Teens have a rare chance to do as New Yorkers do in an upcoming theater crash course in their backyard.

Linda Dowdell, an accomplished composer, arranger, and teacher, is leading the first Musical Theatre Intensive from July 16-27, at the Old Dungeness Schoolhouse. 

Five spots remain open through July 13, for the diverse event for teens 13-19. Activities include individual vocal coaching from Dowdell and friend and colleague Elinore O'Connell, dance basics, vocal and acting exercises, improvisation, auditioning, choreography and song arrangement.

“TV shows like 'Glee,' 'Smash,' and 'The Glee Project' appeal to kids on a whole new level and encourage a new kind of creativity,” Dowdell said.

She moved to Sequim a few years ago from Manhattan. She leads Port Townsend High School's spring production and teaches piano jazz and improvisation at Olympic Music School. 

She's recruited O'Connell, a Broadway singer and actress, who once appeared in an off-broadway production of hers. Together they'll lead programming all day for two weeks along with Annuel Preston, a modern dance instructor, and student intern Jessica Reid. 

There's a range of students in age and ability already, Dowdell said, with some coming from Sequim, Port Angeles, Port Townsend and Chimacum. 

Dowdell said they intend to create a lot of enjoyment through activities based on an archive of musical theater and contemporary pop songs. 

The two weeks of work culminate in a free public performance around 3 p.m. Friday, July 27, at the schoolhouse, 2781 Towne Road, Sequim. 

Dowdell and O'Connell also will perform at 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 20, at the schoolhouse with Craig Buhler and Ted Enderle for Buhler's CD release event.