Search - Brian Ross Lowdermilk, Zach Altman, Siobhan Groves :: Transient Days

In May of 2001, Opportunities For Youth Productions was thrilled to celebrate the debut of their first full length original musical, "Transient Days." Written by Brian Ross Lowdermilk, and conceived by Zach Altman, "Transient Days" is the story of three teenagers' search for truth and certainty in sexuality and self. When Person 1 (Zach Altman) breaks up with his girlfriend, he seeks comfort from a close friend and former flame (Person 2, Siobhan Groves). He never anticipates that the renewed contact will be enough for her to fall in love with him again. And the last thing he expects, is to find he has deepening feelings for Person 3 (Justin Hopkins), a young man he has just met. As these three individuals struggle to find safety and love through their interactions with one another, they also begin to explore what they want, and what they need to get them through these "Transient Days" in their lives. "Transient Days" opened at Philadelphia's Walnut Street Theatre's Studio 5 blackbox, and played to a sold out audience for 4 performances. For an unknown youth run theatre company, especially one whose debut show focuses around the issue of youth and sexuality, this was an amazing feat. Prior to the production, there was some degree of doubt as to whether a group of high school and college aged students could ever rise above the stereotypical "Hey, kids, let's put on a musical!" role. "Transient Days" proved that it could be done. Working through a limited budget, sparse sets and the constant challenge of balancing personal and professional relationships, the show still managed to emerge as a touching, thoughtful, and realistic take on the harried times when one is still reconciling who they are with who they want to be. In some ways, it is a testament to OFY, and to youth run theatre, that "Transient Days" exists. That is, that five kids could essentially say "Well, LET'S put on a musical" and succeed . . .not just at being kids putting on a show, but at being a production company nurturing a new work towards success. But, exist it does . . . and as only the first of many youth produced advances in theatre -- a phenomenon that is hardly transient. Rachel Kahn
Executive Director
OFY Productions