In theater and the performing arts, there can be a lot of pressure to be great.
From on-stage tasks like memorizing lines and executing choreography to backstage tasks like making sure that curtains are drawn at the end of the performance, it can be a lot for even a group of adults.
That is what makes the Young Producers camp at Sooner Theatre so unique – every role, from stage crew to lead performer, is played by one of the campers, and all of them are Norman youths ages 18 and younger.
The Young Producers group has spent the summer working on its next musical, “Legally Blonde.” The show runs Aug. 1-5 at Sooner Theatre.
Each of the performers gets something different from being part of the show. For some, theater is a way to express themselves. For others, it’s a way to overcome obstacles.
Kate Wenger, 16, who plays the role of Brooke Taylor Windham in “Legally Blonde” said theater has helped her become a more extroverted person.
“When I was younger I was really shy, so whenever I got into theater I became more outgoing and started talking in front of class and made more friends,” Kate said. “I was so shy that I would cry if anyone talked to me so (theater) really helped in that area.”
Alex Irwin, the 17-year-old who plays the role of Emmett in the show, said he has enjoyed getting to share his love of performing as part of Sooner Theatre’s productions.
“I’m always really excited to perform in front of a crowd,” Alex said. “Thinking about opening night, I know it will all come together because it always does, and it will be just so great.”
Alex said Sooner Theatre and theater in general has also helped him in life off the stage.
“It’s given me a lot of confidence for … everyday things like when in English class we have to read a speech or something or we have to give a presentation,” he said.
Sooner Theatre’s executive director, Jennifer Baker, said helping Norman’s young people gain off-stage skill through on-stage participation is what makes her job rewarding.
“I love being the executive director of The Sooner Theatre,” Baker said. “It really is my passion. I work with an incredibly small but mighty staff of passionate people who are here because they care about creating great shows, they care about giving kids opportunities to explore the performing arts and to grow those kids’ passion and skills in the performing arts.”
Baker said Sooner Theatre is truly a community project for Norman. She said 15,000 people fill the audiences each year, and more than 1,000 students take part in the production process.
While those numbers may sound impressive, Baker said she is always looking to increase participation.
“We are a community theater, so we would love to have anyone interested audition for our Sooner Stage Presents theatrical productions that take place in the fall, winter and spring,” she said.
“We are a nonprofit, so we are always looking for volunteers to help with everything from sewing costumes to building and painting sets to ushering for our productions and concerts.”
The theater offers classes in musical theater, acting, singing, dancing, voice, improv, magic and more. Studio manager Tish Willis said the diverse offerings help Sooner Theatre find a place for anyone who wants to be involved.
“We don’t turn students away,” she said. “All children who want access to the arts can come to our program and get those.”
As the opening night for “Legally Blonde” approaches, both Kate and Alex are excited to share what they’ve spent the summer working on with Norman and the people they love.
“I’m looking forward to putting on a good show for the community and having all my friends and family come and watch me,” Alex.
