Thespians from ages seven on up are shown on Monday morning, July 25, as their week of Theatre Camp under the direction of the Old Creamery Theatre Company in Amana began. Four South Tama High School drama students are also assisting in the week-long event which culminates in two performances on Saturday at the Wieting. Photo/Michelle Evans

This week s total of 60 thespians age seven and older will be busy learning their songs, lines and dance steps to delight you with “A Mystery at Mimsley Manor”. Students will be busy learning skills such as being comfortable in front of a crowd, vocal projection, stage directions, technical aspects of theatre and how to cooperate and work as a team to put on a musical in one week.

They will be in the experienced hands of Katie, Keegan and Carin, professional actors, from the Old Creamery Theatre Company in Amana, Iowa. Hunter White, Wyatt Hintermiester Kennedy Adams and Jennifer Barajas, South Tama High School drama students, will be volunteering their time to assist the directors and Guild members.

Performances will be held on Saturday, July 30 at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Ticket prices are $5 for adults and $3 for students. Concessions will be available before the show. Advanced tickets can also be purchased at 9:45 a.m. or 2 p.m. on Friday at the theatre.

This year three scholarships were awarded in memory of Mary Sillman Johnson. Mary loved having her out-of-town grandchildren stay with her during the week of theatre camp. Other grandparents also take advantage of this opportunity. Mary and Tom Doyle’s three granddaughters look forward to camp and staying in Toledo all year. “The girls love practicing their lines together in the tree house, taking part in local activities such as swimming and going to the movies after camp and performing in front of the entire family in costume and makeup on Saturday,” said Doyle.

Local students appreciate the opportunity to perform for their friends, families and neighbors.

Luis Avalos said, “Camp Creamery is a very nice experience for kids interested in acting. I’ve learned lots of things in my three years of going. I enjoyed the experience of acting, singing and dancing all mixed into one play I plan on attending every year that it’s offered.”

“I really like theatre camp because you can be yourself while having fun. We get to put together entertainment for the community at a low price,” remarked fourth year participant, James Hofer.

“I loved working with the fun directors,” stated Maeley Elsbury.

Jonah Houghton feels, “Theater camp is the best place because you can act like you want but still do your best. It’s like school, but more fun!”

“If I could explain it in one word, it would be “fantastic.” You can be creative,” said Hannah Houghton.

Third year participant, Emily Carnahan, had this to say, “It is one of my favorite things to do in the summer because we get to put on a fun play.”

Come and join in the fun this Saturday at the Wieting!