The EPC High School Camp Presents Free Performance of "Disney's High School Musical On Stage"

The Effingham Performance Center’s High School Summer Theatre Camp Program will present a free performance of "Disney’s High School Musical On Stage".

The performance will be held at The EPC on Thursday, June 27 at 7 p.m. with doors opening at 6 p.m.  The show is free and open to the public, although space is limited to the first 1,500 attendees.

“As part of our Youth Summer Theatre Camp program, our high school campers spend nine days working to bring a production to stage, and this year, they are taking on Disney’s High School Musical,” said Kim Jansen, executive director of The EPC.

Disney’s High School Musical is a story about breaking stereotypes. The story line follows two teens who meet on vacation where they find their love of music. When they return to school in the fall, they must decide if they are willing to break the status quo to be in the school’s musical.

Campers Addison Bunton and Lilli Wernsing have participated in camp for several years where their talents shine both on and off the stage.

“We learn about acting, auditioning, voice coaching, costume design, set building, and marketing,” said Addison Bunton, who has attended the program for seven years. “Not only do we learn about the production part, but we also meet new friends, strengthen friendships, build self-confidence, teach the importance of teamwork, and foster creativity.”

Wernsing agreed the work that goes into presenting a play is about a lot more than just playing a character on stage.

“Being in a musical is much more than memorizing lines, songs, and choreography, you have to deep dive into your character, bring out their emotions, and give them a backstory,” Lilli Wernsing, who has attended the program for four years.  

“From the first day of auditions to performance night, we campers aim to give you the performance of a summer,” added Bunton.

Although campers gain theatre experience, Jansen added that one of the most rewarding parts of the camp program for The EPC organization is being able to invite community members to the free performance where they can support young artists.

“Our summer plays offer an opportunity for people to come to the theatre and to enjoy a live performance,” said Jansen. “Attendance numbers for these performances grows each year, as family members, friends, neighbors, and theatre lovers come to enjoy a night out watching some very talented campers.”

To learn more about the high school performance, stop by the EPC’s Box Office, call 217-540-2788 or visit www.TheEPC.org.