Page 35 - Wayne County

memorize lines, songs, and dances in just two short weeks. Pinder excitedly remarks, “They handled the performance like pros. With such a short time to get this show together, they did a wonderful job! I could not have been more proud.” During the camp, the children met for four hours a day Monday through Friday. The play, derived from Charles Schultz’s renowned comic strip “Peanuts,” followed the main character in his quest for happiness. In the end, with the help of his friends, he discovered that happiness is actually all around him, and that he just had to recognize it. Even the antagonistic Lucy admits that he is a “...good man.”

After all this hard work, the important question is: did they have fun? “This is so much fun! I am going to do it every summer until I am too old!” Clark (aka Pig Pen) exclaimed. At the cast party, excitement was in the air along with the chatter of proud family and friends. “I can’t believe that most of the children had never acted before. With only two weeks of preparation they did a wonderful job!” said costume designer Diane Bennett. With smiling faces, the kids eagerly asked if the camp would take place again next year. The answer is yes. Young assures, “We will defnitely do this again next year. Giving this opportunity to the kids has been worth all the hard work.” This production would not have been possible without the help and support from members of the community. The Altamaha Children’s Community Theater extends special thanks to the following: Lane’s Music, Tori Ayres, Caitlyn Keller, Jason Martin, Ray Thornton, Leland Smith, and Robert Bird. In addition to the recurring summer camp the new directors are hoping to expand the offerings to include an after school program and productions involving adults. The name of this organization is also undergoing a change and will soon be known as Altamaha Community Theater. “We feel that by changing the name we will truly encompass all of the community and allow access to the theatrical arts to people of all ages,” explains Tyre. The directors are clearly looking forward to the future of this theater program, and the opportunities it will provide to the citizens of Wayne County.  WCM