Youth Theater Camp starts in Paw Paw

The Morgan Arts Council's (MAC) first youth theater camp in Paw Paw begins Monday, August 13 and continues through Thursday, finishing up that day with a performance by the students. Any youth between the ages of five and 18 is encouraged to attend and walk-ins are welcome. A grant from the Eastern West Virginia Community Foundation – Jane P. Snyder Youth Fund helps make this an affordable option for any family in the Paw Paw area. All activities take place in the gymnasium at the Paw Paw schools complex.

Camp activities are from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily and take the form of a theater arts workshop taught by Brice Williams and Margi Griffiths. Both are practiced and trained theater professionals. Williams is the theater teacher at Berkeley Springs High School and Griffiths has taught numerous theater classes for MAC as well as elsewhere. They are assisted by teen aides.

Students will be exposed to all parts of theater activities from performance to technical support. "Parents will be amazed at how beneficial theater work can be for their children," explained Mary Hott, MAC's Executive Director and a native of Paw Paw. "Poise and confidence are the basis for success in any area and theater work helps develop both by teaching children how to feel comfortable speaking in front of a group and the self-discipline needed to memorize lines—or improvise them to fit a situation." Hott was instrumental in planning and funding the camp. "I would have loved spending a week doing theater when I was growing up in Paw Paw," she recalled.

Although mid-morning snacks will be provided, children are expected to bring their own bag lunch and a water bottle each day. "We encourage some of the civic groups in Paw Paw to get involved," said Hott, "They could provide snacks or scholarships for students."

For more information on the Paw Paw Youth Theater Camp or the Morgan Arts Council and its youth programs call 304-258-2300.