A week of 'Pure Imagination'

Summer camps can always come with their share of drama, but the camp held at Park Theater this week came with drama, comedy, music and more.

The first of a pair of theater day camps presented by the Park Theater and Warren Arts wraps up with a free performance for parents, friends and the community Friday, June 12 at 5 p.m. at the Park Theater. Themed "Pure Imagination – A Broadway Junior Revue," the show is a culmination of a week of learning and fun. Designed for children in 1st through 12th grades, the camps serve as a great introduction for newcomers and an opportunity for experienced youngsters to improve their skills in the world of theater. Children learned about performing on stage as well as learning what it takes behind the scenes to produce a show.

“It’s been crazy fun," Warren Arts board member and camp director Dana Sexton said. "This group of campers will be memorable for me. They have been the best. Our show ‘Pure Imagination’ is a ‘junior’ Broadway Revue of several favorite songs from our favorite shows all performed by our cast of 40 students in grades 1st all the way through 12th. They were cast into roles on Monday and have been rehearsing this one-hour show all week, at camp during the day and at home, too.

“I would like to thank my co-directors and other camp leaders, our junior camp leaders and so many helpers for volunteering their time to support the kids and Warren Arts this week. Thanks to The Park Theater and City of McMinnville for collaborating with Warren Arts to make this camp happen every year.”

From Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., children filled the historic theater taking part in a wide variety of activities from rehearsing songs and dances to creating scenery.

Marley Clark, Iva Newman and Kate Gibbs were three of the happy campers who each came away from the week with several memorable experiences.

"My favorite part is all of the songs and the art we've been doing," Clark said.

"My favorite part is getting to be someone else you don't usually get to be," Newman said. "Also, it's been fun doing art and helping with all the shows. I've done three shows before, but this is my first camp."

"My favorite part is making stuff, but also getting to act. I have a solo in the show," Gibbs said. "It's actually super fun. I've learned a lot about the theater and a lot about the stage."

Session 2 is "101 Dalmatians KIDS" and will run July 20 - 24 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. daily in preparation for a free performance for parents and friends Friday, July 24 at 5 p.m. at the Park Theater. Based on the classic Disney film, "101 Dalmations KIDS" features a memorable score and many lovable (and despicable) characters.

Cost for the camp is $100 plus tax per child. Each session is a separate camp, and children aren't required to attend both. A sibling discount is available with more information available by visiting the Park Theater box office at 115 W. Main St. or calling (931) 506-2787.