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Themes were scattered throughout the
days of camp to add extra excitement to the
atmosphere. Wednesdays were costume
days. Students dressed as their favorite
celebrity the first Wednesday, and their
favorite decade on the second Wednesday
of camp. A talent show was planned for the
first Friday and applause filled the auditorium
as the campers displayed a wide variety of
talents, including singing, hula hooping,
ear-wiggling, and piano playing. The campers
enjoyed the counselors emceeing the event.
One counselor, Jane Claire Arender, even
entertained them with a funny, impromptu
rap about her dog.
After the cast received their roles, the
campers were split into groups and began
rehearsing scenes from the show. CandyLee
Dobbs handled the choreography. The cast
members who were orphans in the show
learned to bang their buckets on cue for
the iconic song, “It’s a Hard Knock Life.”
Ms. Hannigan (Daleigh Ramsey, 12), Rooster
(Eli Ramsey, 10), and Lilly (Addison Stark, 10),
learned to belt out the comedic song, “Easy
Street,” while strutting across the stage.
As director of the camp, Mrs. Hogue
oversaw bringing the vision for the show to
the stage. She worked scene by scene with
the students, helping them with singing,
knowing where to enter and exit the stage,
and bringing their characters to life.
When campers were not in rehearsals,
they could be found playing theatre games
with Abigail McCreary, painting the set with
Leigh Ramsey, or doing a craft with Ms.
Arender. Kimberly Smith served as counselor
in training. Camp days usually ended with a
word of encouragement and an energetic
dance party.
After fourteen days of fun and hard work,
the grand finale of camp arrived. Saturday,
July 28th, the Brandon Middle School
auditorium filled with over 350 audience
members. The excitement from the actors
who were backstage was overflowing
Hometown Brandon • 43