The Resident Youth Ensemble (RYE), Stoneham Theatre's advanced training program for high school students, will present its first ever non-musical production -- Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night" -- from October 14 - 17.

Stoneham Theatre established RYE during the summer of 2003 after identifying a need for intensive training opportunities for students who've demonstrated a particular dedication to the theatre arts. Its members, limited to twenty each year, meet weekly with professional actors and directors to participate in master classes focused on developing specific performance skills.

The opportunity to study a play by Shakespeare is an important step in the students' training as it provides a chance for them to explore different aspects of their skills.

"Twelfth Night" will be directed by the new Director of the Resident Youth Ensemble, Nathaniel McIntyre, a local actor and educator who also leads education programs at the Publick Theatre. He selected "Twelfth Night" because it provides the opportunity to stretch the students' skills, particularly by focusing on the language of the play.

Members of the Resident Youth Ensemble appearing in "Twelfth Night" include Alexandra Doucette, Lizzy Fitzgerald, Kiera McNelis, and Liza Nagle of Melrose; Amelia Golini of Reading; Tim Lawton of Woburn; Cara Lemire of Andover; Liana Sarapas of Wakefield; and Andrew Barbato, Amanda Buckley, Katia DeStefano, Emily DiPietro, Brianna Foley, Kelly Landers, Bryan Miner, and Allison Russell of Stoneham.

Not only is "Twelfth Night" the first non-musical production presented by the Resident Youth Ensemble, it marks the first time that a performance by the young company will highlight the Theatre's Anniversary Gala celebration.

"We feel very lucky to have the Resident Youth Ensemble right at the heart of our Fourth Anniversary celebration," commented Artistic Director Weylin Symes. "Arts education is a critical component of our mission. The opportunity to work with these talented young people reminds us of the valuable role Stoneham Theatre plays in the cultural life of the region."

Stoneham Theatre’s Fourth Anniversary Gala will be held on Saturday, October 16, beginning at 6:30 P.M. with a wine and hors d'oeuvres reception. Desserts will be served following the performance of "Twelfth Night." Gala tickets ($50) are available by calling 781-279-7885, x102, or visiting www.StonehamTheatre.org. The evening is black tie optional.

Tickets to "Twelfth Night's" regular performances (priced at $12) may be purchased by calling 781-279-2200 or visiting www.StonehamTheatre.org.

-- OnStage Boston

10/09/04