“Saturday morning was come, and all the summer world was bright and fresh,
and brimming with life. There was a song in every heart; and if the heart was young, the music issued at the lips.”— Mark Twain, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer
Spring classes have wrapped up here at Journey Theater and the cast, crew, and committees of Tom Sawyer celebrated a successful production. Now we welcome the transition into our summer session. Summer is for the kids – and here at Journey Theater, there is plenty to fill their days with fun.
Journey is offering summer camps for a variety of ages as well as a teen workshop for those interested in filmmaking. Camps are a fun-filled week where kids hone their skills in dance, drama, and voice for an end-of-week showcase. Many students get their first Journey Theater experience at our summer camps. Registration is open and spots are filling up fast! Follow the links below to enroll your child for an exciting week of theater, games, and community.
Broadway Bound 7 – 12 year olds
June 23 – 27 in Camas
July 21 – 25 – FULL!
Surf’s Up! 7 – 12 year olds
July 7 – 11 in Cascade Park
August 4 – 8 – FULL!
Camp Improv 12 – 18 year olds
July 14 – 18 in Vancouver – 1 spot left
Disney’s High School Musical 2, Jr 12 – 18 year olds
August 11 – 15 at Manor Church in Battle Ground
MEET CHARLIE!
Journey Theater is led by dedicated and talented individuals who make youth theater a joyful experience for everyone involved. Each month, we’ll be putting the spotlight on one of our dedicated board or staff members. Some of them work behind the scenes handling logistics and operations, while others offer their creative skills in the classroom or directing rehearsals. One thing they all have in common is a passion for the mission to make a positive impact on the youth. This month, one of our volunteer board members, Charlie Friesen, was happy to answer a few questions about himself and his time with Journey.
What’s one Journey Theater show you’ll never forget—and why?
“There are two memorable shows for me: The Wizard of Oz and You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown. The reason both of these shows stood out to me is that the whole production rested on some very young shoulders. The vocals in [The Wizard of Oz] are strenuous and to see a young girl handle those with such confidence was outstanding. You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown has similar reasons for standing out. There were some awesome kids handling difficult parts with seeming ease. It was amazing to watch.”
What’s one skill Journey Theater kids are learning that will stick with them for life?
“…The major skill I see these kids acquiring is that of confidence. I just saw Tom Sawyer this past weekend. The confidence that the leads had was great but I was also impressed with the confidence the young man had who opened the show giving out the rules and such. It was a big job for a young man to come out cold in front of the audience and fill the auditorium. He did a wonderful job.”
Finish this sentence: “What I love most about Journey Theater is…”
“What I love most about Journey Theater is the dedication of the staff, both administratively as well as the creatives. These people are involved to give the best opportunity to our kids. I never have the impression that this is “just a kids thing”. The attitude is: How do we do this the best possible way imaginable? And their success rate is high.”
What’s a hobby or interest you enjoy outside of Journey Theater?
“Since I retired, I’ve started a small artisan business. I craft wooden wall decor, carved kitchen spoons, wooden Christmas ornaments, and earrings. I also have built several live edge tables for different restaurants. That keeps me off the streets.”