Inaugurated just four years ago, KidsWeeks — co-sponsored in Sumter County by the Rylander Theatre — have proved to be a popular program for kids and parents.
KidsWeek is a week long summer day camp with classes in basic stagecraft and acting for youth in the first through fifth or sixth grades and the performance of a classic children’s play on Friday afternoon for parents, friends and the general public. The program is free of any charge.
The classes and the play are under the direction of Irmgard Schopen-Davis and Ray Mannila with the assistance of students from the Dramatic Arts Department at Georgia Southwestern State University. The play to be performed in the summer of 2010 will be selected soon.
In 2009 KidsWeek was conducted in Talbot County as well as in Sumter County. Already for 2010 weeks have been scheduled in Sumter and Pulaski Counties. The Hawkinsville Opera House will be the venue for the Pulaski KidsWeek July 5-9 2010. The Sumter County week has yet to be scheduled.
An added feature for the Sumter Kids is the opportunity to perform in other locales. The 2008 and 2009 Kids performed at the Georgia Theatre Conference and the 2009 Kids have performed at Sumter Elementary School.
Registration information will be posted soon.