This examination of 26 people from all walks of life proves that it’s more than just a job for the average working American.

Ridgway, Pennsylvania – Elk County Council on the Arts’ second Summer Theater Camp of the year, directed by Mr. Matthew Frank, will perform Working, a musical exploration of 26 people from all walks of life. Working explores the core truths that transcend specific professions; the key is how people’s relationships to their work ultimately reveal essential aspects of their humanity, regardless of the trappings of the job itself. The show, set in contemporary America, contains timeless truths.

Based on Studs Terkel’s best-selling book of interviews with American workers, Working paints a vivid portrait of the workers that the world so often takes for granted: the schoolteacher, the phone operator, the waitress, the millworker, the mason, and the housewife, just to name a few. Nominated for six Tony Awards, this classic has been updated for a modern age, featuring new songs by Tony Award-winning Lin-Manuel Miranda, as well as favorites by Stephen Schwartz, Craig Carnelia, James Taylor, Micki Grant, and more.

“Theater companies choose this show to show off the talent of their individual adult actors, but I knew we had the student talent to pull it off here,” said director Matthew Frank. “I’ve been directing shows at St. Marys for over 15 years, and I’m always blown away by what these kids are capable of.”

The Elk County Council on the Arts’ summer theater program has seen exceptional growth in the last few years, which spurred the idea of expanding the camp into two separate events with different age groups – a youth camp and a young adult camp.

Following hot on the heels of the successful Summer Theater Camp performance of Seussical, Jr. for young actors, round two includes high school students from across Elk County and beyond. The 20-person cast will perform Working on Friday, June 26 at the St. Marys Area High School Carpin Auditorium. All are welcome, and admission is free. Donations are appreciated at the door, and concessions will be available. For more information about the performance, please visit ECCOTA.com.

The Elk County Council on the Arts is a non-profit arts organization serving the Elk County Area with arts experiences, a sales gallery, and support of local arts programming. Learn more at ECCOTA.com.

WORKING-2012 REVISED VERSION is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com. WORKING is licensed by Music Theatre International.