By David Vitrano

L’Observateur

RESERVE – As the summer begins, St. John Theatre is preparing to offer its annual Children’s Drama Workshop.

The workshop, which begins Monday, May 30, will be a little different this year in that it will take place in half as many days as in previous years.

“This year it’s just one week,” said first-time workshop director Kristen Brooks. “But we have extended the hours.”

Brooks said the shortened time frame is to allow more time for the construction of the set for the theater’s summer production of “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels.”

“It’s kind of an experiment we’re doing here,” said Brooks. “If Missoula can do it, we can, too.”

The workshop is for children who have completed first grade through those who have completed fifth grade. Participants will be cast and learn their parts all in the span of a week and then put on two shows Saturday, June 4. This year’s show is “Aladdin for Kids.”

Brooks, who picked the show, said it will be familiar to those who have seen the Disney animated film.

“While it’s not exactly like the film, it’s very similar,” she said.

She also said singing is not a prerequisite for participation.

Brooks, who has appeared onstage at St. John Theatre in “Always…Patsy Cline,” “Jekyll and Hyde” and “Toy Camp,” has been the musical director for the workshop for nine years but will be helming the event for the first time this year.

“Now I get to step up my involvement,” she said.

Brooks said the workshop is aimed at giving children some practical theater experience in a friendly, non-threatening environment.

“They get to get out of their shell,” said Brooks. “We’re going to have a good time.”

Those interested in participating can visit the theater’s website at stjohntheatre.com to fill out a registration form. There is a $75 fee for participation, and Brooks said while it is possible to register all the way up until the start of the workshop, space is limited and on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more information contact Managing Director Denise Borell at 985-536-6630.