#pureimagination… with Kimberly Hubbard

We were thrilled to hear from Kimberly Hubbard who is playing the role of Grandpa Joe in this weekend’s upcoming production of Willy Wonka Kids. Check out what she has to say.

hubbard“Hello! I’m Kimberly Hubbard. I’m excited to be playing Grandpa Joe in one of the casts of Willy Wonka Kids. For those of you not familiar with the story, Grandpa Joe accompanies Charlie on Willy Wonka’s factory tour – a tour that is filled with quirky turns and… a surprise ending!

Grandpa Joe has been a fun character for me, because not only does he get wheeled on stage while sitting in the bed with the other grandparents, he sings, dances, and flies in the air.

Throughout these last 10 weeks, the two casts of Willy Wonka Kids have learned lines, blocking, songs and dances. We are now in the final week of rehearsals which is one of the most exciting times for me. We get to wear our costumes, see the sets and go through our final runs of the show before showtime.

As always, Jamie Carr Harrington, our director, has done an amazing job of directing and choreographing our show. Now she and her staff are putting the final pieces together to make it a wonderful experience for the kids and an entertaining show for the audiences. I’m sure it will be fantastic.”

 

logo_200x200_000326Grab your tickets to see Kimberly and the other amazing kids in Willy Wonka Kids. Shows are Friday at 7; Saturday at 3 and 7 and Sunday at 3! Call 799-2510 to join us!

 

Kimberly Hubbard first performed at Town Theatre in 2010 as Orphan Kate in Annie.  Since then she has performed in regular season shows, summer shows, and the youth program at Town. Her past favorite youth program roles include Maleficent (Sleeping Beauty Kids), Fagin (Oliver Twist), and Drizella (Cinderella Kids). Last summer Kimberly completed SC Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities’ Discovery Program (Drama) and will participate this year in SCGSAH’s Academy program.

#pureimagination with Anna Grace & Matthew Boney

It’s time for some #pureimagination with our Youth Theatre production of Willy Wonka Kids! Two of our performers — twins Anna Grace and Matthew Boney — took some time to share their thoughts about performing in this show. Take a look!

“Hello!  My name is Anna Grace Boney. I’m currently involved in theAnna Grace Youth Theatre production of “Willy Wonka Kids” at Town Theatre and I want to share a bit of my experience with you.  It has been a special experience being a part of theater here at Town. The director of the shows, Jamie Harrington, is awesome. She is so welcoming, has an amazing amount of talent, and is very skilled in choreography and vocals.  “Willy Wonka” is the third Youth Theatre production I have done at Town, and with each show I develop a deeper love for theatre. I truly believe theatre is an amazing opportunity for anyone — even if you have never done a show. Ms. Jamie makes you feel welcome and I think everyone should have a chance to experience doing a youth theatre production.

My brother Matthew got me into theater after I went to see him in his first main stage production at Town, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. As I watched the show, I realize I wanted to be up on that stage performing, too. If you have always wanted to do theater, or if you just want to do a show with an awesome director, I suggest the Town Youth Theatre program!”

And speaking of brother Matthew — here are a few words from him!

MatthewI am so glad that I get to have the wonderful enjoyment participating in the Youth Theatre performances at Town Theatre. The director, Jamie Carr Harrington, is extremely patient and kind I have enjoyed working with her. I revel in the rehearsals leading up to the show and being able to talk to other kids with the same interests that I have. This is my third Youth Theatre performance I have done and so far I have enjoyed every bit of each one. The Willy Wonka rehearsals have been hard the last couple days with both casts gathered at the same rehearsal, but as each rehearsal ends, the show draws closer, and you feel the excitement in the air.  You just know that we will pull the show together and we hope that we will have a great show for all the audiences!”

logo_200x200_000326Come see these great kids — and many more — in Willy Wonka Kids. Shows are Friday at 7; Saturday at 3 and 7 and Sunday at 3!

 

Time for Summer… camp that is!

Come play with us this summer!

It’s time to sign up for Town’s Fabulous Summer Camps!

Click below for an application or call 803-799-2510 to register.

2015 Application

Youth Camps (ages 5 – 8)
9 am to 12 pm Monday through Friday


June 8-12
: Mirror, Mirror on the Wall – Perform in a production of Snow White. Learn the basics of theatre character development. Play theatre games that build technique while reinforcing stage presence.  A showcase of skills will be performed at the end of the week.

June 15-19: Broadway or Bust!  If your child always seems to be “on stage” even when a stage is nowhere to be found, then they’ll love singing and dancing at Town. Examine the elements of creating a performance on stage, including voice, stage movement, and character development. Perform a mini production on stage.

       CindJune 22-26: If the Shoe Fits –Perform in a production of Cinderella. Learn the basics of theatre character development. Play theatre games that build technique while reinforcing stage presence. A showcase of skills will be performed at the end of the week.

JWebuly 6-10:  Charlotte’s Web – Put on a mini production of Charlotte’s Web. Have fun learning theatrical techniques to become a better performer. Play theatre games and explore the original story of this delightful play. A final production will be presented at the end of the week!

