THOMASVILLE- It’s off to Neverland this Thursday as Thomasville On Stage and Company’s summer drama camp presents Peter Pan Jr.
Directed by Pat Orr and assisted by Kimsey Hodge, the show amasses the largest number of campers to date, with 36 kids ages 7-17 participating.
According to Orr, the age range has definitely been a challenge, but also been inspirational as she has watched some of their youngest actors grow through rehearsals and acting coaches, provided as part of the summer camp.
“We teach them all of the basics and bring in experts, rather it be teachers from other counties or local experts,” Orr said.
Students were able to learn improv during their four weeks of rehearsal, which Orr said tickled her to see the kids partake in. However, the kids also got a new visitor, music teacher, Justin Smith, who Orr said was one of the most inspirational teachers she’s had the opportunity to work with.
“He talked to the children about what to do with stress and it was so great that when they got a break some of the girls cried, because you could tell he touched their hearts,” Orr said.
After two hours of learning from professionals, Orr said they begin rehearsals.
Initially concerned that there would be a lack in participation due to Cairo High School also holding their drama camp this week, Orr said rehearsals have been jam packed with high energy.
“I don’t know what brought them all out, but it has been astounding,” she said. “I have loved this and I hope they have too; it has been my passion teaching them.”
Orr’s focus has been on teaching the campers the basics of acting, including projection, but she has also had them learn about the central plot of productions, including ascending action, climax, and descending action. She has had the kids keep a journal, where they record what the climax of their life has been and Orr was thrilled to see that some of the kids wrote this camp has been the highlight of some kids’ lives.
Many of these kids will get up on stage for the first time on Thursday night to portray a character they’ve been building for weeks.
Peter Pan Jr. tells the story of Peter Pan (Kayden Ferrell) and his mischievous sidekick Tinkerbelle (Jadie Wain Such), as they visit the nursery of the Darling children, Wendy (Ivey Clapper), John (Renji Gilmore), and Michael (Remy Gilmore), while searching for Peter’s shadow.
Awakened by the noise, Wendy confronts Peter, who whisks away the children to Neverland, where adventure awaits them meeting the Lost Boys (Noah Harrison, Cam Carvin, Adrian Sims, Liam Stone, Luke Bozeman and Ben Bailey), and fighting off Captain Hook (Cameron Stewart) and his sidekick Smee (Lucy Basford), as the Darling children try to return home.
“It’s just been wonderful to see the children introduced to theater,” Orr said. “We hope this is our most successful show yet.”
To see all these young actors in action, tickets can be purchased at tosac.com for the Thursday, Friday, and Saturday shows at 7 p.m. and the Saturday and Sunday matinee at 2 p.m.
Tickets are $15 for student and $20 for adults.