The Theatre Development Fund (TDF) will host 25 senior girl scouts from 16 states on a week-long Leadership Institute entitled "So You Want To Be On Broadway?: An Exploration of Theatre Arts Careers." The leadership institute, offered by Girl Scouts of the USA, takes place in New York City from July 11 -16.

The program will combine "learning from theatre professionals and hands on activities that culminate in the creation and presentation of their own short theatre pieces based on feminist folk tales," according to a TDF statement.

Saying that TDF was honored to work with the Girl Scouts to "present a full picture of the world of theatre to these young women," TDF executive director Jack Goldstein described a "myriad of opportunities for young people who want a career in the theatre" and said he hoped to "convey to the girl scouts that in the world of the arts, 'anything is possible.'"

In the same statement, national executive director for Girl Scouts of the USA, Marty Evans said that, "TDF's comprehensive program assists us in Girl Scouting's focus to help all girls have fun while gaining the self confidence and skills they'll need for success in the real world."

Ranging in age from 14 - 17, the participating girl scouts are coming to New York from California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas and Wisconsin. The TDF program will feature the following areas of study:

• Theatre Basics -- an introduction to basic tools and vocabulary, led by Stephen DiMenna, director and teaching artist.

• Behind the Scenes -- a panel discussion with theatre professionals: Dodger Productions marketing director Amy Wigler; general manager Nancy Nagel Gibbs; general manager (not-for-profit theatre) Jody Schoenbraun; and stage manager Roy Harris.

• Sets on a Shoe String -- An introduction to low cost sets and props led by set designer Sean McCarthy.

• Costume Design -- a tour of the TDF Costume Collection by noted costume designer Anne Marie Wright.

•Acting Techniques -- An introduction to acting techniques led by actress Angela Pietropinto.

• Shaping a Production -- A hands-on workshop where the girl scouts will create a theatre piece by dramatizing a short feminist fairy tale led by actresses Charlotte Colavin, Angela Pietropinto and Joan Rosenfels.

Participants will also see the Broadway production of The Music Man and the Off Broadway production of Ntozake Shanage's For Colored Girls...

-- By Murdoch McBride