Around 100 young actors and actresses received some good news last week, as town officials announced the continuation of Barrington's youth summer theater program.

On Friday, Joel Hellmann, the program's long-time director, said he and Barrington Town Manager Peter DeAngelis had agreed in principal to new contract terms. Mr. DeAngelis verified that information.

"I'm working out the details of the new contract right now," Mr. DeAngelis said on Friday.

Mr. Hellmann said his new contract will not leave him fiscally responsible for program costs "out of his control."

"I am now responsible for expenses I have control over. Previously, I was responsible for costs I had no control over," he said. He specifically cited times when he had to pay for a new piano for a production even though there was a piano available at the high school. "I couldn't continue doing that," Mr. Hellmann said.

"I'm pleased everything is going forward. I'm pleased the changes in the contract make it possible for me to go forward."

In late April, Mr. Hellmann said he was not going to lead the summer program because of the reported contract problems. He notified parents of his decision, and shortly thereafter a number of people in town sent e-mails to the town manager's office voicing support for Mr. Hellmann and the program.

On Wednesday, May 7, there was a meeting to discuss the future of the youth theater program. Mr. Hellmann said around 75 people attended the meeting, "and 95 percent were in favor of the program continuing as it was."

Mr. DeAngelis said he was impressed by the teenagers who attended the meeting.

"I wasn't surprised by the turn-out," he said, "but I was impressed by the way those young people conducted themselves.

"This program provides a great opportunity for kids who have these interests and skills," Mr. DeAngelis said.

Mr. Hellmann extolled the virtues of the town's youth theater program.

"You've got kids who would not normally do sports, and kids who would prefer to do this than be a second string guard on the football team. That's who is interested in this program," Mr. Hellmann said. "Our theater program is the tightest knit group of kids in town. You won't see theater kids in front of judges for drinking alcohol.

"This theater program, in my opinion, is vital to the town. It provides a service for a number of kids ... it's a social benefit, not just plays. These kids are building friendships they can take with them for the rest of their lives."

Mr. Hellmann said the program services a little more than 100 kids each year. He said many of the local teenagers participate in more than one season — program sessions are offered in the spring, summer and fall. Mr. Hellmann said he is expecting around 60 or 65 young people involved in the program's 12 one-act shows and one large musical production this summer.

"We are now signing kids up," he said. "Registrations are being done at the town manager's office."

Mr. Hellmann said he was proud of what the program has been able to accomplish.

"To date, it has not cost the Town of Barrington a penny to run this program," he said. "All expenses are paid for by the fees paid by kids and ticket sales ... or by me."

Busy on stage

According to director Joel Hellmann, the town's youth theater program has performed 35 plays in the last six months. He said there have been 33 one-act plays and two full musicals. Here's a look at how many young people were involved in those productions last year:

n Spring session: 60 kids.

n Summer: 60 to 65.

n Fall: 48 to 50.

n Total: Many youngsters participate in more than one session; the program saw around 110 different kids.

'Grease' is on the way

BEST's production of "Grease" will run from Friday to Sunday, May 23 to 25, in the high school auditorium. The shows will be performed at 7 p.m. on Friday and at 1 and 7 p.m. on Saturday and 7 on Sunday. Tickets are $10 for adults and $6 for students and seniors. The program will also perform a musical, likely "The Pirates of Penzanse," later this year.

By Josh Bickford

jbickford@eastbaynewspapers.com