Inaugurated just a few years ago, KidsWeeks — co-sponsored in Sumter County by the Rylander Theatre — have proved to be a popular program for kids and parents. Check out this published comment.
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 Sumter County program is free of any charge — other sponsors may charge a small fee to cover expenses.
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 2011 will be selected soon.
In 2010 KidsWeek was conducted in Crisp, Pulaski and Sumter Counties including performances of The Pied Piper of Hamelin. Sponsors wishing to schedule weeks in the summer of 2011 should use the contact link on our web pages.
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.