JB and wuly 13-17:  Let ’em Sing,  Let ’em Dance – Perform in a production of a musical theatre classic. Learn the basics of theatre character development. Play theatre games that build technique while reinforcing stage presence. Learn beginner dance techniques like jazz squares, grapevines, and other popular musical theatre dance techniques. A showcase of skills will be performed at the end of the week.

poppinsJuly 20-24: Supercalifragilistic Intro to Musical Theatre. Have fun singing songs from the Broadway musical Mary Poppins and getting to perform scenes from the show. Learn basic acting techniques and put on a showcase at end of the week.

Pre-teen/Teen Youth Camps
Camps for ages 9 – 17: 1:30 to 4:30
Monday through Friday

 

starJune 8-12: Stardust (Basic Acting) This is a beginner course in acting. Learn how to audition; examine the elements of creating a performance on stage, and character development. No prior acting experience required, but those with some experience will feel comfortable in the class as well. A showcase of skills will be performed at the end of the week.

star bornJune 15-19: A Star is Born (Advanced Acting)  This camp is for kids who’ve taken some acting classes and feel ready to take on more advanced acting techniques. A showcase of skills will be performed at the end of the week.

zombieJune 22-26: Become a Zombie or a Fairy Princess Makeup Extravaganza!  Learn makeup techniques to become a zombie one day, a witch the next, an old person and other famous theatrical makeup styles.  We will not use latex so no worries about latex allergies. There will be a $10 makeup fee for each student on top of the usual $150 camp fee. A showcase of skills will be presented at the end of the week.

Jbackstageuly 6-10 – 1:30: Mary Poppins Back Stage Pass – Help create props and paint part of this unbelievably fun show.  Class is limited to 5 students so sign up early if you have the desire to help make Mary Poppins come to life.

masksJuly 13-17Stardust Too! – This is a beginner course in acting. Learn how to audition; examine the elements of creating a performance on stage, and character development. No prior acting experience required, but those with some experience will feel comfortable in the class as well. A showcase of skills will be performed at the end of the week.

poppins

July 20-24: Practically Perfect in Every Way Musical Theatre Intensive. Have fun singing songs from the Broadway musical Mary Poppins and getting to perform scenes from the show. Learn basic acting techniques and put on a showcase at the end of the week

Each camp is $150. The Become a Zombie or a Fairy Princess Makeup Extravaganza class has an extra $10 per student make up fee. A $100 non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your spot in each class.

AS AN ADDED BONUS, EACH SUMMER CAMPER FOR ONE OF THE ABOVE CLASSES WILL RECEIVE ONE YOUTH TICKET TO OUR SUMMER SHOW, MARY POPPINS.

PLUS – Camp Tap Tap Tap Away!

Christy Shealy Mills and Zanna Mills will teach 30 minute tap classes from noon – 12:30 for younger students ages 5-8 and from 1:00 – 1:30 for those 9 – 17. The classes are $40 for the five day session and a showcase will be held each Friday in conjunction with the acting camp showcases. *

Click above for application or call 803-799-2510 to register by phone.

Sponsorship provided by Colonial Life

*It is not necessary to participate in a drama camp in order to take Camp Tap Tap Tap Away.

Becoming Marilyn – An Inside Look!

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Photography by Singing Fox Creative

We sat down with Abigail Smith Ludwig — one of the stars of Sugar (Some Like it Hot) to hear what she had to say about becoming Marilyn.

Q: What is your history with this production — did you watch it as a child? 

A: Actually, I wasn’t even aware that there was a musical version of this movie until a few years ago. I sort of remember seeing the movie as a child, but it wasn’t until I was older that I fell in love with it. Being able to play this role is just so amazing to me. I have wanted to “be Marilyn” for as long as I can remember and to get to perform alongside my dear friends makes it even more special.

Q: Do you feel that you connect with Marilyn on any levels? 

A: Yes, definitely. My grandmother, who looks just like her, always loved her too so I started loving Marilyn at a young age. I just always felt a connection to her…. like I knew her or something. I’ve read a lot about her and, overall, I think she just wanted to be loved. She had a big heart and loved everyone around her. I think I’m a lot like her in those ways, but she definitely had a very lonely side to her which I do not.

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Photography by Singing Fox Creative

Q: What is the most challenging part about your transformation from Abigail to Marilyn? Makeup? Personality traits?

A: Honestly, this has probably been the easiest transformation for me. I see her face everyday – I have a Marilyn room – and so the look is easy for me to create. I really do feel like we are so much alike when it comes to personality. I recently watched the movie again and it was so interesting to see that we both almost had exactly the same reactions in scenes. I thought that was so interesting and neat. Probably the most challenging thing is trying to talk like her. She always had that high whisper baby type voice and I have the complete opposite of that.

Q: Do you love the beauty mark?

A: Yes! I love it! I have a very small beauty mark under my lip and I used to call it my “Marilyn.” I didn’t realize hers wasn’t real until later in life. She used to move it around and I thought that was so cool. Maybe I’ll get one and have fun with it too! Ha ha!

Q: As a makeup artist, do you feel that you have higher expectations of yourself as far as pre-show prep goes?

A: Yes. I’m kind of a perfectionist and so I have always tried to make myself look like my character as best as I can. It’s fun for me though.

Q: Do you have any pre-show rituals?

A: Not anything major. I have some pictures of Marilyn on my dressing room table. I like to look at her so I can do my best to perfect my look. Sort of a motivation I guess. Everything just falls into place as soon as I put on my red lipstick and pin my wig into place.

Photography by Singing Fox Creative
Photography by Singing Fox Creative