Side By Side

To develop curiosity, resilience, self-esteem, critical thinking skills and empathy – all this while having fun and taking care of each other... how magical is that??? Twenty kids found out, during their time with Kidplayhouse Theatre, through the Dwight Public Library.

The rest of us found out when the group presented a selection of skits. Titled SIDE BY SIDE on June 2nd at the Dwight Community Centre. What an explosion of creative play and imagination was on display, under the guidance of Glenn and Elizabeth Copeland and their team of volunteers.
Special thanks must go to the Dorset Lion’s Club, who sponsored five children to attend this workshop.

From Pippy Longstocking Reinvented, through Gilgamesh, Dinosaurs, Dragons, puppetry, an interlude with Shakespeare, a cautionary tale of Doves and Chickens, and some music from Les Mis, the young actors shone, sparkled and laughed their way through the production while the parents and friends pretty much rolled in the aisles.

It takes a lot of courage to get up in front of everyone and speak, sing, or tell your story. You have to be brave to walk out on that stage...

Elizabeth and Glenn were kept on the hop working with these aspiring actors, and thanks go also to their assistants Dave Walton and Adrienne Starr, Peggy Hurley and Kim Goodwin-Myers who helped give the push to get this program off the ground, David and Lisa who helped with sets and everything in between them, and Cogeco for loaning digital equipment to allow the recording of the moment.

This is one of the great programs offered through the Dwight Library. It was the first time it has been offered, but from the response, you should be watching for more of the same. We’re all for it – get the imagination in gear, and there is no limit at all to what a child can dream.

For those interested in having their kids enroll in the Fall/Winter Program, contact info is: Kidplayhouse Productions, Glenn and Elizabeth Copeland email: thefolks@kphproductions.com

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