Local 4-H members reap theater experience
Partnership with Center Players mixes agriculture and the stage
FREEHOLD, NJ – This summer, Monmouth County 4-H members got a first-hand experience of theater life when they partnered with the Center Players Theater Company in a summer production of Charlotte’s Web in an adaptation by Joseph Robinette of the classic story by E.B. White.
“The story of Charlotte’s Web examines true friendship, loyalty and acceptance – some of the character-building values taught to youth in 4-H,” said Kaitlin Everett, Monmouth County 4-H Agent. “The Center Players supplied a wonderful opportunity for our kids and were very welcoming. They even placed a Monmouth County 4-H banner on stage during the ‘county fair’ scene.”
The Center Players provided 4-H’ers a unique opportunity to be part of a residential theater company that began with several pre-production workshops that resulted in a number of exciting collaborations that provided the youth with hands-on experiences in theater and agriculture.
The 4-H Monmouth Livestock Club provided a visit to the Wooden Nichols Farm, Howell, to help the theatre production team gain better insight into life on a farm and the roles of farm animals. Cast members, with the help of 4-H members, posed with livestock to take some publicity photos.
The actors also visited the 4-H Raging Reptiles tent at the Monmouth County Fair to learn facts about rats and spiders in order to enhance their roles. The 4-H Small Animal group painted a picture-taking display board entitled “Some Fair” to tie the book to a hands-on Charlotte experience. The board and a 4-H banner were on display in the theater during show nights.
The Backstage to Broadway 4-H Club took a behind-the-scenes tour of the theater, met the cast, attended rehearsals and served as ushers at the August show nights.
“The mission of the Center Players is to bring enrichment through the performing arts to the diverse community is serves,” said Bernice Garfield-Szita, president of Center Players. “Working with the 4-H Clubs on this production assists us in fulfilling our mission. We are always thrilled to create bridges with new groups who share our passion for theater.”
For more information about the Center Players, visit www.centerplayers.org or call the theater at 732-462-9093. For information about the Monmouth County 4-H Youth Development Program visit the county Web site at www.visitmonmouth.com or call the 4-H office at 732-431-7263.
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