ACT of Connecticut's Summer Teen Conservatory culminates in magical production

Into The Woods Jr. is a wild success at ACT of Connecticut

This past weekend, ACT of Connecticut presented the Summer Teen Conservatory’s production of “INTO THE WOODS Junior”! Two performances on Saturday marked the finale of the two-week intensive theatrical summer workshop, led by ACT of CT Artistic Director, Daniel C. Levine.

You may remember that ACT of CT produced INTO THE WOODS this past May, and now these talented teens were able to shine (on the original INTO THE WOODS set) in their own production.

ACT of CT Teen Conservatory: Summer Main Stage Musical Theatre Intensive ran from July 5 to 17th. The program allows teens the opportunity to rehearse and perform on ACT of CT’s professional stage and incorporate lighting, sound, and technical elements into their production. Students had the opportunity to work with ACT of CT’s Music Supervisor (and Music Director of Broadway’s JAGGED LITTLE PILL), Bryan Perri throughout the summer conservatory experience.

If you’re not familiar with INTO THE WOODS, the clever Stephen Sondheim musical intertwines several classic fairy tales including Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk, and Rapunzel. These storylines are tied together with the overarching theme of a Baker and his wife’s journey traveling into the woods to reverse a witch’s curse. This Broadway classic was brilliantly reimagined as INTO THE WOODS Junior by ACT of CT's Levine, specifically for students.

Says Levine, “I was thoroughly impressed by our students’ commitment and deep enthusiasm for this summer’s experience. INTO THE WOODS is a sophisticated (and fun) show and I was truly blown away by the students hard work and dedication.”

The ACT of CT Teen Conservatory is a highly competitive and sought after summer experience. To participate in the Conservatory, all students submitted audition videos in the early spring and summer. ACT of CT is proud to offer professional theatrical training for all ages through its summer educational programming.

This year’s teen participants ranged from grades seven to twelve and attend a range of schools including Bethel High School, East Ridge Middle School in Ridgefield, John Jay High School in Cross River, Middlebrook Middleschool, Newtown High School, Ridgefield High School, Rogers Park Middle School in Danbury, Scotts Ridge Middle School in Ridgefield, The Harvey School in Katonah, NY, Walnut Hill School for the Arts in Natick, MA, and Wilton High School.

The young and talented performers included: Alec Schwartz, Arthur Brown, Ava Baroody, Blake Consentino, Brianna Hekle, Camryn Liem, Elizabeth Campbell, Ethan E. Smith, Faith Flanagan, Finn Ryder, Florence Mercurio, Frankie Belden, Grace Rundhaug, Jahnia Brown, Julia Johnston, Lara Cruzado, Lindsay Carroll, Madison Z Varriale, Maggie Haber, Millie Altopp, Reese Wheat, Rosalie Corry Peña, Sadie Gureasko-Moore, Siena K. Baglio, and Sydney Michel.

For more information on ACT of CT and the Teen Conservatory, please visit www.actofct.org.