2006 Activities:

December 8 - Christmastime at the Theater

CHRISTMAS PRODUCTION ANNOUNCED: "The Velveteen Rabbit"

 Performance dates for  "The Velveteen Rabbit," directed by Kelly Hornsby and Tina Maslankowski, are:  December 15, 16 & 17, 2006

November 4 & 11 - Shadow puppets - Children between the ages of nine and twelve and in grades 3-6 are invited to learn how to create shadow puppets at the Blue Ridge Community Theater.  The teachers are Kathy Thompson and Eleanor Buchanan.  Students will learn about the history of shadow puppets, make their own puppets, make a cardboard puppet stage and create their own plays.

October  28 - Halloween make-up bash

September  16 - Characterization workshop (ages 9-12)

August 19 - Ms. Sue Canady's "The Art of Storytelling' (ages 10 & above)

August 12 - Saturday Morning at the Theater - Tim the Magician

July 22/29 - Saturday Morning at the Theater - Veggie Tales

July 8 - Saturday Morning at the Theater - Ladida

July - Oral History Project - Storytellers

June 29 - Production by Summer Camp participants at Blue Ridge Community Theater

June 12-23 - Summer Camp, Two weeks Monday - Friday, 9 -12 noon.  Summer Camp is scheduled for two weeks beginning June 12, Monday through Friday from 9 to 12. In 2005, we had 62 kids, from six states. We are expecting at least 75 kids in 2006. 

March 31, April 1, 2 - Spring Play, Wizard of Oz.  Tina Maslankowski, executive director of our 2005 Summer Camp, will direct The Wizard of Oz. We are all excited about bringing this classic to the Blue Ridge Community Theater.

 The Sunny D Children’s Theater announces the cast for their Spring Play

“The Wizard of Oz”

Pictured L-R: Front row: Miranda Wilson, Zachary Cox, Lee Sanders, Mac Sanders. Second Row: Adam Boyce, Rebekah Romano, Brittany Dockery, Bethany Hawkins, Grace Little, Ericia Almond, Cierra Hudson. Third row: Brian Pope, Hann Sims, Krista Kurtis.

This is a non-musical version of the L. Frank Baum classic adapted for our stage and directed by Tina Maslankowski.

When a nasty neighbor tries to have her dog put to sleep, Dorothy (Rebekah Romano) takes her dog Toto (Spike Webb), to run away. A cyclone appears and carries her to the magical land of Oz where she meets a host of wonderfully odd characters. Wishing to return home, she begins to travel to the Emerald City where a great wizard lives. On her way she meets a Scarecrow (Brittany Dockery) who needs a brain, a Tin Man (Adam Boyce) who wants a heart, and a Cowardly Lion (Brian Pope) who desperately needs courage. They all hope the Wizard of Oz (Grace Little) will help them, before the Wicked Witch of the West (Hanna Sims) catches up with them. On their quest, our foursome triumphantly face a living forest, swarms of bees, evil flying monkeys and a very angry witch only to find that what they each desired more than anything... they had all along.

Our cast is made up of 15 fabulous actors ranging in age from 7 to 16. Glinda, the Good Witch of the North is being played by Ericia Almond. The munchkins are doing double duty on stage by filling the roles of the flying monkeys as well. Those amazing youngsters are: Zachary Cox, Connor Jones, Lee Sanders, Mac Sanders and Miranda Wilson. Other actors with dual roles are: Krista Kurtis as Aunt Em and an Emerald City Resident and Bethany Hawkins and Cierra Hudson as the fantastic living forest and Emerald City Residents.

This full length play only runs for one weekend so DON”T MISS IT!  Show dates are March 31^st, April 1^st and April 2^nd.  Call the Blue Ridge Community Theater box office to reserve your tickets today. (706)632-9223

January 28 & 29, 2006 - Auditions for  The Wizard of Oz

Tuesdays, January 17 - February 21:  Acting Class ages 12 to 17

January 10:  Acting Seminar:  Scene Work - 6 Weeks by Webb and Buchanan

2005 Activities

October 31 - Halloween:  "Nightmare on Main Street"

Yard Sale people. L-R: Eddy White (Habitat), Bill Marsh, Joe Webb, Sandra Delany and Elaine Owen

Sunny D Children's Theater held a yard sale across the street from Habitat for Humanity's Heavenly Has competition May 7.  The sale raised over $700 for scholarships and expenses for Sunny D's summer camp, scheduled for June 13-24 at the Kiwanis Fairgrounds, said Elaine Owen.  (Article from THE NEWS OBSERVER,  Page 1, Section B, May 13, 2005)

Sunny D's Children's Theater SHOWCASE PRODUCTION:  ANNE FRANK AND ME by Cherie Bennett and Jeff Gottesfeld, published by Dramatic Publishing. 

