Side by Side

The theatre program that has been running this spring is drawing to its close -- for now...

On June 2nd, at 7 p.m. (please be seated by 6.45!) at the Community Centre, the The Dwight Kidplayhouse Players will be presenting examples of the fun they've had and the crafts they've learned. It is titled Side By Side, and is a a group of scenes, some live acting, some puppet acting with two or three kids per scene on various subjects as their interests dictated. For example, two young folk wanted to explore Shakespeare. A few young lads were interested in mighty warrior stuff. You can imagine the diversity.

Glenn Copeland admonishes that one should not consider it a production in the common sense of the word. It's not about a script, or memorizing lines... it's not about entering from upstage left, or hitting the mark stage right... or voices off... It's about all of that and so much more, because what they've been working on has been about developing and exploring as many different aspects of their own creativity as possible without having to have a goal in mind.

Glenn reports that he and his wife Elizabeth, along with Adrienne Starr and Dave and Lisa Walton have been having a wonderful time with these kids. The whole program has been process rather than performance oriented. And part of that process has been trying to develop a sense of community with them. There were only two guidelines: The first is to respect each other. The second is to take care of each other.

The journey has been great fun, and the production is just a temporary stop on the road. If there is enough interest, a summer two week long program is in the works. Possibly even a workshop series for adults if there are any takers!

Special thanks must go to the Dorset Lion's Club, who provided support for five children to attend this program. We are all grateful.

All the world's a stage, and exploring that world is what Kidplayhouse Theatre is all about.