The Young Artist Project brings together aspiring theatre artists between the ages of 16 and 20 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 two-week rehearsal process leading up to the public performance in La Mirada.

Over 100 applicants applied online or by phone. Twenty were brought in for individual interviews to decide what talents they could bring to the project. Only seven were selected. A unique aspect of those selected: six are female and only one is male.

"Each year, we hope that the Young Artist Project will allow 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 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 creators and performers as to prepare for a specific show, 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 2008 we will forge relationships with new collaborators who will play a part in our regular season productions and tours to schools."

Each year, Phantom Projects Educational Theatre Group mounts a season of plays at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts and touring productions to elementary, middle and high schools in Los Angeles and Orange Counties.

For more information call 714-690-2900 or visit www.PhantomProjects.com. You can also join in the community at our Facebook page, as well as at www.MySpace.com/PhantomProjects