Registration is right around the corner for Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre’s 2008 youth theatre workshops. The company, which celebrates its 40th season of live theatre in Grand Lake, is once again offering this unique opportunity for young local thespians.

Through the program, RMRT professionals share their skills with area youth and each group finishes out their studies with a public performance. Registration dates are April 16 for the Teen Theatre Academy, April 17 for the Youth Theatre Workshop and April 18 for the Youth Theatre Production and are on a first-come, first-served basis.

Space allows for 35 youth per workshop.

The Teen Theatre Academy, for ages 14 to 18, is an intensive three-week program that focuses on the craft of theatre, music and dance. Training runs 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day and covers monologues, scene study, audition techniques, stage combat/fighting, dance and vocal study.

The program focuses on the preparation for further theatre study in high school and college. Once the three-week training is over (July 21-25, July 29-Aug. 1 and Aug. 4-8), the Teen Theatre Academy workshop will present cabaret-style performances Aug. 9 and 10. Cost is $250.

The Youth Theatre Workshop, for ages 8 to 10, is a two-week workshop introducing the practices of basic theatre performance.

“Broadway song, dance, lights and music will fill this workshop and spark an interest in the arts for a lifetime,” said Sally Scott, RMRT youth theatre administrator. Training is scheduled 12:30 to 4 p.m. July 8-11, 8:30 a.m. to noon July 14-17, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 18. This workshop is designed to offer age-appropriate vocal, acting and dance coaching and concludes with performances of Broadway song and dance July 19 and 20. Cost is $200.

The Youth Theatre Production, for ages 11-13, is a three-week program dedicated to producing a full-length theatrical show. Topics covered include audition technique, stage blocking and performance. Participants practice 12:30 to 4 p.m. July 14-18, July 21-25 and July 29-31; and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 1, with performances Aug. 2 and 3. Cost is $225.

This year’s production is “Hound Dog Marty’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Party,” by RMRT’s fantastic costume designer Jesus Perez, the writer of previous Youth Theatre Production plays “Hello Broadway” and “The Great Chicago Heist.”

During the play, the cast will take audiences back to the 1950s.

Scott said she could not be happier to begin the planning process for the 2008 workshops.

“We will be bringing back some old faces and introducing some exciting new talent to work with the youth. I can’t wait to incorporate some new ideas and suggestions from last year’s evaluations. I think this year we are really starting to get into the groove to make these workshops great for everyone,” he said.

RMRT leading lady Mary Nye returns for her sixth season as the director for the Youth Theatre. She said it is “a thrill and honor” to come back to Grand Lake and that she missed the children and “can’t wait to see them all again.” Another RMRT starlet, Emily Kish, will be directing this year’s Youth Theatre Production. Kish is also excited to be working with Grand County youth again.

This year, Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre’s youth theatre program is offering the opportunity for companies and individuals to sponsor specific performances. Proceeds go directly to the youth theatre workshops. For sponsorship information, call Carol Wolff at the RMRT office, at (970) 627-5087. Those interested in registering may call (970) 627-5087 or (970) 627-8173 or in person at the new RMRT office, at 404 Vine St. (next to Grand Lake Lanes bowling alley) starting at 8 a.m. Payment is due the day of registration.