Camp highlights tall-tales and how to act them out

Do your children like to act out stories? Do they sit around the table and swap tall-tales?  If so, sign them up for camp. The Frank and Jane Gabor WV Folklife Center is partnering with the Fairmont State University Academy for the Arts for Putting It Together: Building a Show from Local Stories and Lore. This week-long creative day-camp for children in grades 3 to 8 runs June 18 – 22. It features instruction in acting, storytelling, folklore, music, writing, and local history.

During this “on your feet” camp, participants will learn about theatre and folklore as they put together a play in the style of an old-time radio show. Under the direction of Dr. Francene Kirk and Ms. Shannon Yost, students will plan, write, and perform a play based on local and family history, stories, songs, and even recipes. Imagine a song based on Grandma’s secret oatmeal cookie recipe or a skit based on your uncle’s famous fishing stories.  Some of the radio show will be created from local lore including stories from Coffin Hollowand the Tell-tale Lilac Bush.

This camp and the final Friday performance will be held at the Frank and Jane Gabor West Virginia Folklife Center on the campus of Fairmont State University. There will be visits by special guest artists and the campers will attend the Town & Gown production of The 1940’s Radio Houron Thursday night.  

Camp registration is $175 and runs 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Monday - Friday. Camp will conclude on Friday with a 5 p.m. performance. For details and pricing information contact Leigh Anne Bolyard at 304-333-3655 or Lbolyard1@fairmontstate.edu

Frank and Jane Gabor West Virginia Folklife CenterAcademy for the Arts