Photos by Chuck Kirman / Star staff Actors in the Rubicon Theatre Company's youth theater programs and camps rehearse for "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown," one of three productions staged by the Ventura theater for family summer entertainment.

Hey, Mom and Dad, are you looking for a way to introduce your kids to some culture this summer? The theater, say?

The Rubicon Theatre Company in Ventura is offering a local option, when its youngest artists take the stage beginning this week and through August to put on three theatrical productions, all ideally suited for families.

This year, for the first time, Rubicon is offering three shows, including musicals, to allow students of all ages to participate, said Brian McDonald, Rubicon's director of education and outreach.

"What's really important to me about these programs, and they are always changing, is to provide students with support and experience," McDonald said.

"We're a professional theater company, but we also provide these things for the community and our young people."

This summer, about 100 Ventura County students are participating in Rubicon's youth theater programs and camps, McDonald said.

Beginning today, students in the Summer Acting Intensive Program will present William Shakespeare's comedy "A Midsummer Night's Dream."

The cast of 22 includes Allison Martone, Andrew Berg, Joanna Bert, Dillon Francis, Andrew Frank, Andrew Town and Jennifer Ridgway in the lead roles.

Also this month, the youngest members of the Jack Oakie Musical Theatre Program present "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown," directed by Stefoni Burgi.

In August, the older actors will present the musical and dancing spectacular "Footloose: The Musical," directed by McDonald and starring Jeff Johnson of Ventura in the lead role.

The shows are as follows:

• "A Midsummer Night's Dream" is directed by Rubicon member and Yale graduate Joseph Fuqua. Set in modern-day Ventura and given some artistic license, this production is not a traditional Shakespeare piece.

It will include surfers, skateboards and a barbecue.

Performances take place at 8 p.m. today through Sunday at the Elks Club Theatre, 11 S. Ash St., in downtown Ventura.

• "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown" is a classic musical based on the much-loved "Peanuts" comic strip by Charles Schulz. The show features an average day in the life of Charlie Brown and the adventures of the Peanuts gang.

Charlie Brown is played by Paul Placial of Ventura. "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown" was written by Clark Gesner, with additional dialogue by Michael Mayer and additional music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa.

Rubicon's version is directed and choreographed by Stefoni Burgi, with musical direction by Ojai vocal instructor Ellen Johnson.

Rubicon trainees who range in age from 9 to 14 play the "Peanuts" gang of Charlie Brown, Lucy, Linus, Snoopy and all the rest.

"Some of the best voices are in that show," McDonald said.

Performances are July 11-19 at Ventura High School's Little Theatre, 2 N. Catalina St.

The following is the performance schedule, with matinees on some days: July 11 at 7:30 p.m.; July 12 at 2 and 7:30 p.m.; July 13 at 2 p.m. only; July 16 at 7 p.m. (a chat with the cast follows the performance); July 17 at 2 and 7:30 p.m.; July 18 at 7:30 p.m.; and July 19 at 2 and 7:30 p.m.

• Finally, Aug. 8-16, the Rubicon Summer Youth Program presents "Footloose: The Musical" at Malibu Hall, on the campus of CSU Channel Islands, 1 University Drive, Camarillo.

Hollywood choreographer Janet Roston created the choreography, and Thom Culcasi is the musical director. The schedule is Aug. 8 at 7 p.m.; Aug. 9 at 2 and 7 p.m.; Aug. 10 at 2 p.m.; Aug. 13 at 7 p.m.; Aug. 14 at 2 and 7 p.m.; Aug. 15 at 7 p.m.; and Aug. 16 at both 2 and 7 p.m.

Tickets for all performances are $15 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under. Tickets can be purchased online at http://www.rubicontheatre.org or by calling the box office at 667-2900. Advanced reservations are encouraged.