For over 30 years, Youth Theatre Northwest has served youth from the Puget Sound region with high-quality arts education, producing dynamic theatre for thousands of families, introducing young audiences to the magic of the performing arts while inspiring developing actors with the thrill of live performance.

YTN commences its 33rd season of “theatre by kids, for kids” by taking audiences on a magical journey to “a place behind the sun, just a step beyond the rain.”

After the release of the 1939 movie “The Wizard of Oz,” the world fell in love with the fairytale land created by author L. Frank Baum. Today, many children are unaware that there were 13 other books in his series that expanded the story with new adventures and enchanted characters.

YTN is excited to adapt Baum’s final book, “Glinda of Oz,” into a magical theatre experience. Adapted by Kate Swenson and directed by Hattie Clare Andres, “Glinda of Oz” performs July 15 through July 31 at the Mercer Island High School Performing Arts Center, 9100 SE 42nd St.

“There are three kinds of magic in the Land of Oz. Animals and beasts have their natural magic, Glinda and the Wizard practice sorcery, and Princess Ozma, supreme ruler of Oz, uses her fairy magic to keep the peace. But in a faraway corner of this enchanted land, a new kind of magic has been born. The kind of magic that leads to war,” according to a YTN press release. “It’s up to Princess Ozma and her dear old friend Dorothy to end a deadly feud between the Flatnoggins and the Skeezers.”

Glinda of Oz is best for ages 6 and up. Ticket prices are $13-$17, and may be purchased at the performance or in advance at www.YouthTheatre.org.

“Glinda of Oz” opened last weekend and continues with a weekday matinee at 11 a.m. on Thursday. Performances are also at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. The show closes during the last weekend in July, with shows at 11 a.m. July 28, 7 p.m. July 29 and July 30 and 2 p.m. July 31.

The cast of “Glinda of Oz” features some of Youth Theatre’s brightest and youngest talent. The cast of 25 actors (ages 7-17) are from Mercer Island, Seattle, Bellevue, Redmond, Issaquah and Newcastle.

YTN nurtures the intellectual, artistic and personal development of children and youth through drama, education, performing opportunities and live theatre experiences. YTN is both theatre and school, providing a wide range of classes and programs designed to further theatrical learning, initiate creative play and stimulate intrapersonal development for children and young adults age 3-18.

Additionally, YTN offers classes to Puget Sound students and offers outreach programs to schools and libraries throughout the region. YTN continues its Summerstock Season with the legendary musical “CATS,” performing August 12 – 27, 2016.

For a full season line-up, visit www.YouthTheatre.org.