By Laura Swanson
Step into the 100-year-old Bay City Arts Center building (yes – celebrating that milestone this year!) on a Tuesday or Thursday the last four weeks, and you’ll find the building a live with dozens of children and adults. All working diligently toward a shared goal, the first performances for the Youth Theater group March 13, 14 and 15. Local authors children’s books have been adapted into plays – “Hokey the Hoquarton Troll” by David Mattison and “Squid in the Snow” by Levi Timm. “The kids are experiencing every aspect of what it takes to put on a theatrical production,” explained BCAC Executive Director Lauren Sorg. As groups of kids (3rd through 6th grades) assisted with background painting, set building and costume design, while other groups were upstairs rehearsing, practicing staging, while still other groups learned about lighting and props.
The energy and excitement were palpable and everyone was “on a mission” – the countdown to opening of the plays was three weeks away. There was no tension or stress, everyone with a job (or two) to do with laughter, and most importantly, fun. The ringmaster of the organized chaos is Ken Griswa. This master of all trades, responsible for transforming the upstairs performance room at BCAC into a bonafide, professional theater experience. And now sharing his theatrical expertise with 22 kids and 10 adult volunteers, putting on two plays based on local authors’ children’s books. “I want to give them the complete experience stage, tech, acting, lighting,” enthused Ken. “These kids will be immersed in everything that it takes to put on a production. It’s so much fun for everyone!”
It’s breathing life back into this historic building, and just the beginning for a growing community theater program. “This is a place for everyone to belong,” said Sorg. “It feels like a revival of our community.” Sorg had secured grants for the updates/upgrades to the theater including stage, curtains, lighting, tech. Now as the new executive director at BCAC she is turning her attention to the 100-year-old building’s maintenance needs, wall and lighting upgrades for the gallery showings, the kitchen and more.
Back to the plays – director Nate Drahn has the “Hokey The Hoquarton Troll” crew on stage, practicing lines, staging and more. While Lindy Cady, director of “Squid in the Snow” helps with gathering props and costumes until her groups turn on stage. “We are letting them develop the characters to have a creative experience,” said Ken. “We want to empower the kids to be the best and have high expectations for their performances.”
Everyone has a role, meanwhile, the painting crew has completed one backdrop and quickly moves onto the next one. There are 16 scenic backdrops that will be constructed into a book with page turns during the plays. Overseeing the creative paint-by-number process, Melissa Stenberg gets the next backdrop spread out, and paint brushes quickly descend on the soon to be masterpiece. The group had completed 12 of the 16 backgrounds under her guidance, and with this technique, anyone can be a landscape painter. The participants were asked what they liked about the theater program, and the chorus of “Everything!” was the response.
Adult volunteer (and parent) Allyson Taylor has an important task, fueling up the kids before they launch into action, she makes snacks for the kids then helps out wherever she can. “I really love how collaborative everyone is, getting to see all the aspects of the theatrical production is really awesome for the kids and all of us,” she added.
Awesome it is indeed – the energy and enthusiasm from the entire group exuded joy and fun. This is just the beginning of what is envisioned to be a flagship theater and performing arts program for the community. Next up a live radio play, summer camps, improv and more … “I’d love to hear from community members about their dreams and visions for the theater space,” said Ken. “Do you want to do a musical performance? We have professional sound and lighting now.” The theater space seats about 60 people. It’s an intimate space that provides a very personal viewing experience. And it’s a fun place to belong!
Mark your calendar for Hokey the Hoquarton Troll and Squid in the Snow at Bay City Arts Center March 13, 14 and 15. For information about tickets go to www.baycityartscenter.com. To find out more about the happenings at Bay City Arts Center subscribe to their newsletter; if you have ideas and would like to participate in the theater program email to director@baycityartscenter.com