Local Talents Create Short Film From Their Experience at the Performance Center's Summer Theatre Camp

As the Effingham Performance Center prepares for the second session of its Summer Theatre Camp, Theatre Director Rich Jorn is taking pride in how the program has drawn local youth to the creative process of performing in a theatre setting.

But Jorn says the camp has an added benefit beyond learning the basics of theatre, and is much more than "just doing a play".

"We love teaching them about theatre, the craft, the tools and all that, but what this camp really promotes is self-confidence", Jorn says. "When they start out, some are quiet and shy, but by the time it's over, they're on stage with confidence. Whether they pursue theatre in their life or not, this program gives them tools they'll carry with them, especially public speaking, which almost all of us are afraid of. Whether it's small kids, teens or adults, confidence is a tool that will help them in work and social settings throughout their life, and we love seeing them succeed and grow in this program."

Area kids performing during the first session of the EPC's Summer Theatre Camp

The summer camp's first session drew 31 kids, and ended June 26 with two performances, "Goldilocks on Trial" and "Law & Order: Fairytale Unit".

The second session begins July 7 and runs through the 17th. Registrations are still being accepted, and more information about enrolling your child is located here.

The play for the 2nd session is "Ten Ways to Survive the Zombie Apocalypse", and is a free performance set for Thursday, July 17 at 7pm. That night will also be Parents Night, where patrons can see the work students have created during the session.

Jorn says previous theatre experience is not required. Kids will learn the basics of theatre and improv, including a focus class for concentration, a music theatre class, scene study class and arts and crafts for younger children.

One of the classes called "Project" is something Jorn seems particularly passionate about. Geared towards high school students, Jorn guides the kids through the process of creating a film or theatre project from scratch. From the initial idea, building the script, and in this case, filming and editing the project, Jorn tells us, "It's all them, I let them brainstorm and guide where they need me. Every bit of it was them." 

Local talents Shauna Sloan, Jacob Swan, Kat Blickem, Alex Jorn and Andrea Hortenstine all took part in the first session, where they wrote, directed, edited and starred in a short film entitled "The MTL Project" (direct link). The film centers around mysterious happenings at The EPC.