Samford’s Theater for Youth program is bringing the timeless classic “The Wind in the Willows” to the stage for this year’s show. The Theater for Youth Program has developed a reputation over the years for the unique character of its productions.
“What sets apart a Theater for Youth show is how it is open to all ages, and anybody can enjoy it” said Karis Klammer, the show’s assistant director. “It’s geared towards kindergarten to fourth grade, but I feel like the themes of friendship and community and forgiveness are very universal.”
Klammer, a senior Theater for Youth Major who transferred to Samford last year, was approached by Dr. Laura Byland, the head of the Theater for Youth Program, for the Assistant Director position.
“She approached me about it and I said yes,” Klammer said. “We started talking about it occasionally throughout the year, and from there, it’s been meetings and just playing in rehearsal.”
It was through these rehearsals that Klammer discovered the key aspect of what makes Theater for Youth unique.
“My biggest takeaway is how important play can be in rehearsal, especially for a Theater for Youth show,” Klammer said. “I’m so fortunate to have the best cast of actors to work with because they are just so willing to play and be silly and try things.”
Wind in the Willows is based upon the 1908 novel by Kenneth Grahame . The novel follows the friendship and adventures of Mole, Ratty, Badger, and Mr. Toad.
Junior Lorelei Osbourne, who plays Mole in the show, was quick to affirm the emphasis on play as a chief characteristic of the department.
“A lot of it is just playing around, like ‘lets just see how silly we can be, see what happens, see what works’” Osbourne said.
Another aspect Osbourne highlighted was the connection to children intrinsic to Theater for Youth as a program.
“Being a theater for youth show makes it different from other shows in that we really play to the audience and try to connect with the kids,” Osborne said.
This process is closely tied to another aspect of the Theater for Youth Major: the educational component. Unlike other performance majors in the school of the arts, Theater for Youth major must take several courses on theater education.
“We’re learning to write curriculum and how to use theater-based practices in the classrooms,” Klammer said. “But we’re also learning how to act, sing, dance, design, and do all of the theater-based things.”
This educational component opens up opportunities for Theater for Youth Majors that would not be available elsewhere.
“There are a lot of ways the major could go,” Osbourne said. “It could go into working with kids through teaching and education. It could take me to doing family law. There’s just so many doors that it opens.”
This combination of classroom and stage is sure to result in a show full of surprises.
“This show is genuinely so whimsical. It is such a fun time,” said Klammer.
The Wind in the Willows will be showing October 2-4. Those interested can purchase tickets from the School of the Arts Website.
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