Local talent, young and old, are flocking to join Squamish Youth Theatre's fourth annual YOUTHfest presentation. And organizer Adriane Polo says she can hardly believe how popular the event has become.
"When we started four years ago we had to double cast because we didn't have that many kids," said Polo. "And now we have 50 people in this plus we turned away 25."
The hardest part, she said, is turning kids away.
"I feel really bad because some of them are really good actors, but every director will cast their own play and certain people have to fit certain roles and it's hard for those kids. So we call each one and explain to them how it works."
The presentation at the Eagle Eye Theatre Thursday and Friday (March 17 and 18) features six plays as well as four musicals during scene changes. Directors cast 50 actors of all ages for plays of their choosing - two of which were written by locals.
Katie's Toy Chest, written by local 13-year-old Marni Jarvis, is a spooky short about toys coming to life and treating the girls the same way they were treated. Strawberry Dreams, written by Squamish resident Kelly-Ann Smee, shows how even the smallest acts of kindness can have a profound impact.
Polo directs two plays, Spooks on Strike about ghosts walking off the job, and The Case of the Blue and Red Hats, a Sherlock Holmes mystery. The final play, Polly Pureheart Prevails, directed by Michelle Heighes, is a fast-paced comedy about superheroes.
Be prepared to see some "amazing talent," said Polo.
Tickets are $8 for adults, $6 for students and seniors, and are available at Highlands Video and Mostly Books.
