A new youth theatre initiative is launching this summer through a partnership between Woodland Park Players and Shoreline College, bringing a large-scale production of Disney’s Newsies to the Shoreline community.

Designed for students ranging from rising 8th graders through age 20, the new summer program aims to provide a high-level, pre-professional theatrical training experience for young performers across the greater Seattle area.

The inaugural production, Newsies, will offer approximately 150 hours of rehearsal, performance, and musical theatre training throughout the summer in a summer stock-style environment focused on collaboration, storytelling, and ensemble-based performance.

The production will be directed and choreographed by Jessica Low, a Seattle-area theatre director, choreographer, and educator with extensive experience in youth and professional theatre throughout the Puget Sound region. Music direction will be led by Shawna Avinger.

The program is intended to serve students with a wide range of theatrical experience, from those looking to deepen their training to performers preparing for college theatre programs and future artistic opportunities. One of the main goals is to help bridge the gap between educational theatre and more advanced pre-professional opportunities for teens and young adults.

Based on the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical, Newsies tells the inspiring story of young newspaper sellers who rally together to fight for justice and make their voices heard. Known for its high-energy dance numbers, sweeping score, and large ensemble cast, the production has become a favorite among young performers and audiences alike.

For Audition and Performance information, please visit https://www.woodlandparkplayers.org/ or contact wppsummermusical@gmail.com.