Last year, I had to cancel my usual backyard Summer Theater Camp because my husband was so sick. After his passing last week, I decided that he would want me to continue to do summer camps. After all, he built me a beautiful shed to house all of my props and scenery and helped me create all sorts of set pieces for the shows. He would want me to get busy doing the things I love. Besides, our grandchildren who have been living with us just may want to be in the show.
The Musical I intend to do is "Never Cry Wolf" a retelling of the Aesop fable "The Boy Who Cried Wolf." This show can accommodate many children of differing heights to depict various populations, but my patio "stage" is limited. I know 30-35 children fill the space to capacity, and having more can get crowded. But then again, with this show, not everyone needs to be on the stage at the same time, so I might be able to expand the cast to 40-45. I have done this show with 40 kids and 50 kids and even 75 kids. But those times, I had more space and more helpers.
 | This play has many featured roles: the Teachers/Muses, the Old Woman, the Villagers, the Women, Musicians/Dancers, the Politicians, the Father and Mother and siblings of the Contrary Boy, and Aesop. The younger children will play School Children, Servants, Military Academy Boys, the little Sheep and the Wolf. And I simply must have a flamboyant actor to play "Altair the Magnificent." |
Whenever I choose a show, I need to have an idea of just who might sign up to be in the cast. Sure, I know that I'll get a bunch of little 5-7 year olds, and I have parts for them, but they can't carry a show. Even the 8-9 year olds are not mature enough to carry an entire show like this. I need to plan our camp schedule around the older kids who I know have the talent and capacity to learn the lines, songs and dances quickly and CAN carry the show. So, I end up doing a little investigating. I find out when school ends, when Scout trips are scheduled, and who might be on the swim teams, etc. Not that I will pre-cast the lead parts before I see the children, but it is good to have choices. I will be accepting children ages 5 - 14 years old.
I am still working out the exact dates. The Summer Theater Camp will likely be May 27th - June 7th (9am - Noon Mon-Fri) with a performance on Saturday June 8th at 10:00 am.
I love this show because the moral values taught are so important -- Sincerity and Work.
Contact me if you live in the Provo Utah area and have kids that would be interested.
FORGOT about Memorial Day on May 27th. So we will probably have to work around that day. Possibly add an extra 1/2 hour onto our days or add a Saturday. I will post soon what we decide.
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