Tolland Youth Theater Brings 'The Wizard of Oz' to High School Stage This Weekend

TOLLAND, CT — Tolland Youth Services Community Theater will present "The Wizard of Oz" this weekend, continuing a summer program that has been part of Tolland Youth Services since 1997.

Performances are scheduled for Friday, July 24, and Saturday, July 25, at 7 p.m. in the Tolland High School Auditorium.

The five-week summer theater program is designed to do more than stage a musical. Tolland Youth Services Community Theater, also known as TYSCT, brings together about 130 youth ages 5 to 18 each summer as cast and crew members. In 20 rehearsals, participants put on a full-scale, two-act musical while developing teamwork, responsibility, creativity and perseverance.

Producer Teresa Kristoff said one of the program's signature traditions is its Buddy Program, which pairs experienced participants with younger cast members for support during rehearsals. "While audiences see the performance on stage, what they don't always see are the relationships built behind the scenes. Watching our older participants become role models for the younger cast members is one of the most rewarding parts of this program."

The program also includes student leadership roles tied to production planning, problem-solving and peer mentorship. Those positions include the Youth Advisory Board, Student Director, Student Stage Manager and other student leaders. According to the announcement, those roles are intended to make young people active collaborators in all parts of the production while helping them gain leadership experience.

Community support also plays a major role in the annual production. Partnerships with town departments, donations from local businesses and volunteer work help support the show. Community members assist with set construction, props, costumes, transportation of materials and other behind-the-scenes work.

The program's staff also reflects its long history in town. According to the announcement, many staff members first took part in TYSCT as young performers. This year, Director Danielle Jones is marking 25 years with the program.

Tickets are $13 in advance and $15 at the door. Advance tickets are available at tysct.ludus.com. For more information or help purchasing tickets, Teresa Kristoff can be reached at 860-871-3612 or tysctmusical@gmail.com.