By DAVE DOMESCIK | Staff Writer

MONTEVALLO – The American Village is now accepting applications for its Junior Interpreter Program. The deadline to apply for the program is Friday, Jan. 24.

“Each summer, up to 25 students ages 13-18 are selected to receive professional training and assist our educational interpreters in bringing the 18th century to life for our visitors,” read a Facebook post from American Village. “We are looking for students who are motivated, adaptable, mature and also possess performance skills, along with an interest in American history. This is an incredibly supportive, educational and fun way for your child to get involved this summer.”

Auditions for the program will be held in February, while the program itself will run from Thursday, May 29 to Friday, July 4.

Those selected for the program will receive professional training and learn to assist other interpreters at American Village in presenting life in the 18th century. General tasks for junior interpreters include managing colonial games, participating in historical vignettes and assisting in backstage areas.

An optional audition preparation workshop will be held in January. Training week will be May 27-30. Participants are expected to attend every Tuesday and Thursday until the program’s end on July 4. Only two absences are allowed, and attendance for training week and on July 4 is mandatory.

There is no fee to sign up for the program, but the purchase of an 18th century costume is mandatory. These costumes are custom made by American Village and fittings begin in March.

For more information on the Junior Interpreter Program, visit Americanvillage.org/jr-interpreter-program or contact Rebecca Evans at revans@americanvillage.org.