Parents, kids appreciate theater camp, play

By STEVE NEWMAN

news@yourdailyglobe.com

Ironwood - Liam Schoeller was pleased with the performance he and other area children put on Saturday as Prairie Fire Children's Theatre put on the play "Sleeping Beauty" at the Historic Ironwood Theatre. When asked how he felt during the play, he simply said, "Nervous." "I don't think they missed a line," he said of the afternoon performance. "It amazes me." The annual theater camp for kids is, for him a "highlight of the summer."

The group of campers was in excess of 60 children, and the task of making the group into a group of play actors in just a few days fell to Prairie Fire co-directors Paige Woods and Garrett Cameron. Woods, who is part of the staff for her first summer, said the part she has enjoyed the most is "meeting so many kids." "They inspire us by being so full of life," she said.

When asked about the challenges of working with such a group, Cameron said challenges vary, but most problems have to do with kids being able to read, retain and deal with what is put in front of them. For him, the challenge can be learning names, with a new group of kids every week. "They have me outnumbered, and let me know about it if I don't," he said.

Parent Bethany Hellen not only brought her children, Owen and Rubye, but helped out with makeup. During the week, the kids would practice from 9 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., and she compared it to a "school schedule" as far as their sleeping and getting to practice. She thought the experience has been good for her kids. Her son, Owen, in his second year of the drama camp, has become a "ham" on stage, she said.

Beth Billie talked about the experience for her daughter, Miah, who also was involved for the second year. "It's busy, but it's fun and definitely worth it," she said. "When you get to use the theatre, it is always worthwhile."

Carol and Jesse Walitshek had two children, Trenton and Trinity, who were involved. Carol said that as parents, they would sometimes stay and watch practice. She said their kids love it and "are already looking forward to next year." She said that it is "something for kids in the summer." "There's not enough of that." she added. She remembered going to such events when she was young that were held some 20 years ago.

One of the children who acted in the play, Mathias Anderson, summed up his experience by saying he "likes the action" and when he is out on the stage he will just "go out and ignore everything and have fun." "It's just fun to do new things," he said.