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University Communications Intern Ashlyn Cross Went Behind the Cougar Theater Camp Curtain

"Junie B. Jones is Not a Crook,” Disney's “The Lion King JR.,” and “Alice in Wonderland" were the exciting summer musicals on stage for the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Cougar Theater Camp. The Cougar Theater Camp allows children to gain technical skills as well as theater experience, and for some SIUE alum, these musicals are their first jobs after graduating.

“The children rotate through acting, design/ tech, choreography, and vocal music classes,” said Tress Kurzym, Theater Education Coordinator and Instructor. She also added that the camp staff, teachers, and designers are alumni from the SIUE Theater and Dance program and current faculty members.

“The counselors for the camp are current SIUE students, many of whom are studying theater education and will graduate from our program and begin teaching theater in schools upon graduation. The campers are students from the region in kindergarten through 8th grade. They rotate through classes in the morning and early afternoon and then rehearse the play in the later afternoon.”

We had the opportunity to view a few of these productions and speak with the cast.

"Junie B. Jones is Not a Crook" was an exciting, heartfelt, and interactive production directed by Kurzym. The plot:  Junie B. Jones found herself in a distressing situation at school when her new furry mittens go missing. While searching for the mittens, she stumbles upon a beautiful pen with many colors. Remembering the phrase "finders, keepers, losers, weepers," she keeps the pen, continuing the search for her mittens. Meanwhile, a new boy in kindergarten attracts the attention of both Grace and Lucille, causing a stir among Junie B.'s friends. Junie B. ponders whether the boy would notice her if she showed him the impressive pen, but she questions whether it was ethical to keep it. Jones grapples with the dilemma. Is she crossing a line? Junie B. Jones is not a crook, or is she?

The May 31st matinee show at the Metcalf included children from the SIUE [CA1] Early Childhood Center (ECC).  A few of the lucky participants were able to experience being part of the crew by acting in a few scenes with the cast.

Katie Garrett, a recent SIUE graduate and lead actor who played Junie B. Jones said, "I've been in several interactive shows, but this was the most interactive where I was actually talking to the audience and expecting answers back, but they were awesome. It was so much fun.”

"Rehearsing is so different than performing in front of kids and talking to the kids. Performing in front of kids, talking to the kids, and getting the kids' reactions--oh my gosh, it just makes the whole play. It's so much fun." The children were smitten as Garrett and the cast performed. Giggles, wiggles, and laughter filled the auditorium. 

A large number of campers, 109 of them, grades K-8 brought the next production, Disney's "The Lion King JR." to the SIUE stage. The audience was transported to the African savanna where Simba, Timon, Rafiki, and a cast of characters embarked on a journey from Simba's home Pride Rock to the jungle and back again in an inspiring coming-of-age story. "The Lion King JR." was directed by Ashley Melton, an SIUE alumnae in Theater and Dance and the current high school theater director at Edwardsville High School.

Gavin Grice, a fifth-grade participant in the Cougar Camp, thoroughly enjoyed his experience in the program saying, "It was really fun." Grice also mentioned that the rehearsal period might be his favorite part of the SIUE Cougar Camp. "Getting to learn all the walking, all the scenes and all the songs.” When asked about the most challenging part of Camp, he mentioned that trying to memorize all the lines was pretty hard, as well as learning all the stage directions and knowing where to go at what part.

The production of "Alice in Wonderland" offered a fresh take on the classic tale under the direction of Jake Gulley, a recent graduate of SIUE Theater and Education. The performance took the audience on a journey down the iconic rabbit hole with Alice, exploring a surreal world filled with beloved characters such as the White Rabbit, Cheshire Cat, Mad Hatter, Caterpillar, Tweedle-Dee and Tweedle-Dum, and the Queen of Hearts. This witty and melodic musical struck a perfect balance between spookiness and spectacle, featuring fresh, fabulous, and funny musical numbers. The chemistry of the cast shone through, creating a production that was full of laughter and delight.

In his director's notes, Gulley draws a connection between Alice in Wonderland and other childhood stories like "Coraline," "The Wizard of Oz," and "Labyrinth," where young girls seek adventure in fantastical yet perilous worlds. He emphasizes the theme of not wishing for too much, as it reminds the protagonist that the grass is not always greener on the other side. For Alice, the grass symbolizes the challenges of growing up and facing adulthood.

When asked about the experience of directing, Gully mentioned that directing a cast ranging from 10 to 50 years old has been challenging. Gully loves the end when everything is set and enjoys conceptualizing the show and discussing ideas with the designers and cast.

Ashlyn Stark, who plays the lead Alice, said, "I love the SIUE shows. All the college kids make me feel right at home here. It's amazing." When asked what her favorite part about Cougar Camp was, she said, "100% it's just being with the people here. Everyone's so nice." Despite only being in the eighth grade, Stark already possesses remarkable talent.

Zoe Ritter, who portrayed a youth ensemble character in the play, expressed her fondness for the experience, stating, "I love it. I love being backstage with friends."

PHOTO:  Scenes from SIUE Cougar Theater Camp performances of "Junie B. Jones is Not a Crook,” Disney's “The Lion King JR.,” and “Alice in Wonderland"