'Hercules' emerges strong in District 158 summer theater camp

A dark, air-conditioned theater is a cool place to be in the summer, in more ways than one.

While other kids are swimming and going to sports camps, these young actors are rehearsing their lines and getting measured for costumes - and learning skills that will help them in all walks of life.

More than 80 students in grades 5-12 are involved in Huntley Unit District 158's fifth annual summer theater camp, which is directed by Michelle and Tom George.

This year's production is "Hercules," and performances are set for 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. today, July 9 and 3 and 6 p.m. Saturday, July 10 at Huntley High School. All shows are open to the public. Tickets are $8 and can be purchased at district158org. or by calling (847) 659-6515.

Proceeds from ticket sales will help support the speech and theater programs at the high school.

These programs provide a wealth of experience and great memories for the participants.

But don't take it from us. Here is what the students have to say about their experiences.

Abby Gleason, age 15 The summer theater program is such a great opportunity for everyone. Everyone gets a part, we learn about the different aspects of the theater, and you get a chance to make new friends. The cast becomes your family and every day you get to have fun while working to become a better actor.Ashley Knipp, 15Even though "Hercules" is only the second summer camp show I've participated in, I can honestly say I love this program. It's a great experience where you not only have fun, play games, and make friends while putting together an awesome show, but you also get one-on-one instruction to improve characterization and other aspects of acting. What I like most about this camp is the newly added workshops that we all get to work in when we aren't on stage. There I've learned techniques to improve my acting, singing, dancing, and even my British accent! The five hour rehearsals never feel long because there is always something fun to do and/or learn.Kayla Summerville, 16After being in all of Mr. George's past summer plays, when asked this last year if I would be returning, I didn't hesitate to say "Of course, why wouldn't I?"The first summer play, "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," was my personal favorite. There were only 50 or so of us but we were figuring everything out along with Mr. George. Whether it were random cast jokes, or never ending cast parties, we grew each year as a family and came back each year for more laughs and fun.This year one thing most of us noticed was the ginormous cast (90-plus kids), but personally I think this is the best play since "Charlie." There are also quite a few things that have changed since Charlie. We have longer days, but now this year have different "workshops" to enhance the camp. Being in these camps, I've met quite a few different people but have also learned a lot and by the end of next year will have tons to take away from this camp experience. For one I've noticed that Mr. George doesn't always give you exactly what you want (part-wise) but at least in my case, he always gives me a part I will have fun with, or that I will like, or that will make me step out of my normal self and this year is no exception.Melissa Claussen, 17I've been doing summer theatre every year since the beginning. I've always had so much fun with each part I've had, whether it be Bagheera, Cheshire Cat, or Mike Teevee. My biggest challenge in this role (Medusa) is that I have never been this type of character in any play before. I'm usually cast as the comic relief or the mother, but never the villain! I've had to work on my character's attitude a lot to make it seem believable considering I'm not an evil person. I have little in common with Medusa, but this role is so fun! I get to have snakes for hair and cast spells on several characters. The audience will adore this show. It's full of jokes for both children and adults. The costumes are fun, the set is beautiful, and this is a show that will no doubt be remembered by audience members.True20001227Hannah Thompson as Megara, Cody Schwartz in the role of Hercules, and Spencer Trippi as Zeus rehearse a scene from "Hercules" at Huntley High School. In this scene Hercules introduces his love interest Megara to his father Zeus.Nikoleta Kravchenko | Staff PhotographerTrue