STEVE DUNKELBERGER: ALL ABOUT CHILD’S PLAY >>>

I have written about the niche youth theater not only fits in the communities but in the bottom line of the theaters. Such programs not only feed the pipeline of actors and volunteers for shows on the mainstages of theaters but they also provide an infusion of cash during the down summer months with programs that are covered by tuition for the weekly camps or grants or both. Ticket sales are all gravy to keep the theater going between the end of one season and the beginning of the next. And while there certainly is a practical reason for theaters to stage youth theater, I think is strikes at the heart of community theater's core mission of bringing art to the people.

For a list of upcoming performances of youth theater in the area, check out my column on the Weekly Volcano Web site.