This summer, a talented group of teenagers, mostly all new to the SWEET program, came together for an unforgettable week at SWEET Summertime, our teen summer drama camp. SWEET is meant to lead students straight from Magic Beanstalk Players to further explore acting and what the art has to offer from a professional and creative standpoint.
Kelsea Johnson, Tisha Donnelly, and Brianna Swofford provided their expertise and knowledge as drama instructors and got the students performance-ready in just five days. The week-long camp provided a crash course in acting, movement, and how to build a designed piece, based predominantly on experimentation. Despite the limited time, the students quickly bonded over their shared love of theater and worked tirelessly to bring the play Fidget by Bradley Hayward to life.
The play itself was a quirky and heartwarming exploration of how small habits and nervous tics, like fidgeting, can reveal deeper truths about who we are. Through a series of interconnected vignettes, the characters navigated their anxieties, friendships, and identities, resonating with both the young performers and their audience. We asked our students to audition for this piece, and very quickly, the students resonated with specific characters, and worked diligently to bring them to life.
The teenagers’ dedication was evident in every aspect of the performance. Their energy and enthusiasm turned Fidget into a captivating showcase of emerging talent.
This drama summer camp not only allowed the students to hone their theatrical skills but also fostered a sense of community and creativity that will stay with them long after their final bow.
We encourage any 7th to 12th grade student to join our SWEET program during the school year. Experienced drama students and students new to the stage who are interested in giving acting a try are welcome! The excitement of such a program is only elevated by the fact that in the coming school year, SWEET students venture to put on their first ever musical!
For more information on how to get involved, we encourage that you register your students online, or give Kelsea a call at the office (530) 283-1596. We look forward to seeing our students, and lots of new faces in September!
