Communities

33rd annual Camp Kids Playhouse in the works

ELKINS -- Summer is for grand capers and this one is no exception. The Old Brick Playhouse team is planning their 33rd season of Camp Kids Playhouse for June.

The Old Brick Playhouse creates camp around a series of mysteries and this year, they will travel around the world in five days. Students not only rehearse and present a showcase production for family and friends, but they also share in a weeklong quest.

"Each year, our team looks forward to planning camp. We pull out all of the stops and try to maintain the magic of summer in one action packed week, we love to surprise our students. One year, some of our special guests included a pet chicken and a pet duck," said Missy Armentrout McCollam, OBP executive director.

The Old Brick pens two short original plays with music each year for campers to perform. Additionally, students participate in theme parallel activities and create extensive visual arts projects as well.

"Our tried-and-true strategy is to encourage students onstage at an early age in the form of improvisation and games. We have found throughout the years, that later in life, these students are comfortable with public performance and public speaking" said Old Brick Playhouse Assistant Director Phil Smith.

This year in "The Most Excellent Adventure", young explorers will not only appear in costumed production, they will also travel around the world searching for clues to uncover an ancient treasure. Participants will explore street theatre in Italy, rhythms of the Congo in Africa, and even chat with OBP alumni from around the world.

"We are fortunate to have such a strong creative team," said Armentrout McCollam. "They build puppets, create fanciful costumes, and animate almost everything."

The Old Brick accepts students from ages 5 to 11. Camp for younger students ages 5-7 is June 17 through June 21. and camp for older students aged 8-11 will attend June 24-28.

For more information, visit www.theoldbrick.org.