When the jock meets the brain at tryouts for the annual school musical, they rock the boat at East High. Featuring all the catchy tunes from the Disney Channel's hit movie, plus two new songs, High School Musical teaches heartwarming lessons about acceptance, teamwork, and staying true to yourself and your dreams.

PYT's production runs May 10 - 18 at the Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts.

Due to licensing restrictions, PYT will present The Sound of Music in the fall rather than Annie as previously announced. PYT's 2003 production of this beloved Rodgers and Hammerstein musical broke cast and box-office records, and we are delighted to give another generation of young performers the opportunity to perform this enchanting musical.

The Sound of Music joins previously announced CenterStage shows The Music Man, Kate Hawley's Sleeping Beauty, Aladdin and His Wonderful, Magical Lamp and Les Miserables.

PYT's 2008/09 Stories on Stage season includes both returning favorites and original adaptations. The popular series begins in October with Pecos Bill and the Ghost Skeletons, which is followed by Fantastic Mr. Fox in November, Merry Christmas, Strega Nona in December, Gooney Bird Greene in January, Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch in February, My Father's Dragon in March, Anne of Green Gables in April and The Stinky Cheese Man in May.

In this new E-Whisper feature, PYT Executive Director Karen Simpson answers your questions.

Q: What happens to the surveys we complete at the end of a show or class?
KS: The survey results are used in a number of ways. They are compiled and reviewed by the PYT board of directors, who use them to inform new policies or changes to existing procedures. Our artistic director uses them to help decide whether or not to hire artistic staff in the future. They are reviewed when we consider remounting a production, and they are used when we are selecting our season. In other words, they are extremely helpful and we appreciate the time you take to fill them out!

Q: Does making a donation increase my child's chance of getting a lead role?
KS: Not at all. No one at PYT involved with donors or sponsors is involved in the audition or casting process. So quite literally, no one in the casting room is really aware when a child auditions if that child's parents give money or not. In fact, although PYT does have some policies directors must follow -- mainly regarding conflicts or single casting -- the artistic staffers on any given production have pretty much total leeway to cast a show as they wish. This is so they feel free to cast whomever they truly feel is best for any given part.

Q: What is an "excused absence?"
KS: An excused absence from rehearsal is one that you either listed on the conflict sheet before the start of rehearsals or one you could not possibly have predicted. Sickness or a death in the family is obviously an excused absence. If you are missing school due to illness, you shouldn't be coming to rehearsal! The directors use the conflict sheets extensively in creating the rehearsal schedules for the shows - it is very difficult for them to put a show together when they're consistently missing people. That is why we limit the number of absences you can have and still be in a production. A large number of excused absences can also become an issue - there comes a point where you simply won't be able to learn all you need to know to be part of a show; however, we will try our very best to work that out with your family in the case of an emergency. If you are forced to miss a show because you are sick, that does not affect your casting in any future show.

Email your PYT questions to ksimpson@pytnet.org.

Charlotte's Web
Ages 7-11 (must turn 7 by May 21)
Audition Dates:May 17 at 10am & 2pm and May 18 at 2pm
Requirements:Prepare a song and a one- minute monologue. Bring sheet music, instrumental tape or CD. Dress to dance. No experience necessary. All who audition will be cast.
Participation Fee: $160; parent volunteer hours required.

All Shook Up
Ages 12 - 20 (must turn 12 by June 5) Alumni with director approval.
Audition Dates:May 31 at 2pm and June 1 at 2pm & 6pm
Requirements:Prepare a song and a one- minute monologue. Bring sheet music, instrumental tape or CD. Dress to dance. No experience necessary. All who audition will be cast.
Participation Fee: $160; parent volunteer hours required.

Hollywood Hosts
Ages 7 and up
Audition Date:June 7, by appointment only
Requirements:Participants must have been involved in a PYT class or production in the past twelve months. Prepare a song. Call Karen at (650)988- 8798 x303 to schedule an audition appointment.

Dickens Carollers
Ages 12 and up
Audition Date:June 7, by appointment only
Requirements: Prepare a song. Call Karen at (650)988-8798 x303 to schedule an audition appointment.

Limited spaces are still available for some PYT summer camps, including:

• Knights of the Rad Table (ages 11 - 14) June 16 - 27
• Trial of the Big Bad Wolf (ages 11 - 14) June 30 - July 11
• Dragon of the Winds (ages 9 - 11) July 14 - 25
• If the Shoe Fits (ages 11 - 14) July 14 - 25

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