On Theater: Young actors get tips from pros

Hey kids, do you want to put on a show?

Youngsters from fourth grade through high school will be able to gain some professional instruction in Laguna Beach over the next month — and perform in a youth-oriented musical as well.

Laguna’s Gallimaufry Performing Arts will launch its summer musical theater workshop Monday and will offer morning classes through July 17. At the end of the session, students will be cast in Gallimaufry’s production of “Bugsy Malone,” which will take the stage for two weekends starting July 25.

“Students will learn acting, singing and dance technique, as well as auditioning, improvisation and much more,” said Steve Josephson, Gallimaufry artistic director. “This four-week workshop will be taught by musical theater professionals.”

Josephson, who has coached and directed many Broadway, television and movie actors, will be joined on the teaching staff by Amy Hitchcock, a local teacher and actress, and Karen McBride, a professional singer, actress and director.

Josephson has taught and directed theater for more than two decades. A USC graduate, he was a professional dancer with several dance companies and currently is a teacher of musical theater at the Orange County High School of the Arts.

Hitchcock currently is teaching the after-school drama classes at both Top of the World and El Morro elementary schools. She has starred in many Gallimaufry shows and concerts and was the musical director of last summer’s “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.”

McBride has had a successful career as a professional singer, actress, director and musical director. She served in the latter capacity for Gallimaufry’s “Carousel” and “The Jungle Book.”

The summer workshop consists of 20 sessions from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday in the Thurston Music Room, 2100 Park Ave.

There will be no class July 3.

Tuition for the workshop is $375 and prospective students may call Gallimaufry at (949) 499-5060 for additional information.

TOM TITUS reviews local theater for the Coastline Pilot.