GRAND RAPIDS — Summer is the time for camp, and for some kids, it is the time for theater camp.
The Grand Rapids Summer Theater Camp is organized by Itasca Area Community Education, and began on July 6. The cast and crew have less than three weeks to put together a full production of a family-friendly version of Treasure Island.
In a recent Area Voices conversation on the KAXE Morning Show, we heard from young actors Kinley, Evelynn and Boaz.
"It's pretty impressive to see how we can bring a play together," Boaz said, explaining how it can feel stressful at the same time. But, just before the show, something happens.
"We like to call it 'theater magic,'" he told us. "It relates to kids' imaginations."
The magic can also be a lot of work and worry too. Evelynn said, "I'm excited about it but at the same time I'm pretty nervous, because I have a lot of lines and I've never had that many before."
Kinley described seeing older kids like Evelynn and Boaz in a previous theater camp.
"When I saw you guys doing it, I'm like, 'I want to be like them.'"
All three have plans to continue on in theater. Their favorite part of it all?
"It's probably just me knowing the fact that I'm good at acting and I can do stuff and that I'm able to do it," Kinley said.
Evelynn said, "I like being on stage and the costumes are always pretty, too, but like my favorite part is probably just knowing what to do next."
Boaz likes have theater as a hobby and said, "Just to see how people enjoy our plays and how we can be a blessing to them."
Tickets for Treasure Island will be available at the door, up to one hour before showtime. The shows will be at 6:30 p.m. July 23 and 24, plus 2 p.m. on July 24.
Listen to our full conversation above to hear more about the sets, costumes and what their rehearsals have been like.
Tell us about upcoming arts events where you live in Northern Minnesota by emailing psa@kaxe.org.
Area Voices is made possible by the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund and the citizens of Minnesota.
