Who we are
In the summer of 1998, the Oxford "NO NAME" Youth Theater Company was just an idea -- to form a theater company to provide area youth the opportunity to come together to produce quality theater and other artistic endeavors for the general public. The wonderful elementary and middle school productions had lit the fire for many budding thespians. We wanted them to have an opportunity to continue to participate in theater in Oxford even after they graduated and went out of town to area high schools.
Thanks to some grant money from the Community Foundation For Greater New Haven, we got the chance to move that idea forward. With an idea for a play and a director with great credentials, especially for his work with youth, we took a page from those old Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney movies and set out to "do a show"! August auditions brought us talented and enthusiastic kids and we were ready to go.
Throughout the fall, the kids participated in theater workshops to develop their "on-stage" skills. Just after New Year's, the roles were cast for our premier production, "The Death and Life of Sneaky Fitch". We chose this particular play because it was funny -- and therefore would be fun to do. Since January we've been together twice a week -- rehearsing, building sets, designing costumes -- and becoming a company. Any good production is only possible when everyone gives his or her best -- and they have!!
Here are pictures of our first production.
As we entered our second year as a theater company, we chose a permanent name. To honor a young man, Stewart J. Foote, that died at the tender young age of 11 in 1995, we have named our theater company FOOTELights Youth Theater Company. We chose the play "Seven Keys To Baldpate" by George M. Cohan, which is a murder/comedy/mystery and sure to be fun!!
Out third year brings us some new cast members and the play, "The Matchmaker" by Thornton Wilder. The roles have been cast and we are ready to begin rehearsing. Join us for our production in April 2001. Check back for more information about tickets.