While less creative kids close out their summer by hawking their labors on eBay, twenty-six local teens are showcasing their skills and abilities honed through a summer theater program at St. Edward’s University. The Summer Stock Austin program, a collaboration of St. Ed’s, Zilker Theater Productions, and the Austin Shakespeare Festival, gives high school and college students the opportunity to work alongside theater professionals while building an entire production in just a few short months. And unlike many such programs, SSA is free to the participating students thanks to the underwriting from local benefactors.

The wife and I went to see the group’s production of Footloose last night. The high school setting and high-energy dance numbers were well suited to the youthful cast, and the performance came across as suprisingly polished for a summer production. Throw in an enthusiastic sold-out crowd of 200 patrons in-the-round and the spectacular setting overlooking downtown Austin, and I’d have to say I enjoyed this show far more than Kevin Bacon’s skinny-tie cinematic version.

All the more impressive is that this same cast are simultaneously putting on Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing. While it may not be the angst-ridden dancefest of Footloose, I’m sure the energy and professionalism will carry over nicely.

There are five more showings of the Summer Stock Austin productions, Thursday through Saturday at 7:30, and two weekend afternoon shows. Most shows are likely to sell out, so advance tickets are recommended. More information is available at the Summer Stock Austin website.