April 15, 16 , 17,  2005

This thought provoking all youth performance directly confronts the lack of knowledge many have about the Holocaust.  This national award winning new American classic is about the awakening of a modern teen who denies the holocaust.  Nicole Burns doubts the truth about the Holocaust and cares even less, but ultimately comes face to face with the horrors of the Holocaust and--in an extraordinary sequence--meets Anne Frank on a cattle car to Auschwitz.  Nicole is transported from her present life of unfinished homework and young love into Nazi-occupied Paris, 1942-44 and back again with many lessons learned about the past. 

The lesson of Anne Frank & Me is clear and the impact is powerful. It reminds all who see to never forget. This production provides an exceptional life lesson and theater experience.

Shannon Fleeman is delighted to be a part of Sunny D’s Children’s Theater Showcase Production of Anne Frank & Me by Cherie Bennett. She is supported by the excellent team of Assistant Director/Stage Manager, Jason Smith, and Producer, Mike Fleeman.

The News Observer, December 24, 2004, C15

Sunny D Kids Bring Christmas Spirit

News Observer photo/Cynthia Maude

Sunny D's Children's Theater members brought the spirit of Christmas to town during Light Up Blue Ridge festivities Nov. 27.  The children, led by Father Christmas Dick Kelly, braved the elements to process down East Main Street, bearing candies and singing favorites such as "Here Comes Santa Claus," "Jingle Bells," "Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer," and "Santa Claus is Coming to Town."  Sunny D Kids were joined by community members and musical director Tina Maslankowski, who kept their spirits up in the cold.

A Christmas Story, produced by Sunny D Children's Theater Workshops and sponsored by the Blue Ridge Community Theater, opened December 10th for three shows on Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday matinee at 3:00 p.m. at the Kiwanis Fairgrounds.

It's Christmas time and there's only one thing on Ralphie Parker's Christmas list this year: a Red Ryder Carbine Action, 200 Shot, Range Model Air Rifle. But many obstacles stand in the way of his dream. It seems every adult that he knows keeps telling him he'll shoot his eye out. Meanwhile The Old Man just got a Major Award, a leg lamp, and Mom is making sure he doesn't come near her turkey. On a triple-dog dare, Ralphie's friend gets his tongue stuck to a flag pole. Christmas is drawing nearer and Ralphie visits Santa at the department store in hopes of asking him for his dream gift. Will he receive it? Find out December 10-12 at the Kiwanis Club of Blue Ridge.

Sunny D Children's Theater Summer Camp 2004

SUCCESSFUL SUMMER CAMP!

The Sunny D Children’s Theater Workshops, presented by the Blue Ridge Community Theater, completed its third annual summer camp the end of July, 2004.  It was such an exciting and fun time for the students, the parents, the instructors and the volunteers. 

Theater camp is a very unique summer program.  Children ages 5 to 16 were offered a well-rounded experience to challenge and encourage artistic and personal growth.  The students learned acting skills, including speech, expression, improvisation and performance.

The Fantasy Players include Maya Milner, Sarah Seabolt, Paul Walker, Zaxhary Cox, Foster Holt, Matthew Jaffie, JJ Jonason, Tyler Wheat, Bobby Whitley, Santiago Baptista, Rachael Bradshaw, Brandon Kilfoyle, Timothy Ledford and Dylan Simpson.  Instructor Barbara Jonason and Volunteer Ashley Thomas are also shown.

Our summer camp theme this year was Adventures in Fantasy.  The kids were divided into three age groups and each had a name.  We had the Fantasy Players, the 5 – 7 year olds.  Then there were the Fantasy Adventurers, the 8 – 11 year olds.  The Fantasy Travelers were the 12 and older group.

