Do you like to be on stage? Or maybe you’ve never stepped foot on the stage but always wanted to? If you are between the ages of 18 and 24 then Pride Youth’s Act OUT! summer theater camp might just be what you’re looking for this year.

Act OUT! is a month-long theaterr camp for members of Pride Youth (LGBTQ and Allied individuals ages 18-24) who will spend several weeks this summer in group lessons and rehearsals that will conclude with a showcase of LGBT-oriented performances live on stage in August 2008. Act OUT! participants will range from the more experienced theater major to those who have never been in a theater but want to meet new friends and learn some tips of the trade from local professional thespians. This summer, Act OUT! will hold a series of evening acting classes and exercises lead by Buffalo United Artists theater company members and developed by Javier Bustillos, BUA founder and executive director.

Lessons will be designed around teaching acting techniques, writing exercises, and therapeutic acting exercises to provide participants with valuable tools of the trade. Classes will be offered in the evening and subway tokens will be provided to those participants who qualify based on need. Rehearsals and lessons will be held Monday through Thursday from 69pm at the Pride Center (18 Trinity Place) and will run for four weeks starting Monday, July 7. Snacks and refreshments will be provided during rehearsals for our youth participants. The final production, a showcase of monologues, will be performed in early August at one of our local downtown theaters. (Please note that no acting experience is necessary.) Act OUT! is guaranteed to be a great time for this year’s participants.

What if you’re not into acting? You can still help with make-up, costumes, and props. There’s so much to do that we’re sure that there will be something for everyone and every interest. No matter what your part, you will have the opportunity to gain acting or production skills, be a part of an exciting all LGBT-themed youth production at a professional theater in downtown Buffalo, meet new people and make new friends, and have the chance to perform for your friends and family at our benefit performances in August.

Act OUT! Will look great on your resume and provide youth with healthy social networking opportunities over the summer. Special guest lectures will be arranged during the program on various topics related to LGBT youth health and wellness but everything promises to be fun.

For more info on how to get involved in Act OUT! please contact Damian Martinez, program manager, at 852-7743. Registration is required in advance.

—bryan whitley-grassi