TOM TITUS -- THEATER

Local youngsters will have the opportunity to be exposed to live

theater this fall without leaving their schools, thanks to the Children’s

Theater Company at Orange Coast College.

The OCC troupe is preparing a pair of timely short plays, both

centered on violence, which it will present free of charge at local

elementary and middle schools from Nov. 1 through Dec. 11.

The first play, “Resolution Revolution,” is geared to kids from

kindergarten through sixth grade. Created by the National Theater for

Children, the play focuses on conflict resolution and the avoidance of

violence.

“It is full of music and outrageous characters from familiar

literature,” says director Alex Golson, who heads the college’s theater

department.

The second offering, aimed at fourth- through ninth-graders, is titled

“Bang! Bang! or What I Learned Watching Television.” The play, by Tim

Kelly, explores the difference between real and “pretend” violence, and

addresses dangers associated with children handling firearms.

“Both shows use humorous techniques in order to convey important

messages about the danger of violence,” Golson said. “They’re both quite

thought-provoking.”

“Resolution Revolution” will also be staged Nov. 14 at 9:30 and 11

a.m. in OCC’s Robert B. Moore Theatre. “Bang! Bang!” will be performed

Nov. 15 at the same times.

“We’ve already started to receive reservations and will be completely

booked soon,” Golson said. “Schools and individuals who are interested in

attending should contact us immediately.”

OCC’s Children’s Theater Company will be available for performances on

any Tuesday or Thursday during the period from Nov. 1 to Dec. 11 from

noon to 2:30 p.m. The plays may be performed in multipurpose rooms or

large classrooms and require only two electrical outlets.

Interested schools may call OCC’s Theater Department at (714)

432-5640, Ext. 5. Golson said he will return all messages.

CALLBOARD -- Orange Coast College will hold auditions for the holiday

comedy “Inspecting Carol” on Monday and Tuesday in the college’s Drama

Lab Theater. The play, by Daniel Sullivan, involves a series of

misadventures as a Midwestern theater group presents “A Christmas Carol.”

All roles are open, and a variety of ages are represented in the cast.

Call (714) 432-5640 for further information.

* TOM TITUS writes about and reviews local theater for the Daily

Pilot. His stories appear Thursdays and Saturdays.