Olympic Theatre Arts has big plans for young, aspiring actors this summer.

OTA’s Summer’s Children’s Theatre Workshop titled “The Flip Flop Flotilla” incorporates a writers workshop, stagecraft instruction, costume design, drama games and more.

The workshop, designed for youths and teens aged 8-18, is scheduled for 9 a.m.-3 p.m., June 24-28, at Olympic Theatre Arts, 414 N. Sequim Ave.

Students will continue to develop the Tidepool Times story, a series of plays created in an ongoing fashion by the program’s participants about living along the shores of the Salish Sea.

“The Flip Flop Flotilla” is slated to be the next “episode” where students help create this new chapter as part of OTA’s Summer workshop, with instructors Bonne Smith and Sarah Tucker.

“’The Flip Flop Flotilla is the harbinger of our future,’” Smith, the production director, said.

“Where biodiversity has lost its yin and yang. Like the European Green Crab Invasion — a nasty little guy, who hitchhiked on a ship in the mid 1800’s and made its way to North America and then landed in the Salish Sea. They eat up all the food that our crabs need.”

‘The Reluctant Dragon’

OTA is also auditioning for “The Reluctant Dragon,” this Summer’s Children’s Theatre production, showing Aug. 23-Sept. 1

Also directed by Smith and Tucker, the play stages dreams of adventure that come true one day when Charity finds a poetry-loving dragon in the woods. Her new friendship is quickly threatened, however, when the frightened villagers call for Sir Wombat to slay the dragon.

Auditions are open to youths and teens aged 8-18, and are set for 3:30 p.m., Thursday, June 27, and 10 a.m., Saturday, June 29, at Olympic Theatre Arts, 414 N. Sequim Ave.

A rehearsal schedule will be available for planning.

Rehearsals begin July 23 at 1 p.m. at OTA. Auditioners are advised to wear comfortable clothes and closed-toed, soft shoes or sports shoes and to bring a water bottle. They should be prepared to fill out an audition form, with contact information and prior stage experience (prior experience is not mandatory). All auditioners will get an opportunity to try out for any role, and actors will read multiple characters.

The show will be cast based on readings, enthusiasm, and actors ability to work with others and following directions, OTA officials said.

‘Intensive’ for teens

“Seize the Day!” is this summer’s Musical Theatre Intensive for Teens theme. In this two-week workshop, aspiring artists explore acting and becoming a company, creating music and dance numbers and writing original scenes.

With instructors Linda Dowdell, Jessica Reid, Brendan Chambers and Maggie Jo Bulkley, the program takes place 9:45 a.m.-4 p.m., July 22-Aug 2, at Olympic Theatre Arts, 414 N. Sequim Ave., and is open to teens 12-19 years of age.

Students will learn the basics of dance, how to act out a song, explore character development and scene work, and gain confidence by taking part in an authentic mock audition.

Students will also have the opportunity to learn about stage management, theatre etiquette, directing, and technical work.

About children’s programs

All of OTA Children’s Theatre programs are held at the Olympic Theatre Arts Center, 414 N. Sequim Ave.; space is limited.

Register online at www.Olympic TheareArts.org or call 360-683-7326 between 1-5 p.m., Monday-Friday, for more information.

At left, Josepha Johnson, 9, and Lillian Anderson, 10, play “tube worms” in the tide pools of “The Tidepool Times.” Photo courtesy of Olympic Theatre Arts

At left, Josepha Johnson, 9, and Lillian Anderson, 10, play “tube worms” in the tide pools of “The Tidepool Times.” Photo courtesy of Olympic Theatre Arts