THE HIGHLANDS FOR KIDS

THE HIGHLANDS FOR KIDS by Barbara Biddison

I have been going to performances created during theatre camps for
Hamilton-Gibson young people  for many years now..  It is always a joy
to see what  can happen in such a short period of time.

The June 2023 Theatre Arts Camp was at the Tioga County Fairgrounds
during the last week of the month.  It concluded with afternoon and
evening performances featuring  the 40-some  kids in the highlands of
Scotland.  Quite a trip, wouldn't you say?  From Tioga County
Fairgrounds to the Highlands of Scotland!   There were three "clans'"
(each with 13 -15 individuals)  and each clan "dramatized"a story.
Titles for the 3 were for the audience to contemplate:  "The Man
Without a Heart," and  "The Black Bull of Norroway," and "Rashie
Coat."  Frankly, there was so much action and story details as voiced
by individuals to keep track of that I felt just pulled along to
wherever the story would take me.  The whole thing was great fun.

The audience was full for the afternoon show.  We sat with parents and
friends and sponsors and anonymous donors and all were attentive and
receptive and just thoroughly enjoying themselves.  Thanks to Thomas
Putnam who makes sure that this camp happens, and to all the staff and
guest presenters who enrich and empower the lives of these kids. Many
of these young people have never been on stage before, and some have
given acting a bit of a try in HG shows and are game to try it again.
Some will decide that this is fun and enriching and empowering and
will go on to be in more HG shows and beyond that to adult theatre, on
stage, or off as members of the audience.  I was 16 when I first found
myself on stage in a character totally unlike my own age or gender or
place in a family.  This older woman still holds that teenage
experience as a vivid memory.  Many of these kids will hold the
Highlands in like thought of enrichment.

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