Theater helps kids find purpose
Hamilton County's new Christian Youth Theater, which kicks off today, is a dream come true for Lori Rigdon. "Not only am I able to do something that I love, but I feel that Christian Youth Theater will make a positive impact on children, families and our community," said Rigdon, Westfield, the theater's executive artistic director.
After two years of planning, Rigdon, 41, has started
Families interested in learning more about the
Seven 10-week classes for ages 4-18 begin Aug. 25, and auditions for the first show, "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown," will be Aug. 28 at
Rigdon talked about the theater and what's on the horizon:
Question: What does the theater teach children?
Answer: Christian Youth Theater will teach them all aspects of musical theater, teach them life lessons, tap into their creative side, prepare them for the future, all in a wholesome family environment. The whole family gets involved and works together to make the show a success.
Q: What distinguishes this from other children's theaters?
A: It is about kids and helping them to find their purpose in life. This will not only be a safe and creative place for children who love theater and want to grow in that area, but it will also be a safe and creative place for children who feel lost and struggle.
Q: What's going on at today's picnic?
A: It's a free event, and is a kickoff of the season. We will do this every year for families to reconnect and to start the season. We will have food and a DJ , with music and games.
Q: Who can audition for the shows?
A: You have to be enrolled in a class to audition for the shows. . . . Auditions for our first show will be the first weekend of our first class. Ages 8 to 18 can audition.
Q: What about summer camp?
A: The summer camps, which we will start next summer, teach musical skills and result in a showcase at the end of the summer.
They learn a short production to perform for their parents. They learn songs, drama, dance. They play games and make crafts that they use as props in the showcase. They have a great time working together.
We will offer camps for ages 4 to 18. Our first summer, we will just have day camps, but we would like to have overnight camps for middle- and high school-age youth in the future.
Q: What classes will be offered?
A: We will have seven classes the first session: voice, dance, drama, improve, tech/behind the scenes, Our Gang for ages 6-7 and Wiggles for ages 4-5. We will always offer these basic classes and offer more advanced classes each session as we have the interest and need.