Star Bright Drama Club gearing up for another season of youth performances

    HOULTON — The Star Bright Drama Club, sponsored by the Houlton Star Bright Children’s Theatre, will be opening its 2011-12 season with registration and a Theatre Games event on Saturday, Jan. 14, at the Court Street Baptist Church in Houlton from 1-3 p.m.
    The Star Bright Drama Club began in the fall of 2008 as a way of providing a variety of events and activities, supplemental to the Houlton Star Bright Children’s Theatre’s annual production in the spring, which would give young people working knowledge and exposure to the world of the dramatic arts.
    The club sponsors a variety of drama and theater-related events and workshops throughout the school year. Some of the past Drama Club events have included: four readers’ theatre presentations which were broadcast on WHOU radio throughout the year, attendence at a dress rehearsal of Houlton High School’s annual musical production in November, an auditions workshop with director Pam Chernesky, a radio performance workshop with Mike Elliot from 94.5 FM, and a set design workshop with artist Frank Sullivan. Some activities that the Star Bright Drama Club is planning for this year include a prop building workshop, a make-up workshop and some readers’ theaters to be presented at the local hospital and nursing homes. Children who join are not required to participate in every drama club event.
    Membership in the Star Bright Drama Club is free and is open to all students in grades 1 through 12. Students who wish to participate in this year’s Drama Club events, however, must register as members. Membership in the Star Bright Drama Club is not required in order to participate in the annual Houlton Star Bright Children’s Theatre production, which will hold auditions in early 2012. Membership in the Star Bright Drama Club also does not guarantee a part in the annual Houlton Star Bright Children’s Theatre production.
    Children who wish to join the Star Bright Drama Club should plan on arriving at the Court Street Baptist church in Houlton at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 14. Students will be able to register and will participate in a Theatre Game workshop conducted by Star Bright Children’s Theatre alumnus Brian McMann. Brian is a recent graduate from the University of King’s College with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre. He has had numerous theatrical experiences both in high school and college, with leading and supporting roles in a wide variety of popular musicals and plays. The workshop will focus on engaging the group as an ensemble. The many activities planned will enable kids to feel comfortable expressing themselves, bond with new friends and to have a lot of fun in the process. A snack will be served. Students should be picked up at 3 p.m.