Lake Superior Youth Theatre

Mission Statement: To empower young people through performance arts, education and the creation of outstanding theatrical and musical art.

Our youth theatre has been based on the following belief: Young people gain confidence and learn responsibility, commitment and teamwork skills that are critical to their success in school and in life.

LSYT is located in Marquette, Michigan and serves the central Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Open to youth between the ages of 3-18 years, LSYT produces a series of performances each year. These range from full productions at the beautiful Kaufman Auditorium to variety shows and performing as part of other community events.

"A Man Named Marquette" original historical production

Father Jacques Marquette: Man of Discovery Event

Tickets Now on Sale for an evening featuring speakers, the premiere of an original Lake Superior Youth Theatre production of “A Man Named Marquette”, historical slide show presentation by Jack Deo, and to fund raise for the Father Jacques Marquette Statue Restoration Fund.

Playing at the Kaufman Auditorium on Monday May 20th at 7 p.m.

(Marquette, MI) (Monday, April 29, 2013) – The Father Jacques Marquette: Man of Discovery fund raiser evening on Monday May 20th at 7 p.m. at Kaufman Auditorium will feature an introduction by Peter White Public Library Director Pam Christensen, the Lake Superior Youth Theatre (LSYT) original production of “A Man Named Marquette”, a slideshow by Jack Deo, and closing remarks by Marquette Beautification and Restoration Committee (MBRC) members Barb Kelly and Emily Lewis. The purpose of this event is to create awareness of Father Jacques Marquette and to fund raise for the Father Marquette Statue Restoration project in celebration of the 100 year anniversary of that statue in it’s the present location. The Father Jacques Marquette Statue is located in Downtown Marquette in Lakeside Park.

This project was derived to assist in the telling of this history to elementary school students and community members. A student matinee will take place at 10 a.m. and the day will conclude with an evening performance and fundraiser for the community. There is a suggested donation of $10 for the general public and students ages 18 and under will received free admittance. The L.G. Kaufman Endowment granted the MBRC a grant to assist with transportation of students and production costs for the event.

Lake Superior Youth Theatre put together a team of authors consisting of 8, from ages 6 to 21. They began their research in mid-March and finalized the first draft of the script in mid-April. Their finished product will premiere onstage at Kaufman Auditorium and is entitled “A Man Named Marquette”. The authors include: Ella Davis, Amanda Diddams, Ryleigh Jackson, Mike Kangas, Ella Kyle, Iris Sloan, Emma Spade and Bella Zanetti. The production will feature 25 youth ages preschool to 11th grade. Various characters featured in the production are historical characters such as Father Jacques Marquette, William Burt, Jacob Houghton, Peter and Ellen White, Robert Graveraet, Waterman Fisher, Edward Clark, and Louis Jolliet.

The Father Jacques Marquette: Man of Discovery Fundraiser Event wouldn’t be possible without support from the L.G. Kaufman Endowment, Kaufman Auditorium, Marquette Beautification and Restoration Committee Inc., The Shiras Foundation, The Marquette County Community Foundation, and Lake Superior Youth Theatre. The evening will also allow community members to pledge their support for the restoration of the Father Marquette Statue, located in Downtown Marquette.

Admission is a suggested donation of $10 per person with students 18 and under free. Tickets are available in advance at the Graveraet School Office and from MBRC members. Tickets will also be available at the door. Those attending the event can also pledge their support for the restoration of the Father Marquette Statue. More events will be occurring throughout the summer of 2013.

For more information, please call 362-6453 or log on to www.kaufmanauditorium.org , www.mqtbeautification.org and www.lsyt.org

NEWS: HONK JR. AUDITIONS

Lake Superior Youth Theatre will be holding auditions for their upcoming summer production of the Musical Theatre International’s “Honk Jr.”.

Auditions will be held on Monday, May 20th from 5:00-8:00 p.m. and Tuesday, May 21st, 2013 from 7:00-9:00 p.m. Those auditioning only need to attend one day and will be seen in the order of arrival. Those auditioning for dancing roles will have an additional audition on Tuesday, May 21st from 5:00-6:00 p.m. for Grades 3rd and under, 6:00-7:00 p.m. for Grade 4th Grade and up. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the dance auditions. All auditions will take place at the Graveraet School on the third floor, located at 611 N. Front Street, Marquette, MI.

Audition callbacks will be held on Tuesday, May 28th at 5:00 p.m. at Graveraet School on the third floor.

Youth ages preschool to 12th grade are eligible to audition. Youth actors, singers, gymnasts and dancers are all needed for a variety of parts. Please be sure to wear comfortable clothing and to bring dance shoes. Those auditioning will be asked to read from scenes, sing a song, and dance. A pianist will be provided. Those who do not wish to sing a song at auditions may choose not to do so. There is no cost to audition but there is a registration fee to participate in the production. There are special family rates and scholarships are available from funding provided by the L.G. Kaufman Foundation and Phyllis and Max Reynolds Foundation.

