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PAC Youth Are Zoomin’!
Written By: Deena Bouknight | Issue: 2020/06 - June
On Friday June 12, the Highlands Performing Arts Center’s (PAC) Youth Theater Program, in collaboration with the Albert Carlton-Cashiers Community Library, will attempt an unprecedented approach to its Murder Mystery Dinner Theater event.
Because such normally in-person events are on hold due to COVID-19, the activity will take place via the Zoom platform.
“The goal is to sharpen dramatic
improvisational skills, and also to put some of the youth in the program in touch with one another,” said PAC Youth Theater Artistic Director Megan Greenlee Potts, who began lending her academic and professional theater skills and knowledge to PAC after her daughter, Kathryn (now 21) and son, Christopher, now 27, became involved as students.
“This is going to be totally different from anything we’ve done in the past,” said Potts, explaining that the PAC Youth Theater Program offers classes during the year, at least one annual production, as well as events and workshops.
Any student, seventh grade and up, can sign up for the Murder Mystery Dinner Theater event on June 12 by visitinghighlandspac.net/youth-theater. Or, they can email Potts directly at [email protected]. She explained that there is no cost for the event, as it is supported by grants and donations. However, only a limited number, between 8 and 12, will be admitted; plus, interested students must have a computer that has access to high-speed, reliable internet that will support Zoom.
“When they sign up, I will let them know if they made the cut regarding numbers,” said Potts. “Then they will get an invitation, which includes their character and a bio of who they are, as well as costume suggestions – stuff they can find around their house – as well as other guests and their bios. At the time of the dinner party, we will all convene and everyone will get more info about their character and other characters. It’s going to be a little like the game of Clue in that they will ask each other questions as the evening goes on.”
Potts expects the event will take about two hours.
Potts is hopeful that the Murder Mystery Dinner Theater will be such a success that more will occur over the summer. Check the Performing Arts Center’s website for updates, or email Potts with questions about the Youth Theater Program.
