The Davie County Arts Council in Mocksville, NC will offer a rousing musical production in the summer of 2011 as the Missoula Children's Theatre provides thirty-two children with professional instruction in a week-long drama camp. Two performances of The Tortoise Versus the Hare will be presented in the Brock Performing Arts Center on July 2 at 3:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Tickets for adults and children are $7.00 for each show.
Please Note: Mocksville's Tractor Parade will be on the same date, Saturday, July 2, 2011. North Main Street (toward the Davie Public Library) will be closed from 2:00 p.m. until approximately 4:30 p.m. Those who wish to see the 3:00 matinee show will need to approach the Brock from the south side of North Main Street. One alternate route from the north side is to re-route via Campbell Road.
Missoula Children's Theatre Drama Camp in Mocksville, NC
Children from areas in and around Davie County, ranging from those who completed first grade to those who have finished the ninth grade, arrived eager and ready for auditions on Monday, June 27. Many of the kids are returning to the popular summer camp that offers professional instruction for children who are interested in theatrical productions, while others are getting their first taste of the art of drama.
The Missoula team offers two talented professionals to prepare the kids for the performances. Lacy Habdas, an actress who has lived and worked in Minnesota, New York City, Italy, and Germany has experience in performing and directing. Lanella Zotter, who has also acted in several productions, began an early acting career with a role in a Missoula Children's Theatre as a youngester. She also has an impressive travel history as she has explored France, Korea, and Australia.
Lacy and Lanella encourage the kids with a bit of wit and humor while demonstrating a variety of essential acting skills during auditions that are held in a group setting on stage. The kids are encouraged to speak in loud and clear voices utilizing a variety of accents, from regal to country to an elderly adult.
Some kids may be quite comfortable on stage while others might feel a bit more shy at first. The Missoula team does a great job of making all kids feel comfortable and encourage the children with plenty of positive reinforcement as well as offering group activities to break up the solo performances. Throughout this time, the children's strengths and personalities are evaluated to determine the best role for each child in the play.
Body movements are encouraged and demonstrated that show empathy for a character's role and thoughts. The kids begin to learn song lyrics and choreography in the audition that will be incorporated into the show. The kids might be asked to think outside of the box as they are directed to ad lib, pantomime, or even beatbox. Of course, there will be plenty of homework as children have only one week to learn their lines, lyrics, and stage directions in the script.
Optional workshops hone additional acting skills throughout the week. The older kids learn introductory pantomime. Kids in the middle age group study actor's tools while the youngest group practices creative dramatics.
Tortoise Versus the Hare Production in Mocksville at the Brock
As June comes to a close in 2011, enjoy a family-friendly play as Mocksville's Brock Performing Arts Center stage is converted into a delightfully musical tale of a turtle and rabbit and many other furry friends. The week's drama camp will culminate in two performances of The Tortoise Versus the Hare on July 2, 2011 with the matinee beginning at 3:00 p.m. while the second show starts at 5:30 that evening.
Adults and children who are interested in becoming involved with future productions provided by the Davie County Arts Council may learn more by visiting the Brock, checking out their web site, or signing up for their mailing list. They are located at 622 North Main Street in Mocksville at 336-751-3000. Auditions for the Spring 2012 production of To Kill a Mocking Bird will be held the first week of January.
Readers may also be interested in reading about:
- Davie High School Drama Presents The Million Heirs at the Brock
- Enjoy Free Family Entertainment at Davie County Public Library
- Children's Programs Teach Importance of Local History at Textile Heritage Center in Cooleemee, NC
Katrena Wells - Katrena Wells is a RN in NC with 17 1/2 years of experience in oncology, an educator since 1995, and has taught exercise classes since ...