Honk! JR.
Book by Anthony Drewe
Music by George Stiles
Lyrics by Anthony Drewe
Based on Hans Christian Andersen's The Ugly Duckling

HONK! Jr. is a contemporary retelling of Hans Christian Andersen's The Ugly Duckling. It is the story of Ugly, whose odd, gawky looks instantly incite prejudice from his family and neighbors. Separated from the farm and pursued by a hungry Cat, Ugly must find his way home. Along his rollicking and harrowing journey he not only discovers his true beauty and glorious destiny, but also finds love and acceptance in all its forms. Since the boathouse is home to several families of ducklings during the summer this should be a delightfully ducky adventure!

The show is directed by Moire Embley with choreography by Jill Grundstrom and Jill Vermeulen. The show is produced by Lake Superior Youth Theatre, Executive Director Reatha Tweedie and Artistic Director, Nikke Nason.

Performances will take place at the Lake Superior Theatre Thursday August 1st-4th, 2013; Wednesday August 7th-10th, 2013.

Those who are unable to attend the auditions times must contact LSYT before auditions to set up an alternate time. For more information, please contact LSYT at (906) 362-6453 or email lakesuperioryouththeatre@gmail.com

Interview with LSYT Member Mallory Grugin

Name: Mallory Grugin
Age and Grade: 14, Freshman

Q: What are the past LSYT or MACC Youth Theatre performances that you've been involved in?

Mallory: Biggest ones include Alice in Wonderland (Alice), Disney's Beauty and the Beast (Lefou), Into the Woods (Little Red Riding Hood), Disney's The Little Mermaid (Adella), The Orphan Train (Peegen), Annie (July), and Cinderella (Portia/Evil Step Sister)

Q: How did you first become involved in LSYT (formally MACC) Youth Theatre?

Mallory: My sister Lizzee auditioned for the very first show, Annie Jr, but I was too young. However, I auditioned for the next show and have never stopped auditioning since.

Q: What is your favorite thing about doing theatre?

Mallory: My favorite thing is exploring my creative side and getting to enjoy singing, dancing, and acting while also giving an audience something to enjoy.

Q: What has doing youth theatre taught you that will help you in the future?

Mallory: It has taught me the importance of self confidence, and to never give up. You may not always get what you want but no matter what, it is an experience you will never forget. It has enabled me to become a confident public speaker, and has taught me to NEVER give up on myself in the future. Your time to shine will come!

Q: Any funny or interesting stories?

Mallory: Although there are some truly incredible stories I could tell through my youth theater experience, the most memorable is from during Into The Woods. I was eight years old and playing the part of "Little Red Riding Hood." I had to wear a curled wig with ribbons and pig tails, along with a red cape and dress. There was a scene where someone tries to steal my cape so I throw a tantrum. The person who was supposed to remove my cape couldn't unhook the button, so they instead tried to pull it over my head. Although they successfully took the cape off, my wig came with it. I then threw my tantrum as planned but the whole audience thought it was because of my wig falling off! I'm so glad we caught this catastrophe on tape so I can relive this scene every time I watch the video (not). However, it is probably one of the funniest and most memorable moments on stage in Youth Theater history and I am proud to be the one who created it.

Q: What advice would you give to someone wanting to become involved in LSYT?

Mallory: I would tell them to never keep trying. Just because you do not make one play does not mean you will never make it. It just means that maybe too many people auditioned and you weren't quite right for that particular show. Don't let yourself get discouraged; Hard work pays off.

Q: What is your dream show to do?

Mallory: My dream shows are Les Miserables, Wicked, and Newsies. I have actually already done the show Les Mis as "Young Cosette," but I have a dream of experiencing it as a bigger, more adult role. I am in love with the story, the music, and the characters.

Q: What have you learned from doing theatre in other places?

Mallory: I have learned that every theater program is different, yet every program is the same. By this I mean that whenever you do theatre in a new place, you won't know what to expect. The director could be harsher or funnier. The atmosphere will always be something you've never felt. Meeting new cast members is like meeting long-lost cousins for the first time. They're all new people with new stories and new personalities. The way everything is run may also be extremely different - some theaters are smooth, reliable, strict. Others can be unorganized, unpredictable, but relaxed and fun. You never know, so don't ever have expectations! However, no matter where you do it, all theaters share the same goal: To produce and perform a show that the audience will love. In that way, all theatre programs are exactly the same.

Mallory Grugin is also a founding member of the Fourtissimo String Quartet and dances at New Attitudes Dance Studio. She has been involved in many dance productions, movies, commercials, concerts, and events in the Marquette area.