Friday, February 11, 2011

Charlotte's Web the Musical

The Williamsburg Recreation Commission is pleased to announce the show that will be performed during Summer Theater Week is the musical version of Charlotte's Web, a classic tale that celebrates the power of friendship, even those friendships that at first may seem unlikely.

The musical version of Charlotte's Web is based on the book by E.B. White, adapted by Joseph Robinette. Music and lyrics by Charles Strouse (Annie, 'Bye, 'Bye Birdie). Published by Dramatic Publishing.

All children who participate in the Summer Theater Week will have the opportunity to perform on stage in a variety of roles. Backstage opportunities will be available for children who would like to participate in a more "behind-the-scenes" manner. All of the children will have the opportunity to work on sets and create costumes and props. The week will begin on Monday morning, July 18, with a fun introduction to the show, some singing, dancing, and reading lines for those children who wish to perform on stage, and assignment of roles. The week will be filled with rehearsing, set and costume design and creation, recreational outdoor activities, team building exercises, and games. The week's activities will culminate in a free community performance on Friday, July 22 at the Anne T. Dunphy School in Williamsburg.

Enrollment is first open to residents of Williamsburg and Haydenville as the Recreation Commission's goal is to provide local, quality summer activities for families in town. Children from other communities are welcome to participate if space is available.

Registration materials will be provided this spring. Please see the post below for further information and email Pamela Plumer at theplumers@gmail.com to express your interest in having your child or children participate.

Monday, February 7, 2011

Summer Theater Week Save-the-Date

Thank you to those families who completed the Summer Activity Survey. There was a great response from families.

Since many families are already planning summer vacation activities, the Williamsburg Recreation Commission is sending out this save-the-date for a "*~*~*~*~Theater Week*~*~*~*~" which will be held at the Dunphy school July 18-22.

Here is some of the important information:

Goal: To foster the creativity of Williamsburg/Haydenville children in a fun and dynamic environment while producing a show from start to finish in one week.

Hours: 8:00-3:30 Monday, July 18 through Friday, July 22, with a free show performed for families/the community at the end of the day on Friday, July 22.

Fee: $150 per child for the whole week. Please contact the recreation department at burgyrec@gmail.com for questions about the fee as we want many children to be able to participate if they are interested. There will also be a discount for families with multiple participating children.

Leaders: The activities will be led by Kimberly Overtree, a performing arts and math teacher at The Ethel Walker School in CT, who has her Masters in musical theater, and Pamela Plumer, a Haydenville resident and mom of three, who has her Ph.D. in school psychology. Both have extensive theater arts experience and many years of experience as summer camp counselors. Additionally, there will be a number of high school students helping during the entire week.

Age of children/types of activities: Children entering Kindergarten through those entering 8th grade are invited to participate, with many types of roles available. In addition to on-stage roles of varying size, children will also have the opportunity to build and paint sets and create props and costumes from start to finish. Some children may also be interested in backstage activities. Even if your child does not want to perform on stage, there will be plenty of activities to participate in throughout the week. The children will have snack and lunch breaks as well as fun outdoor activities planned throughout the day. Enrollment will first be open to children from Williamsburg or Haydenville.

More information will follow soon, but if you think your child/children might like to participate, please email Pam Plumer at theplumers@gmail.com to express your interest and ask any questions about the details of the week, including the hours of the program.

Please pass this information along to Williamsburg/Haydenville families who might be interested.