(Members of the COCC “Wizard of Oz” summer youth program in dress rehearsal | Photo courtesy of COCC)
The yellow brick road is arriving in Madras the first weekend of August, as Central Oregon Community College’s (COCC) community education program brings a theatrical youth production of The Wizard of Oz to the Madras Performing Arts Center. The free performances will be held at 7pm on Saturday, August 3, and at 2pm on Sunday, August 4.
Co-directed by COCC graduate Nacho Ruiz of Madras, and Crook County High School senior Anna Kristensen of Prineville, the production is comprised of Madras and Prineville youth, age 9 to 17. Musical direction is by Betsy Rochelle and choreography is by Shannan Ahern.
“It’s important to spread the beautiful theater experience wherever possible,” said Kristensen, who serves as vice president of her school’s drama club. “Rooting the community youth production of the Wizard of Oz in Madras is really special.”
The performance-oriented theater youth program is free to participants thanks to support from the COCC Foundation. The Madras Performing Arts Center donated use of its facility for rehearsals and performances.
“This is a first for COCC’s community education summer programming, having a class that culminates in a community production,” said Sarah Wolcott, program manager. “We can’t wait to share this with the community.”
For more information, contact Sarah Wolcott at 541-318-3753 or swolcott@cocc.edu.