STANDISH — Schoolhouse Arts Center, 16 Richville Road (Route 114), will complete their final kids camp of the 2018 season with the stage presentation of “The Snow Queen Kids” from Friday, Nov. 2 through Sunday, Nov. 4.
Each year Schoolhouse offers several camps for kids of various age groups. Each camp help kids to develop self-confidence as kids learn about acting, theater and teamwork. During a 10-week session, kids work together to produce a live stage production. Each camp culminates in performing their production before an audience of family, friends and patrons of Schoolhouse.
This latest camp has been meeting twice a week since Aug. 21. This camp involved eight kids ranging in age from 5 to 12 years. Some of them have participated in previous camps and workshops at Schoolhouse. For several of the younger cast members this is their first experience on stage. All of them have learned about stage etiquette, memorizing lines, scene blocking, acting, costuming, props, lighting and the importance of projecting their voice. Along the way they have learned about the importance of working together, following directions and self-motivation.
This well-known Disney production follows closely an original fairy tale written by Danish author Hans Christian Andersen. The tale centers on the struggle between good and evil as experienced by a young girl named Gerda and her friend, Kai. It is one of Andersen’s longest and most highly acclaimed stories. “Snow Queen” has been performed many times across the country and is loved by children everywhere. “Snow Queen” later gave rise to the Disney classic “Frozen.”
The camp has been directed by longtime director, Joellen Lemont, of Gorham. Lemont grew up in theater in Massachusetts, acting in many plays, both in school and the community. In college, she was a coordinator of a theater outreach team at Gordon College in Massachusetts. Later she directed plays at Hall-Dale Middle School in Farmingdale. From 2004 through 2015 she lived in China where her husband Colin taught English at the local university. For several years, she directed the American children living in the city, who performed their productions for the community, university students and facility. Since returning to Maine, Lemont has been deeply involved with Schoolhouse Arts Center where her own daughters, Molly and Emily, have participated in numerous productions.
For those who want to enjoy a classic children’s fairy tale and share it with their children or grandchildren, this production is a must-see. Four performances will be given between Friday and Sunday. Evening performances will be held at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Matinees will be performed at 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for students and seniors. Call 207-642-3743 for reservations or buy tickets online at www.schoolhousearts.org.
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