With its popular theatre camp, the "Delco Idol" competition, and Disney's "High School Musical" being performed by its Youth Ensemble this summer, The Media Theatre has become a destination for families and young people who have an interest in music theatre.

"Our School of the Theatre has expanded to entire productions being performed by teens," the theatre's Artistic Director Jesse Cline said. "Seven years ago, our summer camp started out with 35 young people. Now there are over 300."

Cline is especially enthusiastic in regards to the growth he has seen in returning campers. "Some of our campers have been with us for five years or more," he said. "To see them growing not only as actors but as people within our community is a great reward. They are the County's, the State's, and perhaps the Country's future leaders."

One of the campers who has been with the theatre for six years is Media's own Alex Larsen. "Alex is a special talent," Cline explained. "We discovered this young lady could really belt out a tune a few years ago. Since then, she has been seen in several of our Broadway musicals, children's theatre shows, and last year's "West Side Story". This summer she will be seen in two of our camp shows, which the day campers write on their own, and in Disney's "High School Musical" production. Her progress is remarkable."

Cline looks forward to more opportunities throughout the coming season and beyond for young people. "Of course we are heading into our third year with "Delco Idol", which is an opportunity for youth to showcase their vocal talents on a professional stage," he continued. "We will have a chorus of young people in our holiday Broadway show "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" in December, plus Broadway actress Therese Walden will continue teaching voice classes in the fall."

For the next two months, however, it's summer entertainment with young people onstage at The Media Theatre. "Delco Idol 2007" starts its five weeks of Wednesday night competition on July 11 at 7pm, while Disney's "High School Musical" starts up July 19 and runs Thursdays through Sundays for four weeks. The Media Theatre is the only theatre in the Philadelphia region which is producing its own stage version of Disney's entire "High School Musical" two act show based on the popular Disney Channel film.

Tickets for the first four weeks of "Delco Idol 2007" and Disney's "High School Musical" are $10 for children and $12 for adults. Call 610-891-0100 for tickets, or visit www.mediatheatre.org. For a great meal prior to or following the shows, be sure to dine at D'Ignazio's Towne House and receive 20% off with theatre ticket.