Above the Influence
The Young Artist Project
ABOUT THE
PERFORMANCE
LA MIRADA, CA – Put 13 promising young artists in a
workshop environment with no creative limits, stir with the
guidance of a veteran director and cook under the pressure
of a public performance within weeks and what do you get?

A theatrical event that blends drama, hip-hop, poetry,
comedy, film, dance and storytelling.

Phantom Projects Educational Theatre Group’s first Young
Artists Workshop is currently providing such the crucible for
a talented troupe of strangers who have come together
quickly to learn, create and experience the joys and
pressures of creating professional theatre.

The Young Artist Workshop is the brain-child of Steve
Cisneros, Phantom Projects Founder and Artistic Director,
who launched the program as part of his company’s 10th
Anniversary Season. The final performance will be at 7 p.m.
on August 4 at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts.

I wasn’t sure what we were going to get before the first
meeting
,” said Cisneros, who is directing the workshop.  “But
the cast immediately bounced ideas off each other and we
were all caught up in the enthusiasm.  I am very encouraged
that they will create something that will be a sum of much
more than its parts.


Those parts are Pamela Bishop, AVI, John Guevarra, Caitlin
Joyce, June M. Kaewsith, Dashawn King, Vivian Martinez,
Adam Mesa, Johanna Middelton, Ebone Sajna, Matt True,
Ryan Wade and Jon Wayne.

The Young Artist Workshop brings together 15 aspiring
theater artists between the ages of 15 and 21 to merge their
unique talents – whether writing, directing, acting, singing,
dancing, etc. – in a collaborative effort to develop one-act
plays and performance pieces by members of the group.  All
are asked to contribute in more than one area over a three-
week rehearsal process leading up to the public performance
at the La Mirada Theatre for the performing Arts on August 4
at 7 p.m.  

Participants applied online or by phone and each were
brought in for individual interviews to decide what talents
they could bring to the project.  Only two have had previous
experience with Phantom Projects, though several were
prompted to apply after seeing the theatre troupe’s issue-
oriented plays for teens.  

The Young Artists Workshop will make it possible for young
people to have their visions come to life in a major Southland
venue,
” said Cisneros.  “They will contribute to a
performance that is completely written, created and
performed by some of Southern California’s brightest young
artists.  It should be as exciting for the audience at the La
Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts as it will be for these
future stars to test their talents
.”

Because it is a fluid rehearsal project, as much for
development and encouragement of the
talent as to prepare for a specific performance, the great
benefit for the participants will be the emersion into a ‘real
working environment’ like they will eventually experience at a
professional theatre,
” he said.  “We are also optimistic that
from this first class of 2007 we will forge relationships with
new collaborators who will play a part in our regular season
productions and tours to schools
.”

For more information call 714-690-2900
or visit www.phantomprojects.com.

You can also join in the community at
www.MySpace.com/PhantomProjects
PRESS COVERAGE
WHITTIER
DAILY NEWS
August 3, 2007

Teens Take Over
Theatre
LONG BEACH
PRESS TELEGRAM

August 3, 2007

Creativity is
Boundless in Teen
Talent Showcase
August 2, 2008    7:00pm
La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts
Are you interested in
being a part of the
Young Artist Project?
Click here for details.