Welcome to Deb's Web Junior, a web site devoted to theater news for kids, teens and their parents.  This is the official spin-off site of the indispensable Long Island Theater resource "Deb's Web" created by Debbie Starker.

THIS WEEK'S NEWS...

The BIG NEWS this week is how many AUDITIONS for kids are coming up this month !  Click on our Cast Calls page to see some great performing opportunities for kids and teens on Long Island...and even Broadway!

Speaking of Broadway, congratulations to Long Island's own Trent Kowalik, who along with
David Alvarez and Kiril Kulish, will play the title role in the upcoming Broadway musical Billy Elliot, which begins previews at the Imperial Theatre on Oct. 1, with an official opening set for Nov. 13.
Based on the inspiring film of the same name, it's the story of a young boy with the dream of becoming a dancer. Over 1,500 young men in the U.S. auditioned for the part.
Before Trent headed to the U.K. to appear in the London production of "Billy Elliot: The Musical," he was a student at Wantagh Middle School. At
age 11, he was the youngest American to win the World Irish Dancing Championship.

* * * * * * * * * *
Performers Laura Meade Galgano and Kerri Meade Aab continue to report on the recovery of their lovely mom, June Meade, who is doing very well after unexpected brain surgery. You can sign on to her "Care Page" at
http://www.carepages.com/ServeCarePage?cpn=junemeade
They are hoping to receive messages from every state in the country.
Log on and show June you're sending good thoughts her way!

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     On Friday, May 9, 2008, Huntington Cabaret will be donating a performance of  "Welcome To The 60s," a cabaret show directed by award-winning NYC director Lennie Watts and noted musical director Jeffrey Cubeta. The show, which was originally performed at the Metropolitan Room in the city to sold out audiences, is a fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity of Suffolk County.
The cast features 9 Long Island singers ages 13-18, including Leilani D'Onofrio, Amanda Hassler, Kenna Koenigsberger, Jonah Kramer, Kristen Maldonado, Caitlin Nofi, Lenny Sadowsky, Alanna Shalinski and Ian Silverman. The benefit will take place at The Centerport United Methodist Church, 97 Little Neck Rd, Centerport, New York. There will be a "Chinese" auction after the show which will include theatre tickets, passes to major NYC museums, jewelry, gift certificates for award-winning restaurants, a 32" flat screen TV and much more.
All proceeds from the fundraiser will go toward building Habitat for Humanity's 111th house in Suffolk County.
For tickets please call Producer Linda Ray at 631-673-5577

* * * * *
Time is running out to enter WOR Radio's
"Shining Star Talent Search"
Students in grades 7-12 can sing a song of their choice and submit their recording to WOR Radio. The top 25 Semi-Finalists win $100 and perform live at WOR's Shining Star Sing-Off. The judges will choose six top finalists, whose performances will air on WOR and will be voted on by listeners.  The winner and second and third runners-up will perform before thousands at a WOR event on June 21. The Shining Star Winner gets $10,000 for his or her school, and $2,500 PLUS a professional recording session. The first runner-up gets $1,500 and the second runner-up gets $750.
HURRY! Submissions must be postmarked by Wednesday, May 14 !!!

Download the entry materials at
www.worshiningstar.com

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If you haven’t entered your school show in the
HSM Showstopper competition, what are you waiting for???  Check out their contest info on our Cool2Know page.
Your school might be the big winner this year!

The entry deadline for the Best High School Show is June 6.

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Click on our Cast Calls page for local audition info, which is updated weekly.

The Now Playing page lists School shows, children's theater, teen shows and mainstage productions that feature kids and teens.

Our Cool 2 Know page lets you know about theater classes, camps and other great theater resources.

We're really excited to launch Deb's Web Junior 
and hope to hear from you with your comments and suggestions. 
Email us at: DebsWebJunior@gmail.com


- About The Editor -
My professional life has been mainly dedicated to television production, writing and production management.  I have also been a performer in local productions; my love of antiques has led me on a never-ending mission to find great props and set pieces; and perhaps most importantly, I’m the proud mother of a young woman who has appeared in many shows on Long Island.

Through the years, I have often been asked by parents about the different theaters and their various programs…advice about where their children should go for training…and questions like “should I encourage my son to pursue a career in theater, or let him do it just for fun?”

I can’t say I have all the answers, but I am hoping that the resources available to us through Deb’s Web Junior will be a great way for parents and kids to find the information they are looking for.

Check in weekly for updates.  Like the “grown-up” Deb’s Web, I’ll be adding all of the new info I receive by Thursday night so that you’ll be ready for the weekend--whether you’re auditioning for a show on a Saturday morning or enjoying a show from the audience on a Saturday night.

Many thanks to Debbie Starker for her support and encouragement and for providing such a great service for so many years to the Long Island theater community.
 
 As always, break a leg…
 
Fran Proto
Editor, Deb's Web Junior
Contact us at DebsWebJunior@gmail.com
Or write to: Stage Two Productions
P.O. Box 696, Northport, NY 11768

 



 

Thank you for your great letters about the new web site! Remember,
DebsWebJunior is all about you, so let us know what else you would like to see on these pages in the coming months.
 
Write to us at DebsWebJunior@gmail.com

 
This edition of DebsWebJunior was last updated on
May 4, 2008
 
PARENTS' CORNER
DebsWebJunior does not endorse the services offered on this web site. Please check references and carefully screen individuals and companies offering theatrical services to your child.
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