Partners in play

Coeur d’Alene’s Lake City Playhouse has formed a new partnership, joining with the Christian Youth Theatre of Spokane to run the Huckleberry Children’s Theatre workshops.

Children ages 6-18 are benefiting, learning about theater, acting, costuming, singing, dancing, music and sets. They’re also having loads of fun.

“They learn about all areas of theater, and what it takes to put on a quality show,” said Tracey Benson, playhouse artistic executive director. “They learn what it means to be on a team, and hold responsibility to others to learn their lines and participate productively. They learn leadership skills, and build lots of confidence – all in a very fun atmosphere.”

As Huckleberry Children’s Theatre has done in the past, CYT uses three talented instructors for the children’s workshops, and the workshops are divided into specific age groups.

That’s important, Benson said, because the young actors “don’t have to compete with older children for bigger roles.”

CYT brings with it 27 years of national youth theater productions. It’s mission statetment is : “To provide quality, wholesome, family entertainment and to reflect Judeo-Christian values through training in the arts.”

Running the show at the playhouse is “no small feat, especially considering that we could really use a staff of five or more,” Benson said.

“There’s a constant battle to find funding. It’s tough stepping into an organization that has had many ups and downs over the past 40-plus years. We’ve come to the conclusion you can’t make everyone happy; you can only try to put on the best theater possible with the resources you’re given.”