Before I found my place in the theater, my summers were defined by boredom (which isn’t necessarily a bad thing).

The Summer Dramatics Project was my first real venture onstage, when I was allowed to enter the program at 9 years old, despite the suggested entry age being 10. That show, “Peter Pan,” is still a favorite of mine because of the wonderful experience I had. I’ve never felt more important than when I did nothing all day then attend rehearsal at night (like a real Broadway star).

After the death of director Gordon Cavalero last year, I think many of us wondered about the fate of the program. It gave so much to so many hopeful theater kids: a place to be, a feeling of accomplishment, and the etiquette and skills to succeed. I’m incredibly thankful dedicated volunteers keep it going. It proves good art can prevail in the wake of anything.

This weekend, students will grace the stage in “Shrek the Musical.” If they are anything like I was at their age, they will be anxious to see your faces in the audience. Your presence in that house means their hard work was worth it. Trust me, the small amount you pay for a ticket lasts a lifetime in the eyes of a child.

So, if you are a fan of young “whippersnappers” staying off their phones and doing something worthwhile, now is your chance to support it. Go see “Shrek the Musical” by Summer Dramatics Project. And while you’re at it, support other causes by attending the events below.

Penn-Glade Lions Club is hosting a $25 all-you-can-eat rib dinner from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the club house, 150 Church Road, Penn Township. Take-out dinners are available. Bring a nonperishable food item for the chance to win a free dinner! Proceeds benefit the Penn Township and Middlesex Township fire departments. For more information, call 724-586-7660.

Jitterbug, cha-cha or line dance at a dance from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday at Highfield Community Center, 229 Highfield Road, Butler Township. Admission is $10, and everyone is welcome. This event is BYOB and snacks. For more information, call 724-283-1867.

All Saints Parish’s Twilight 5K & 1-Mile Fun Run starts at 7 p.m. Friday at St. Conrad Church, 125 Buttercup Road in Butler Township, rain or shine. Proceeds benefit the Sarah Kasunic/Emily Leyland Scholarship at Butler Catholic School, which was established in the name of two BCS graduates whom we lost too soon to an accident and an illness, respectively. Day-of registration will be available, with pricing dependent on which race you partake in. Visit allsaintsbutler.org/5k for details.

See “Shrek the Musical” by Summer Dramatics Project at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday in the Succop Theater on Butler County Community College campus in Butler Township. Tickets are $15 when you visit summerdramaticsproject.ludus.com.

Celebrate the Bloom of the blazing star prairie flower during a festival at Jennings Environmental Education Center, 2951 Prospect Road, Brady Township, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Enjoy demonstrations, guided walks, musical guests, vendors and so much more. Visit celebratethebloom.com for more information.

Raise funds for the Butler girls varsity soccer team by participating in a pickleball tournament from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday in Ritts Park in Butler. Registration is $50 per team. Sign up by filling out the form on experiencebutler.com/events.

Learn about the ecology of meadows and even receive some seeds at a talk hosted from 9 to 10 a.m. Saturday at Pavilion 12 in Alameda Park, 197 Alameda Park Road in Butler Township. This event is free, but please register by visiting bcpr.recdesk.com and clicking “Programs” and “Birding Program.”

Hear the group Steel City Ukuleles at noon Saturday in Butler’s Diamond Park, across from the courthouse, all for free during the Butler County Symphony’s summer concert series. There will be chances to win tickets and prizes. Visit butlersymphony.org for details.

Celebrate the life of Corey Comperatore at Corey’s Cruise from 1 to 10 p.m. Saturday at the Butler Fairgrounds, 1127 New Castle Road in Franklin Township. A memorial motorcycle ride will kick off the event with registration at 7 a.m., followed by an evening of live music and fun. Proceeds directly benefit local churches, first responders and animal rescues. Purchase tickets for $25 and read Corey’s story at coreyscruise.com/event-details/2nd-annual-coreys-cruise.

Middlesex Township Community Days lasts from 3:30 to 9 p.m. Saturday in the community park, 133 Browns Hill Road. There will be food, fireworks, games and more for families to enjoy. Visit experiencebutler.com for details.

A Night of Music at Butler Art Gallery and Center is a chance to hear three local artists and vote during the interactive “Selfie Show!” The music event is $5 admission and BYOB. The fun starts at 7 p.m. Saturday at 344 S. Main St., Butler.

Pull out your (Santa) suit for Christmas in July night swim from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Zelienople Community Pool, 402 E. Beaver St. This event is included in pool member’s daily admission, or costs $7 for residents and $9 for nonresidents. Visit zelieboro.org for details.

Concordia’s annual summer festival is an event like no other. From 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. Sunday, find fun at 134 Marwood Road in Jefferson Township in the form of games, crafts, a caricature artist, food, a children’s fishing derby and live music. Visit concordialm.org for details.

If you are interested in your event being featured in Miller Minutes, please email information to news@butlereagle.com.

Molly Miller is an Eagle correspondent.