The latest edition of The Strand Village Project #thrive Arts Theater Youth Camp brought Broadway to Jena with the campers presenting an hourlong production entitled “MTI’s Broadway JUNIOR Revue – Raise Your Voice.”
The camp was held the first two weeks of June and culminated with a one-night performance at the Jena High School auditorium Friday, June 12.
“What was different about this production from past productions is that there was no script – just the musical numbers,” stated Camp Director and JHS Drama Club Sponsor Tracy Joy. “So, the youth actually wrote the script to accompany the songs.”
What resulted was a story of a theater camp where attendees learned the importance of being themselves, going against the norm and allowing their individuality to be used in a positive way. As the campers presented their program to the crowd Friday night, they actually presented personal reflections of their lives and thus allowed the musical to be more impactful and inspiring.
A total of 11 youth in grades 5-8, accompanied by three high school students, performed 15 songs with many of the numbers having choreographed dance routines.
The cast included: The Confident Leader – Grey Harris, The Belonging Leader – Zaylee Walker, The Caring Leader – Callie Jo Davidson, The One Who Finds Her Own Path – Adelyn Lambeth, The Explorer – Dane Lindsey, The Safe Risk Taker – Abrianna Walters, The One Who Leaves Her Comfort Zone – Addilyn Holley, The One Who Discovers New Things – Skyler Descant, The Courageous One – Emalee Gooden, The One Whose Difference is Strength – Landon Corley, The Encourager – Presley Lindsey, The One Who Gains Confidence – Myka Johnson, The One Who Finds Her Voice – Reagan Patten and The One Who Breaks Expectations – Jaynie Mason.
Along with Director Tracy Joy, others working the camp included Site Coaches Holly Grant and Blake Joy, #thrive Arts Interns Greyor Harris and Zaylee Walker, Sound and Lighting Technician Blake Joy and Stage Manager and Crew Chief Ceanna Benandi and Jillian Parker.
The program was offered to parish youth as a component of The Strand Village Project #thrive and was funded in part by a Substance and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program Grant from The Rapides Foundation.
For more information or to discover future #thrive camps, visit www.agreaterlasalle.com or visit their Facebook page at LaSalle Economic Development District.
