Youth Theater Program Hires Musical Director

For its inaugural summer, the hired Chris Bankey as musical director. It previously announced Randi Accardi signed on as director. Donna Jessie, one of the volunteer organizers, said the two are well known for their work in community theater. 

So far, 15 teens have fully registered for the troupe, which will present “Rent” during a three-day period, August 10 through 12. Jessie expects more youths from throughout Rockland County and New Jersey to sign up by the June 6 orientation at Clarkstown South High School at 7 p.m.  Registration will be accepted that day. 

“Probably by the time orientation comes around, we should have 30 to 35,” she predicted.  

Jessie said planning for the summer program, which will be based at Clarkstown South is on track.

“Everything is moving right along,” she said. “We have a base group of about 10 (adult volunteers).” 

The adult volunteers help with organizing the theater troupe and selling tickets. All rehearsals are at Clarkstown South from 6 to 10 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from June 26 through August 14. The program ends after the productions because the stages need to be struck.

The Hudson Valley Teen Summer Theater Program fills the gap left by the Clarkstown Summer Theater Festival, which announced in May 2011 it would not longer operate.  The festival had put on performances for 38 years.