theater conservatory is open for students aged 8 to 18. The group meets Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Chilkat Center for specialized instruction in the performing arts, culminating in performances of “Noodle Rat Rotten Hat” on July 24 and 25.

Registration also is open for a half-time playmaking session for students ages 5-7. The session is led by Cathy Pashigian and runs in the mornings, Monday through Friday. Students in the playmaking session create their own show, and are also incorporated into the conservatory’s main production.

LCCP secretary and treasurer Annette Smith said this year’s play will feature fun wisecracks and irreverent children’s humor. “(Coleman and Winkley) are really excited about this. They’ve had good luck with it,” Smith said.

The play is named after the Big Bad Wolf’s speech impediment and mispronunciation of “Little Red Riding Hood.” The production features everything from bears and sprites to a wise-cracking crow named Jack-O.

Director Coleman said besides the humor, the play teaches lessons about the power of love and kindness.

Over the month-long conservatory classes, students will learn skills ranging from acting, voice and movement to stage combat, improvisation, set-building and lighting.

“It enhances children’s self-esteem, expands their imaginations, and frees the way they think, talk and move. It makes it easier for them to step into new situations, helps them problem solve, strengthens their listening skills, and encourages their cooperation and interaction with others in a comfortable way,” Coleman said.

Preregistration, which includes a discount, is open until June 8. Without the discount, the conservatory costs $275 and the playmaking costs $175. Partial scholarships are available on a needs basis.

Registration forms are available at the Babbling Book and at http://www.chilkatcenter.org/partners.

For more information, contact Smith at 766-2708.