Campers include Lindsey Arp, Sarah Cox, Leah Jonason, Robert Kilfoyle, Samuel Sims, Grace Walker, Madison Kolacz, Judah Romano, Will Morris, Shaunna Ricci, Jennifer Smith, Matthew Seabolt, Ashley Harper and Billy Simpson.  Volunteers are Linda Peery and Jan Thomas with Instructor Kim Huffman.

This was our first year with an age specific written curriculum, thanks to Ann Kinnebrew, our camp Director.  Ann’s curriculum was filled with fun ways for the children to learn about theater.  There were games, craft projects and acting roles involved.

The Fantasy Travelers include Evelyn Carruth, Nicole Daves, Kelsey Kinnebrew, Shandi Kolacz, Melissa Rice, Rebekah Romano, Arin Satterfield, Raven Welch, Ross Alexander, Ericia Almand, Marie Daves, Paige Ferrell, Justin Harper, Joshua Ledford, Krista Ledford, Sarah Morris, Katie Rice, Maria Gross, Lauren Jaffie, Sarah Jordan, Kevin Peery, Sophia Swain, Alison Kinnebrew and Tyler Evans.  Also shown are Instructor Amy Sarrell, Volunteer Patti Vick-Lee and Director Ann Kinnebrew.

Several instructors worked to bring it all together for the children.  Barbara Jonason worked with the Fantasy Players, Kim Huffman had the Fantasy Adventurers and Amy Sarrell assisted Ann with the Fantasy Travelers.  Each class had volunteers to help facilitate.  The volunteers were Gina Adams, Linda Peery, Veronica Romano, Ashley Thomas, Peg Clow, Veronica Crockett, Davis Palmour, Yvonne Daves, Gina Ledford, Jan Turner, Patti Vick-Lee and Tina Maslankowski.

Then there is the core team of people that work all year long to bring this summer camp to the children of Southern Appalachia.  The core team consists of Pat Webb, Sandra Delany, Elaine Owen, Lucy Alderman, Ann Kinnebrew, Bill and Susan Marsh and Linda Clabaugh.  This team meets once a week and is the best team of people I have ever worked with.

The feedback from the children and parents this year was all very positive.  All of the children said they would be back next year!  That is the best response we could have gotten.

Not only do the children learn about acting and other aspects of theater but also they learn self-discipline, how to work with others and their self-esteem is bolstered.  They meet other children and build lasting friendships.  We had two girls, one from Texas and one from Georgia that will be visiting one another in the months to come.  There were two boys, one from Marietta and one from Woodstock that will be doing the same thing.  One young lady, normally rather shy, really blossomed and had a great time.  To see the positive changes in the children is so gratifying to all of us who care so much and devote so much of our time to the children’s theater.

Our camp this year was held at the Kiwanis Fairgrounds in Blue Ridge.  This facility was fabulous!  We had the use of three very large rooms, the snack bar and the surrounding grounds.  This worked out beautifully for the summer camp.  Each of the rooms was used for an age group.  This was a nice separation and each group had the privacy and space they needed.  We were able to set up stages so the children could put on performances.  When you’re an actor it always feel better to be “on” a stage you know!

We could never do all that we do without our corporate sponsors.  Our very generous sponsors this year were Appalachian Community Bank, Little and Drost Attorneys, Mountain Life Magazine, TDS Telecom and United Community Bank.

 About a third of those attending camp were on scholarships.  Caring people in our community that want nothing more than to show the young people the magic of theater fund the scholarships.  Those that contributed scholarships this year were Dr. Gregg Codelli, Kiwanis Club of Blue Ridge, Lucy Alderman and George Cary, Bill and Jane Whaley, Howard Slaughter, Sue Green and Ed and Dot Quinn.

Other donations came from Steve and Carolyn Seabolt, Stacy Chastain, Big Jim Flooring and the Blue Ridge Storytellers.  These donations were used to buy costumes, supplies and snacks.

Every morning there were some very nice ladies at St. Luke’s Church that fixed breakfast for those that wanted to go over and have some before camp began.  Fr. Victor Morgan, Patsy Williams and Kathy Cochran took time to care for our kids. 

