Los Gatos Youth Theatre Holds Auditions

Did you know there are only 30 more days until school gets out? If staring down a blank calendar is making you sweat, have no fear.is here.

Since its inception three years ago, LGYT (aka “LEGIT”) has put on some amazing shows and grown its programs by leaps and bounds. This looks to be another blockbuster summer.

Full productions of Aladdin Kids (ages 6-8), Honk Jr. (ages 9-11) and The Wiz (ages 12-15) are slated, along with a day camp where kids can participate in daily acting, dance and voice workshops.

Thanks to director Brian Houg and his dedicated directorial/vocal/choreography staff (many current and former Los Gatos High School students), these thespians put on some TIGHT shows—polished and professional. And they have a lot of fun bonding along the way.

“What's great about LGYT is that you get really close with your cast mates. A lot of us come back every year but you also make new friends,” says Teenie Noskowski, 14, who appeared in Grease last summer as head cheerleader Patty Simcox. “I loved playing Patty because I got to be over-the-top. I also learned how to twirl a baton and cheerlead and improved my acting skills. I am very excited about ‘The Whiz.’ I can't wait to see my friends again and the music will be really fun!”

My sons (Tanner, 15, and Saxon, 13) have participated for the last few years, and I have high praise for this program. Rehearsals take place in the evening which means my kids can fight, uh, chill all day; then just when I worry they will become zombies from playing too much MINECRAFT on the computer, I send them off to play practice and sip my margarita in peace.

Evan Keiser, 10, who appeared in “The Jungle Book” last summer says what he loves the most about LGYT is “after the performance when everybody cheers you on and stuff. It makes you feel really good.”

Teenie's mom, Michelle Noskowski agrees. “The sense of pride and accomplishment the kids feel after putting on a show makes them magically forget all the hard work of rehearsals, memorizing lines, drilling in choreography steps—kind of like labor.”

When asked if he would encourage first-timers to participate in LGYT this summer, Evan says, “Yes definitely! It's a lot of fun and most kids haven't had an experience of being in a play so I think they should have that experience.”

Sign up through Los Gatos Saratoga Recreation. Click “Browse Classes,” then “Summer Camps” on the left column, then “Performance Theatre & Arts.” 

Auditions will be held May 3 and 5 (The Whiz); May 5 and 9 (Honk Jr. & Aladdin Kids).

For more information, click here.