Kids learn theater skills at Possum Juniors in Georgetown
Possum Point Players — a volunteer community theater organization based out of Georgetown — provides a creative outlet for students in grades six to 12 with free interactive, hands-on workshops once a month known as the Possum Juniors.
Participants learn the ins and outs of theater production and have the opportunity to put their knowledge to the test by auditioning for the annual summer production held in July with participants playing a role in developing the play.
Lorraine Steinhoff, Possum Juniors advisor, discusses the program and how kids can get involved and what to expect as a new or experienced actor.
Possum Point Juniors offers monthly theater workshops to students in grades six to 12. Can you provide a synopsis of what a two-hour workshop entails?
Our monthly meetings have a variety of focuses. We cover topics like auditioning, choreography, costuming, set design and construction. These workshops are run by mentors from Possum Point Players or even some of the more experienced junior members.
These workshops are interactive and allow members to learn more about these subjects. We then provide activities to put their new skills to use. We also have several meetings set aside for events like our annual Christmas Caroling party and our yearly monologue competition.
How would you encourage someone to join who is interested, but has no experience and is really shy? Are there any tactics you use to help others open up more?
We have students who come from many different backgrounds. Some are just starting out for the first time while others have been performing almost their whole lives. We encourage participation, but we know that everyone moves at their own pace.
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It is a very understanding and accepting environment where everyone is welcome. We also emphasize the variety of roles one can perform in the theater, both on stage and off. In essence, there really is something for everyone!
Each year there is a final production in July. What are some of the plays students have presented in the past? Is there a most-requested or fan favorite that students and audiences enjoy coming back to or do you try to do something new each year?
We try to provide something new and exciting every year. We focus on different aspects of performing with every show. We have done productions like the children's play, "The Jungle Book" but we have also tackled adult musicals like "The Addams Family" and "Bye Bye Birdie.”
These shows are chosen by the students and they are responsible for putting the entire production together.
What type of training do students receive?
They received training in acting, costuming, set design and construction, improvisation, vocal technique, tackling Shakespeare and more. We encourage the students to let us know what they want to know more about and then we try to provide the workshop for them.
If someone wants to join, is there a fee? How can they sign up, and do they have to do all workshops or pick and choose which ones to participate in?
There is no fee associated with participation. You can pick and choose which workshops you want to attend. Of course, we hope everyone will come to every meeting. There is always something new to be learned!
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What is the long-term vision for Possum Point Juniors?
Our long-term vision is to build up the next generation of theatergoers and performers. It takes a lot of people to keep community theater alive and active and the juniors group helps to do just that.
We hope that as they graduate from the juniors program they will continue their work on mainstage productions.
What is uniquely challenging about being an advisor for this program?
Honestly, I am just starting out as the advisor this year. However I taught theater for 12 years to high school students. The challenge that I have always faced is making sure they know their voices are heard and always working to provide them with the knowledge they need to be confident and educated performers.
Has any student moved on to studying theater in college and beyond after joining the program?
Actually, several of our students have pursued theater arts at the collegiate level. We are very proud of them all and love to see them succeed.
IF YOU GO
Possum Point Juniors
When: Third Monday each month, 6-8 p.m., September through May
Where: 441 Old Laurel Road, Georgetown
Cost: Free
Info: 302-856-3460 or mail@possumpointplayers.org