We would like to thank all of our sponsors, scholarship contributors and donators…without you we could not do all that we do!

Each of the groups put on an end of camp performance for family and friends.  It was very entertaining and everyone loved it!

Sponsored by Appalachian Community Bank

The Herdmans are horrible!  The six siblings are the terrors of the public school and it's hardly surprising when they extend their reign of terror to Sunday School and take over the church's Christmas pageant.  This is a memorable story of an outrageous family of children who discover the Christmas story and help us all rediscover its meaning. (Paraphrased from the book cover by Barbara Robinson)

Cast
Evelyn Carruth - Claudia
Abby Crawford - Mrs. Armstrong
Megan Foster - Angel Choir
Hannah Johnson - Imogene
JJ Jonason - Hobie
Leah Jonason - Doris
Kelsey Kinnebrew - Maxine
Jeremy Klopp - Fireman
Lauren Klopp - Alma
Victoria Klopp - Mrs. Clark/Reverend
Grace Little - Gladys
Megan Little - Juanita
Mariyah Martin - Angel Choir
Skyler Martin - Charlie
Alex Matheson - Mrs. Slocum
Brittany McCord - Choir
Brian Meadows - Choir
Kevin Peery - Father-Bob Bradley
Justin Queen - Fireman
Abigail Rice - Beverly
Katie Rice - Mother-Grace Bradley
Melissa Rice - Alice
Judah Romano - Leroy
Rebekah Romano - Allie
Hanna Sims - Mrs. McCarthy
Casey Watts - Ralph
Raven Welch - Beth
Angelica Wolfsberger - Shirley

Singers
Judah Romano, Rebekah Romano, Kelsey Kinnebrew, Alex Matheson, Brittany McCord, Megan Little, Grace Little, Megan Foster, Skyler Martin, Mariyah Martin, Bobby Whitley, Jakob Brucker, Kevin Peery and Raven Welch

Behind The Scenes
Director -  Barbara Johnson
Musical Director - Pam Lindsey
Assistant Director - Jeremy Klopp
Sound & Lighting - Brenton Klopp, Richard Scott and Linda Clabaugh
Set Construction - Bill Marsh
Stage Managers - Susan Marsh & Susan Little
Assistant Stage Managers - Justin Queen and Abby Crawford
Ticket Sales - Linda Clabaugh
Cast Party - Susan Marsh & Veronica Romano

                                                  Children's Christmas Play

                                          Above photos from "CONFLUENCE", February 2003, Volume 2, No. 1

The Blue Ridge Community Theater presented "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever " by Barbara Robinson, produced by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc.  This first annual children’s Christmas production, by the newly formed SUNNY D CHILDREN’S THEATER, was co-directed by Liz Frias and Pam Lindsey.  The Appalachian Community Bank sponsored this production.

The Herdsmans are horrible!  The six siblings are the terrors of the public school, and it's hardly surprising when they extend their reign of terror to Sunday School and take over the church's Christmas pageant.

This is a very funny and memorable story of an outrageous family of children who discover the Christmas story and help everyone rediscover its meaning.

Cast:
April Abbott - Doris/Angel Choir 
Laurie Abbott - Mrs. Armstrong 
Michael Abbott - Shepherd 
Nate Abbott - Angel Choir 
Tony Abbott - Fireman 
Ross Alexander - Ralph Herdman 
Brooklyn Cole - Choir/Mrs. Clausing 
Elizabeth Dills - Imogene Herdman 
Micah Everett - Ollie Herdman 
Megan Foster - Angel Choir 
David Haight - Leroy Herdman 
Ainsley Harris - Angel Choir 
Taylor Harris - Claude Herdman 
Hannah Johnson - Alice Wendleken 
Jessica Johnson - Mother-Grace Bradley 
Connor Jones - Hobie
Taylor Kirkpatrick - Choir/Angel
Brenton Klopp - Father-Bob Bradley
Jeremy Klopp - Elmer
Victoria Klopp - Mrs. Slocum
Grace Little - Gladys Herdman
Grace Little - Gladys Herdman
Meg Little - Shirley/Angel Choir
Skyler Martin - Juanita/Angel Choir
Lindsey Panter - Mrs. McCarthy
Kevin Peery - Reverend Hopkins
Rebekah Romano - Mrs. Clark/Announcer
Judah Romano - David
Michael Smith - Charlie Bradley
Raven Welch - Beth Bradley
Anne Marie Whitener - Maxine

