Welcome to Summer Theater

Canton High School graduate Trevor Pierce had a simple solution to the lack of a summer youth theatre program in Canton. Start one.

“I thought it would be very beneficial to have a program in town,” Pierce said. 

Fortunately for Pierce, the Parks and Recreation Department was on board.

Director Brian J. Wilson liked the idea of the program and using the recently renovated theater at Town Hall, which Pierce did as an Eagle Scout project last year.

“I was kind of excited about the idea,” Wilson said. 

So – pending enough signups – Canton Amateur Summer Theater will debut this year with a seven-week program and production of “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown."

Pierce, a first-year theater student at the University of Pennsylvania, is excited about the program, which he feels offers something for both the kid who’s never been on stage and those who have done so on several occasions.

“While the focus is going to be to put on a show, it’s going to be fun,” said Pierce, who will be producer and director for the show.  

That fun will include an acting coach, improv games, active rehearsals in both the auditorium and cafeteria at Canton High School and even a chance to make some of the props for the production.

The first 35 children – ages 10 to 16 – to register will  get into the program. During the first rehearsal on June 29, Pierce and the other staff members for the production will have each participant sing the same part, play some theater games and pick the lead roles. Anyone who is interested in trying out for a specific part will get the chance to sing a specific piece but the process will not be intense.

And everyone, even members of the ensemble, will get a character name and be included in each scene, Pierce said.

“Every kid feels important on stage,” he said.

Cost is $400 for the seven-week program. While a rehearsal will beheld June 29, the next one will be July 5 and they will then run 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. during the week though Aug. 11. Production dates will be Aug. 12, 13 and 14. Those who want to be considered for a lead role can miss a maximum of three rehearsal days due to vacation, etc. while ensemble members can miss five.

A minimum of 20 participants would be needed for the program to go forward, Wilson said. 

To sign up go to http://www.cantonrec.org. Questions can be directed to pierce at tpierce@sas.upenn.edu.