If their first efforts are any measure, Acting Out Youth Theatre has a very promising future.

The talents of more than 40 local children were on stage and backstage for four performances of an adaptation of Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream at the Marsh Street Centre.

More than 500 people took in the performances and gave the young company and their leaders, Kevin Lutz and Lindsey Clark-Gibson, enthusiastic applause.

The production actually had two completely different casts, each doing two performances, to let as many of the youth as possible get into the shows. The troupe members range in age from five years to mid-teens and they all worked together very well. The spirit of teamwork was evident on stage and backstage.

The success of the first show and the depth of the pool of talented young people means the troupe is looking forward to more productions. They're hoping to do theatre camps during March Break and in the summer.

The shows were well-presented. Some of the youngsters need to learn to play to the audience a bit more or to slow down a bit, but it was obvious Acting Out has brought out some talented young actors.

One of the best measures of how well-rehearsed and organized the shows were was the fact that, even on the few occasions when things went a bit sideways, the cast carried on without breaking stride -- except for a nervous giggle or two. Set changes were done with precision.

There was an excellent set, a colourful backdrop representing the woods in which much of the story unfolds.

The troupe had plenty of adult support from parents and volunteers, and financial help from Thornbury-Beaver Valley Lions, the Marsh Street Centre, and Thornbury Community Theatre as well as donations of props and materials from several businesses.