The stage at Presser Performing Arts Center has been transformed into many designs in the past, and in one week it will take on the look of a ranch in Oklahoma at the turn of the century.
For two weeks, beginning this week, 48 young actors and actresses are attending the Fine Arts Camp at Presser learning their roles, songs and dances to the musical “Oklahoma.” The climax of all their hard work will take place July 18 and 19 when they present the musical to the public.
According to Lois Brace, executive director of Presser Performing Arts Center, this is the second year for the camp and there are youth of various ages participating. "We have kids who just finished third grade through college students," stated Brace. The youth come from the surrounding areas in addition to Columbia, Colorado and Nebraska (kids visiting grandparents for the summer).
The performers begin at 9 a.m. and work vigorously until 4 p.m. Monday through Friday for two weeks (with lunch and water breaks) under the direction of Debbi Baldwin from Colorado, formerly of Columbia, who was director last year. Baldwin returned this year because she enjoys the camp here and says it is very well run. "There is this beautiful theater (pointing to the interior of Presser) and kids who enjoy theater," she added.
She also praised Brace and the volunteers who make the camp a success. In the past at other camps Baldwin had to perform other duties in addition to directing. "I had to sew costumes, build sets and more, but here I do not have to do that, there are others who do that," she said happily.
Brace and Baldwin are pleased with this week's outcome, especially the singing, "They sound fabulous and they have a good handle on it," stated Brace. It also helps to have kids who want to be at the camp for the fun and experience of the theater.
Marshall Forbis who portrays the evil Jud Fry is back for his second year. He participated last year and said it was fun. "It is fun and good experience," he said. He is also having fun this year and would recommend the camp to other kids. "Everyone should try it once," he stated.
This week the performers will go through the entire production with song, dance and dialogue. Then next week they will polish their acting skills to prepare for Saturday and Sunday's performances.
Performing on stage is not the only skill being taught during these two weeks. Baldwin's husband, Tim, is teaching technical theater. He is the technical director and set designer for the musical. Brittany Rateliff and Elly Kehl are two of his apprentices learning the trade of lighting, building props and other behind the scenes activities. Both expressed they are getting a kick out learning different aspects of putting on a performance such as a musical or play. "I am enjoying it very much," Rateliff said. "I give them (Brittany and Elly) a task and they go to it," Tim Baldwin explained.
Two other professionals in their trade are assisting with the musical. Sean France, director of dance for Presser Performing Arts Center is the choreographer; and the costumes are being designed and sewn by P.J. Davis of Mexico who is also the costume master at Stephens College in Columbia.
"We have a lot of excellent help and volunteers," Brace explained. "The community support for the arts is growing more and more, " she boasts. She added the performances at Presser are well attended.
The Mexico Area Community Theatre organization is also helping with the musical. The group was in on the inaugural camp last year and members are back this year. "We were on the ground floor with the planning stages," stated Marty Jones, president of MACT. "We help with the historical society's (Audrain County) History Camp and we wanted to do something with fine arts," he added. He also commented that this year's camp is bigger than last year's. "It is growing," he said smiling.
The public will have the opportunity to watch the stars of "Oklahoma" show off their acting abilities next Saturday and Sunday. Saturday's show will begin at 7 p.m. with Sunday's at 2 p.m. Tickets may be purchased at the door or online at www.presserpac.com.
Mexico, Mo. —