Credits:
Adult Fireman - Bill Marsh
Costumes - Debra Miles
Stained Glass - Susan Smith
Sound & Lighting - Louis Schubert, Sandy Schubert and Linda Clabaugh
Set Construction - Bill Marsh
Technical Support - John Frias
Behind the Scenes - Susan Marsh, Debra Miles and Linda Perry
Wrap Party - Earlene Alderman

Directors:
Liz Frias 
Pam Lindsey

Stage Management:
Pam Lindsey

Drama Coach:
Ashley Suhar

Producers:
Earlean Alderman
Patricia Webb

Light Up Blue Ridge 2002:

The Children's Cast from "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" performed at "Light Up Blue Ridge" on November 23, 2002.

HeARTSongs:

The Gateway Mountain Players, in conjunction with the Blue Ridge Mountain Arts Association, presented weekly, musical performing arts classes for children fall 2002. 

HeARTSongs, created and developed by local resident Pam Lindsey, was offered September 10th through December 3rd, 2002. Parents and family members enjoyed attending the Finale Performance and Show. 

Classes were held on Tuesday afternoons at the Gateway Mountain Playhouse at 577 E. Main Street. Class age groups offered include: 
    "Side by Side" from 3:30-4:00 P.M. for toddlers up to age three with an accompanying adult; 
    A class for "3,4, & 5" year olds, from 4:00 P.M. - 4:30 P.M.; 
    And an "early elementary" class from 4:45 PM to 5:30 P.M. for 1st-3rd graders. 

The lively, uplifting program is designed to make involvement with performing arts a basic part of our children's early learning experiences. The children participate in singing, dancing, stage performance, and making and playing homemade
instruments. 

Page 6-Section B, THE NEWS OBSERVER,  Friday, September 6, 2002

CHILDREN'S THEATER CAMP

                                                                    News Observer photo/Brian K. Finnicum

Participants in the Sunny D Children's Summer Theater day camp staged a performance for family and friends at the Sugar Creek Music Park at the conclusion of the two-week camp.  The performance included seven musical numbers including "I'll Tell You A Story," shown here, and six drama productions.  The camp, for children ages 5-14, was a dream of Gateway Mountain Players co-founder Dee Luckett who passed away July 14, said camp volunteer Barbara Morris.  The purpose of the camp was to give children an opportunity to see how theater works, including acting, directing, staging, lighting and costuming.  Forty children participated, including several who received scholarships to attend.  The camp director was Diane Brown, and other volunteer workers were music director Pam Lindsey, Liz and John Frias, April Monticello, Morris, Ann Kennedy, Pat Webb and Linda Clabaugh.  Liz Frias said the Gateway Children's Players will present a Christmas play this year, as well.

Children's Theatre Day Camp

In accordance with the Gateway Mountain Players’ mission to enrich the cultural life and education of the residents and visitors we held a summer day-camp program for children ages 7 to 12. There were two weekly sessions, July 8 and July 15 with an end of camp performance presented by the children participating in both Day Camp weeks. Camp day was from 9:00 AM to noon with a mid-morning juice break.

The program featured a curriculum-based, outside the classroom learning experience using theater games and artistic exploration. Theater games, such as improvisation, mime, expressions, were used to challenge kids imaginations. Voices, body movements, and stage presence through the teaching of basic theater skills were used in the development of self-confidence and exploration of artistic ability.

The Theater Day Camp was directed by Dianne Brown and produced by Dolores Luckett and Patricia Webb.   Ms. Brown  currently teaches at the Fannin Middle School. Ms. Brown has had extensive drama experience. Since 1964, she has been dedicated to teaching children and highly involved in the area of the performing arts. Her achievements are many, such as Theater at the University of Florida, Community Theater in Tennessee, Drama teacher in Gainesville, Florida, theater teacher, both technical and performance at North Cobb High School in Kennesaw, Georgia. Ms. Luckett and Ms. Webb, who produced the project, are founding board members of the Gateway Mountain Players.

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