BRATTLEBORO — New England Youth Theatre's Town Schools Theater presents How the New York City Theatre Company left New York May 26 and 27 at NEYT, 100 Flat St.
The play was written by NEYT's departing Education Director Jonny Flood, and is directed by Flood with incoming Education Director Billy Higgins, with Shannon Ward and additional assistance from NEYT student Ajna Siegel. They described the plot in a news release:
“Maxine, Jimbo, and the rest of the once-famous New York City Theatre Company have fallen on hard times. Unfortunately for them, their landlord, Mr. Fatpockets, did not get fabulously wealthy by taking pity on the impoverished. So they're out of the city, out of showbiz, and off to the quiet hills of Vermont to try their hand at farming … but they are still at the mercy of Mr. Fatpockets.”
Town Schools Theatre is a partnership between NEYT and the Academy, Green Street, and Oak Grove Schools, in which students come to NEYT for a free after-school program to learn theater skills and rehearse and perform an original play.
The program is for students in grades 4-6, and ensures that all students in the public elementary schools can have equal arts opportunities.
“This program allows for all kids to participate in theater - especially those who might not otherwise have a chance,” Flood said in the news release. “They learn valuable skills and have a great time doing it. And at the end of the session they get to perform for their friends and family. The pride they feel in their accomplishment is palpable and a joy to witness.”