A chance to be quite dastardly

What do Exciting Ellie, Hopeful Helena, Totally Cool Torsten and Jumping James have in common?

The youngsters are all getting ready to perform in Arts & Learning Conservatory’s upcoming production of “Justice League: Batman,” an all-ages play that was commissioned by the conservatory.

After creating the adjective-laden nicknames for themselves while playing a name game Monday morning, the students received their roles and began their first read-through of the script. They also all learned how to create the perfect evil laugh.

“The play involves a lot of the villains, because Batman is put on trial,” conservatory Operations Manager Cambria Larson said. “It was written specifically for this group, based on their ages.”

The kids auditioned for parts like the Joker, Commissioner Gordon, Catwoman and the coveted Caped Crusader earlier this week. The show is action-packed; one boy with karate experience will be able to showcase his skills during the production. Another, selected to be the stalwart butler Alfred, began using a British accent from the get-go.

The conservatory’s popular summer theater program hasn’t seen much of a decline in enrollment, although there were some challenges during the spring, Larson said.

Kids 5 and older can participate in the “Batman” production, including a special format for the younger students.

“They all get cast; no one gets cut from our group,” Larson said.

The conservatory was founded in 2004 to keep the arts alive in Orange County, regardless of students’ social or economic backgrounds, Executive Director Debora Wondercheck said.

Based at Vanguard University, the nonprofit conservatory’s theater opportunities don’t require kids to have any theater experience before they audition. The staff teaches children how to block a scene, develop their characters and project their voices, and many students use it as a launching pad to future careers. Many return for several productions.

“You really learn a lot when you come here,” said Ellie Hahn, 12. “And you have a lot of fun. They have lots of games to play while you learn things.”

This fall, kids will begin a production of “Star Wars: Musical Edition, The Empire Strikes Back,” with auditions in August and September.

The conservatory will also hold its first annual Talent Showcase on Aug. 21, for ages 8 to 17. It will hold auditions Aug. 7 in the monologue, vocal, dance or instrumental solo, duos and ensemble categories.

For more information on performance dates, enrollment and auditions, call (714) 623-1907, e-mail info@artsandlearning.com or visit artsandlearning.com.