ANNA MARIA – After two weeks of rehearsal and education, the 2021 Children’s Drama Camp closed with two performances of “Biome” at the Island Players Community Theater.
The Camp is held by The Center of Anna Maria Island every summer and gives area children ages 5-13 a chance to learn all aspects of a theatrical production. Participants help design costumes, make set decorations, practice singing, and, of course, learn acting.
“I really like acting and singing, it’s really fun,” said Ava Harlin, who played Goliath Beetle, one of the three lead roles in the play about three animals who escape the zoo and travel the world searching for their natural biome, along with Elephant and King Snake. “It’s really rewarding to see the whole play come together. In the beginning, it seems a lot harder, but then it all just starts falling into place,” Harlin added, speaking of the challenges of performing in live theater.
“I’ve done this the whole nine years it’s been going on,” said 13-year-old Gabriella Gilbert, who has been acting since she was in pre-school, and played Elephant in the production.
“This will be my last year since I’ve reached the age limit, but I hope to volunteer and continue to work with the camp,” said Gilbert, who also plans to join her school’s drama club.
The production of “Biome” was more than 30 minutes long with more than a half dozen musical numbers and the children delivered their lines with authority and added plenty of personality that made this a genuinely enjoyable experience for everyone in attendance.
“We had 16 kids this year who ranged in age from 5-13 years old, but we had five kids that were five years old. This presents a challenge because at that age they don’t read yet,” said Pamela Sikkema, drama director for the camp.
“We only get seven two-hour rehearsals, so parents working with their children at home is really important,” said Sikkema, who is also a costume designer, and made all of the costumes seen on stage.
At the conclusion of the 1 p.m. performance, the Island Players presented a check for $2,000 to The Center of Anna Maria Island. This money comes from a grant the Players apply for every year.
There’s plenty more theater to come as The Island Players are excited to kick off the 2021-22 season on Sept. 16 with “The Savannah Sipping Society.” Tickets are on sale now and more information is available at www.theislandplayers.org.
