Apple Tree Arts celebrates the return of live theatre
Kids and teens stepped onto the stage and into the spotlight again this summer, and it was a jubilant return. After a year-long stretch of virtual-only programming, Apple Tree Arts held its four summer productions in person, giving actors the incomparable experience they love and audience members the high-quality performances they’ve come to expect from ATA.
Managing both the production value and participant safety was a delicate balance, but the summer went off without a hitch. “Our top priority is always keeping our students safe,” said executive director Alaina Calloway Bolton, “but we also really wanted to give these kids the chance to have a ‘normal’ performance.”
“For our teen show, Cinderella,” Calloway Bolton said, “what we ended up doing was having the cast wear masks during rehearsals, but then COVID-testing the day before each show so that they could perform without masks. The entire audience wore masks to reduce the risk to the cast. It was so wonderful to see such talented youth up there acting and singing their hearts out and safely bringing live theatre back to Grafton!”
For the month of July, ATA theatre was held in a new and unique location: The Willard House & Clock Museum. Two cohorts of actors entering grades 3-7 spent two weeks rehearsing Camp Rock outside under a tent and in the open barn on the Willard House grounds. “Some days were a little steamy,” theatre arts director Lisa Scarlett said, “but we had popsicles and cooled off under the tent and ended up having a great time!”
Based on the hit Disney movie musical, Camp Rock takes place at a summer camp, so an outdoor performance was a natural fit. “The resiliency of the kids was amazing! They danced and sang in the heat, drizzle, and cold; adjusted easily to Covid protocols; came in each day with boundless energy; and delivered two terrific performances. I couldn’t be prouder!” said Scarlett. Friends, family, and community members brought their own chairs and blankets and enjoyed a unique experience watching theatre under the setting sun.
This fall and winter, Apple Tree Arts is offering all of its music, theatre, and early childhood programs in person, including theatre productions such as Shrek (grades 7-12), Willy Wonka (grades 2-6), and Pajama Party (grades 1-4). Students can register online at appletreearts.org/theatre.
Other programs offered include group piano classes for ages 6-9, Musikgarten classes for children from birth through preschool, songwriting classes for teens, and one-on-one instrumental and voice lessons for all ages. With over twenty professional instructors, Apple Tree Arts offers engaging, high-quality instruction on piano, violin, voice, guitar, songwriting, cello, flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, ukulele, bass, music theory, and percussion. Visit appletreearts.org to register or learn more.
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