By Annette Aubinger
Editor
SUAMICO – The Bay Port Drama Club had such success last year with its workshop that it came back again this year.
On Saturday, Nov. 18 the club held its workshop at Bay Port High School.
At each event, there is a theme. This year it was Disney’s “Moana.”
The workshop is offered to children in grades k-6.
Why do they offer the workshop? Hope Hardwick, Bay Port Drama Club president said theater is important.
The event was to teach kids different aspects of theater.
The movie “Moana” takes place on a Polynesian island. The workshops centered around that theme.
When the students registered, they each received a lei.
Workshops offered were singing, acting, dancing, costuming, stage crew and stage fighting.
Children were limited to the workshops they could attend.
Hardwick said the biggest thing for the children attending is that they get the experience of feeling comfortable in front of people. She said a lot of kids are shy.
Hardwick gave the example of the dance session. Taking dance lessons may put pressure on a child. Because this is a one day session, there is no pressure.
They want the kids to feel comfortable, have fun and gain confidence.
The drama club has 34 members. Hardwick is president, Blia Thor, vice-president, Jesse Robak, secretary, Abbey LaCroix treasurer. They also have trip coordinators Abbi Bender and Elise Cutler.
Participation in the club includes attending meetings and participating in the workshops.
Proceeds from the workshop go towards and end of the year field trip to a theater production.
Last year they went to “Aladdin” in Chicago.
Mrs. Pam Belden is the club’s supervisor.
“She is great and the students really enjoy working with her,” Hardwick said.
Belden advises the students at their meetings, attends the workshops making sure things go as planned and plans and attends the field trip with the students.
The club found out that the kids like the workshop.
They also found out the proceeds they make help with a big chunk of money to support the field trip.
This year they decided to hold two workshops one in the fall and one in the spring.
They felt it was a good way to raise money but also to keep the interest in theater alive.
Last year they only held a spring workshop.
The Bay Port Dram Club students enjoy working with the younger age kids. They enjoy showing off what they can do.
In the words of Hardwick, “We’re all drama kids. We like to perform.”