DOTHAN, Ala. – Some Wiregrass youth are hard at work, preparing for a statewide theatre competition next month.
For weeks, SEACT’S Competition Youth Ensemble has been getting ready for the Alabama Youth Theatre Experience in Boaz, Alabama.
“We’re preparing “Suess-ical Junior”, which is a take off of all of Dr Suess’s books. All of your favorites, Horton, Cat in the Hat, Maisey, Gertrud,” said Brook Phillips, program coordinator for SEACT’s Wiregrass Drama Club.
The annual competition brings theatre students from around the state to Boaz, Alabama to compete against other groups. This years’ competition will feature eight groups performing.
The students will also be going to a variety of workshops and learning from the best teachers in the state.
“The kids get to work with so many other master-class artists. And then that way, and then that way the get a better idea of what theatre is to different people. because theatre, like any art form, is different for different people. So you can learn more about genre,” said Ben Lundy, show director.
The ensemble is made up of students from across the Wiregrass, including Dothan, Headland and Enterprise. There are also students from Georgia and Florida.
“We have students running lights, the spotlight, the lightboard and they are doing the soundboard. And they get the opportunity to do all of this, so it is 100% for the youth,” Phillips said.
Leaders say the ultimate goal is not to win but to simply have fun while performing.
“Just to have the children have a wonderful experience and learn while they’re at the competition,” Phillips said.
“The goal of the show is to talk about imagination and the importance of children’s imagination and being able to explore your imagination,” Lundy said.
The competition is March 4th-7th.
When they return home, the group will be performing the Suess-inspired show for Dothan residents on March 30-31st at the Cultural Arts Center.
