Kids learn to be more dramatic

Activities are in full swing a the historic Douglass Theatre these days!

On Monday the Douglass begins this year’s signature Stageworks Summer Theatre Camp, an inspiring hands-on, day camp experience that aims to enrich the cultural foundations of our local youth.

The Stageworks campers explore the world of theater through hands-on art making, character design, dramatic exercises, script writing, problem solving and more. The camp’s in-depth involvement gives them a true sense of ownership and pride in their work.

“Our Stageworks Theatre Camp is an all-inclusive experience in which every kid participates in the final product,” said Gina Ward, director of the Douglass Theatre. “The camp accommodates 25 students who receive hands-on professional instruction in various creative and technical aspects of the theater.”

Open to ages 7 to 14, Stageworks is the perfect opportunity for children who are interested in getting involved in the theater. The camp encourages artistic expression through participation in the performing arts (acting, singing and dancing) and enables them to develop the technical skills of theater production (direction, lighting, sound, props and set design). It affords them the experience of onstage performers, as well as allowing them to work as behind-the-scenes technicians.

The final performance, entirely created and produced by the campers, results from Stageworks’ unique educational experience that aids in the development of creativity, social skills, goal achievement, self-esteem, and communications and life skills.

Stageworks Summer Theatre Camp 2017 will be held Monday through Friday, June 5-July 14. The students’ solo public finale production will be held at 7 p.m. July 14. The public is invited to this free performance.

On the Big Screen

The Douglass is screening the horror film, “Get Out,” next week as part of their Thursday Night at the Movies series. The movie is about a young, interracial couple who visit the mysterious estate of the woman’s parents, where he learns that many of the area’s residents, who are black, have gone missing. The film starts at 7 p.m.

For more information about the movie series and other events at the Douglass Theatre, call 478-742-2000 or visit douglasstheatre.org.

Of Special Note …

The third annual Heart of Georgia EggFest, an event dedicated to the Big Green Egg Smoker-Grill, takes place Saturday at the Ace Hardware in Gray from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. All proceeds benefit the Children’s Miracle Network in support of our local children’s hospital.

This story was originally published May 31, 2017 at 3:33 PM with the headline "Kids learn to be more dramatic."