The weeklong Missoula Children’s Theatre Camp at the Salem Community Theatre concludes Saturday with two performances of Treasure Island.
A group of students from kindergarten through high school have been preparing for the shows on Monday with casting. Rehearsals continued Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, with a dress rehearsal on Friday ahead of the Saturday performances.
One of the two directors is Joe Tomberlin, who began acting at age 11 and recently graduated from Converse University in Spartanburg, South Carolina, with a bachelor’s degree in musical theatre performance. Tomberlin says they then went to an intensive week and a half of training at Missoula.
“They teach us this building block technique where we teach them the rhythm of the lyrics first, then we go to the music, then we get it on its feet, and we keep on going from there. It’s actually very, very helpful with all of that.”
The other co-director this year is Chandler Ryan, who was born and raised in Wilmington, North Carolina, and will return to Fordham University in New York as a junior in the fall. She explained how they get so much done during a performance week.
“They emphasize speed, just go-go-go-go-go.. They talk a lot about the attitude you present with, how you keep them engaged and excited, ready to be there.”
Everyone is invited to the performances of Treasure Island at 3 and 5:30 Saturday afternoon. Admission is $5 for all ages. Tickets will be available at the door before both performances.
