The second year of Pine Theater Camp kicked off on Monday, June 9th with 32 students excited to showcase their acting skills on the stage as they auditioned for this year’s camp show, “Storyville”.
“We’ve sat around the board room table for the last 8 years dreaming about how to make a youth theater camp experience a reality,” shared Board President Dawn Carpenter. “Through a series of conversations in early 2023 we were able to formalize this new partnership.”
Heritage Players is working closely with the staff for Pine County 4-H and Pine City Community Education to make the Pine Theater Camp possible. “Community Ed provides us with a dedicated space for the event, 4-H staff provides great leadership in youth development, and the Heritage Players provide the theater artists to direct and build out the artistic elements of the show,” continued Carpenter.
Over the three weeks of camp, youth audition for and rehearse a play, as well as build their skills in technical theater, leadership, and teamwork. “Obviously an important part of Pine Theater Camp is in learning about theater and preparing their show,” says 4-H Extension Educator Sarah Odendahl. “At the same time, we know that some of the most important things youth will take away from camp are new friendships and opportunities to learn about themselves.”
The public is invited to attend the camp’s free-admission performance of “Storyville” on Thursday, June 26 at 6:30p.m. at the Pine City High School auditorium. A donation jar will be available in the lobby for anyone wishing to support Pine Theater Camp expenses.
The Pine City Heritage Players’ mission is to enrich, educate, and entertain our community by providing a superior theater experience. The non-profit community organization serves the east central Minnesota area with participation from Pine City, Rush City, North Branch, Cambridge, Braham, Mora, Hinckley, and Grantsburg (WI) communities.
