Producer Peter Sklar will speak locally

SYCAMORE - What do Mischa Barton of "The O.C.," Zachery Ty Bryan of "Home Improvement," Lori Loughlin of "Full House," Rick Schroder of "NYPD Blue," Sarah Jessica Parker, Reese Witherspoon and Ricki Lake all have in common?

They've all been coached, directed or discovered by Peter Sklar, a Broadway producer who will speak at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Artistic Dance Center, 2180 Oakland Drive, Unit D. Sklar's complimentary lecture will be "Young Dreams ... Fears, Hopes & Fantasies of Fame."

The free talk will provide insights into the relationships between self-esteem, health and professional success, with a behind-the-scenes look at stage mothers, industry scams, the causes of eating disorders, and the role of talent agents and casting directors.

The recipient of a master's degree in education from Harvard University, Sklar is the producer of the upcoming Broadway musical "The Kid Who Played the Palace," directed by Bill Martin. Sklar is a nationally known expert in the fields of child development and the entertainment field. His work has been featured in numerous major articles in The New York Times, Dallas Morning News, Chicago Tribune, Kansas City Star, Atlanta Journal-Constitution and many other newspapers, as well as on VH1, The Bravo Channel, "Good Morning America" and "Donahue." Reservations are required for this lecture. Those younger than 18 must be accompanied by a parent; nobody younger than 6 will be admitted.

For reservations, call Mindy Walker at (815) 754-4232.