SHANNON CLARK ENJOYS PERFORMING IN THE MEDIA THEATRE'S 'INTO THE WOODS' THIS SUMMER

The Media Theatre has Stephen Sondheim's Tony winning musical "Into The Woods" on stage this summer, July 7 through July 30. The show is being produced as a teen musical experience, in which a youth cast performs with two local (and slightly older) actors who have had professional or university experience.

Shannon Clark, 15, of Havertown, is a New School student at The Media Theatre pursuing her further education by appearing in "Into The Woods" this summer. "I am playing Little Red Riding Hood's Grandmother," she said. "I'm also playing Cinderella's mother and the voice of the Giant. I approach the roles by practicing my lines, and by really feeling the role. I become my role, and act and react how I would as the role."

Young actress Shannon Clark

She explained that "At The Media Theatre we learn that 'acting is living as truthfully as one can under an imaginary circumstance', so it's a great way to approach roles. It's the Meisner Technique, which we study with Artistic Director Jesse Cline."

Shannon Clark enjoys the experience of acting. "It helps me to really be more self-aware, and helps me to know who I am," she said. "Performing also assists me with public speaking."

She has been seen on stage at The Media Theatre in "The Real Story of Little Red Riding Hood" as The Mother, in "Cinderella" as Stepsister Drizella, in "Madagascar: A Musical Adventure" as Gloria, and was seen as Owl in "Winnie The Pooh's Christmas Tail". Currently she is The Duchess and Matron Flower in "Alice In Wonderland".

At Archbishop Carroll, she was seen in "Miracle On 34th Street", and at Notre Dame Academy has been in "Beauty And The Beast Pantomime", "All I Really Need To Know I Learned In Kindergarten", "Check Please", and "Little Mermaid Junior". 

Of "Into The Woods", Shannon said, "The show has added a different angle to fairy tales, which is very interesting. The music is also unique and memorable."

"Audiences should see this production because it's a truly amazing cast!" Shannon Clark concluded. "All the performers are good singers and actors. Audiences will feel as if they are right there, in the story, which is the beauty of live theatre."

For tickets to this summer's "Into The Woods" at The Media Theatre (July 7-30) call 610-891-0100 or visit mediatheatre.org. Performances are Friday nights at 7pm, Saturdays at 2pm and 7pm, and Sundays at 3pm. Most roles are double cast, so it's a different cast each weekend!