CAPE KIDS TO PERFORM TODAY

Children will take center stage today with four free theatrical performances at the Osage Community Centre.

The public may attend the final productions of the Children's Theater Workshop at noon and 1:30. Some 50 children ages 8 top 15 participated in the workshop sponsored by Cape Girardeau Parks and Recreation.

This is the fifth year the program has been offered.

"It's one of our most popular programs we offer," said Amy Roth, recreation programmer. "Everyday they've just been in here rehearsing their lines and getting ready."

Four instructors worked with students to prepare four plays. Head instructor Beth Bishop was assisted by Ryan Lohmeier, Joe Essner and Andrew Skinner.

"Not all of them have theater experience," Roth said. "This was something they had an interest in. I think it was very positive."

Program participants explored all levels of theatrical productions during the workshop. They made props, built sets and procured costumes in addition to learning lines and stage movements.

Roth said not every participant had been bitten by the theater bug. Some children were simply looking for a fun summer activity, while others joined the program to try something different.

"It's a wide variety of kids," she said. "We've got some kids who are in our theater class who are in some of our other classes, too. They just wanted to do a variety of things."

The class for children 8 to 11 years old will perform "Wonders of Storybook Land" and "The Steadfast Tin Soldier" at noon. At 1:30, participants in the class for 12 to 15-year-olds will perform "The Woman Who Owned the West" and "Happily Never After."