Raise the Curtain
Opportunities abound for people to take part in summer theater. On stage or behind the scenes or at camps to hone theater skills, summer seems to be a popular time to make time for the stage.
Jim Neutrelle of Butler Township, one of the educators at Camp Artsanna!, said summer is a stress-free time to try something new.
"Some of our students are just not sure about theater and want to explore it outside of school to see if it is something of interest," he said. "There is less pressure that way, and it is only a week commitment at a time."
As a teacher, Neutrelle enjoys his time working with the children.
"The classes are usually a manageable number, and we get to know the students and often spend time with them individually to master their skills," he said.
Neutrelle, who was a teacher at Butler Junior High School and then was in the drama department working with musicals for 16 years at the Butler High School, enjoys when summer classes come around.
"Anyone who has been bitten by the theater bug enjoys the opportunity to keep involved with it," he said.
While Judy Wadding of Butler Township didn't really go looking for a summer theater opportunity, she was delighted to become involved.
"It all started with my granddaughter Katelyn wanting to be a part of the Butler Summer Dramatics program one year," she said of how she got hooked on the idea of summer theater.
"The people were so great, and I enjoyed the kids so much that gradually I became involved in the summer shows basically just doing whatever is needed."
Summer theater has become a tradition for Kathy Campbell of Donegal Township."My oldest daughter, Tanya, became involved in Summer Dramatics in 1996," said Campbell, who began to volunteer where needed. "I started helping with makeup, costumes and ticket sales, and after three years, I became co-producer."Tanya went on to be assistant director when Summer Dramatics presented "Annie," and the following year, Tanya directed "Oklahoma."For the Campbells, summer theater is a family affair. Daughter, Katie, is involved, and Campell's husband is the sound technician."Although summer theater requires a lot of work as in all theater, it is a much more relaxed atmosphere than high school musicals," said Campbell of how summer theater is different."In the high school musicals where there are big cuts, a lot of the kids don't get to experience theater. All the kids get to participate with Butler Summer Dramatics," she said noting that it often builds self-confidence, self esteem and lets young people make new friends.Summer theater isn't just for youths. There are a variety of opportunities for adults to show their talents or explore their alter egos on stage.Karen O'Donnell, who has been involved in summer theater since 1970, said summer is a more flexible time for people to make a commitment to the theater."For us at the Musical Theatre Guild, we typically select shows that have smaller casts so there is less rehearsal time, and that is attractive to some who don't have time for a larger scale production," she said.The summer audience is also different."Frequently in the summer, some of the audiences contain out-of-town visitors while our regular attendees are out of town for the run of the summer show," O'Donnell said.
The MTG hosts its summer shows at the production center in Butler Memorial Park, and O'Donnell surmises there are some who prefer it that way."The smaller crowd and the intimate setting we can create at the production center is often a plus," she said.Summer, for Marissa Wagner of Concord Township, is a perfect time to hit the stage. She's been involved with summer theater since she was 16. She now is a graduating senior from Slippery Rock University."For me, the summer is the only time I have to participate in the theater business, so I am very thankful we have opportunities around here in Butler. I also know that other friends of mine do summer theater because it's the only time they have available," Wagner said."I really enjoy the summer productions because I have many friends who I only get to see while working on the shows. It's also a great way to keep myself busy when I am only working and school is out."Danielle Sickle, 18, of Butler Township likes to have the time to focus on the theater without distractions."The summer is, in my opinion, the most fun because you don't have to worry about school and other things as much during tech week or during rehearsals," she said of her nine summers in the theater.With families going so many different directions, Sickle enjoys that her mother has the opportunity to be active in the productions as well."Summer shows are extremely enjoyable because everyone involved is so dedicated," Sickle said. "My mom helps out with the show, so it gives us a chance to 'hang out' with each other during the summer as well."
