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HCHY inviting talented youth to be in video variety show

BROWN COUNTY — The coronavirus pandemic put a halt on the performing arts this summer, but Healthy Community Healthy Youth (HCHY) is working with NUCAT (New Ulm Cable Access Television) to create a summer variety show.

The show will air on NUCAT when completed, but before production on the show starts, performers are needed.

HCHY director Sheldon Rieke is putting the call out to all Brown County youth from those going into 5th grade to recently graduating seniors who wish to perform in the variety show.

Musicians, singers, dancers and actors are all welcomed to appear in the show. For more information contact HCHY at hchynua@newulmtel.net, or 507-354-8632 and leave a name, address, and phone number. The deadline to sign up for the show is Monday, July 20.

Each performer will record their act separately to maintain social distancing. This footage will be edited and compiled by NUCAT into a show that can air on the New Ulm cable access channel.

The idea for this variety program was developed after the Prairie Fire Children’s Theater performances were canceled. In past years, the second week in July was set aside for Prairie Fire to visit New Ulm and put on a performance for the public. Between 40 and 50 area, youth would participate. COVID-19 made this performance impossible.

Rieke said it wasn’t only New Ulm, the Prairie Fire shows were canceled in the surrounding communities as well. “The object is to give kids something fun in a time when they need it most,” Rieke said.

This variety show has the potential to be an annual or bi-annual event. Rieke said they will take all the performances they can get, whether it be a singer accompanied by a parent, a guitarist playing with their grandmother, a ventriloquist with a dummy or a father and son performing the Abbott and Costello “Who’s on First” skit.

Rieke said tips and instructions will be given to help students deliver the best performance possible. Performers will have support from theatre and music teachers as well as assistance with the recording processes.

Everyone who performs receives a free DVD of the show. This event is free and provided by HCHY with the financial support of the 3M Foundation and Prairie Lakes Regional Arts Council from funds appropriated by the Minnesota State Legislature.

Rieke said he only needs to know who wants to participate by July 20. Recording the performances will happen later. He anticipates the actual show will be edited together in August.

This is open to all youth who attend schools in Brown County. For more information contact HCHY at hchynua@newulmtel.net, or 507-354-8632 and leave your name, address, and phone number.

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