End of an era for theatre drama camp

Photo courtesy of Center Theatre DRAMA CAMP — Center Theatre Children’s Summer Drama Camp, circa 2004, with Jayne Lello seated bottom left surrounded by happy campers. Lello will be no longer be coordinating the camp, but young thespians will still have opportunities with a pair of sessions in 2015.

DOVER-FOXCROFT — The Board of Directors and staff of the Center Theatre sadly announces the resignation of Jayne Lello as the coordinator of the Center Theatre Children’s Summer Drama Camp.

Founded in 1998, the Children’s Summer Drama Camp was the first program created by the Center Theatre. Before the restoration of the downtown building had even begun, Drama Camp was already encouraging arts education in the region. As more educational opportunities have become available to the youth of Piscataquis County, Drama Camp has continued to flourish under Lello’s knowledge and passion.

According to Patrick Myers, the theatre’s founding executive director, “Jayne Lello and the Children’s Summer Drama Camp were cornerstones of the Center Theater well before we turned the marquee back on. Both the Camp and the Center Theatre itself are a testament to Jayne’s dedication and devotion to the positive impact the arts can have on children.”

Now preparing for its 18th year, Drama Camp has been a place where numerous local and visiting children have spent their summers, many for multiple summers in row. It has been a place where children have been given a chance to learn, to grow, and explore theatre in a safe environment. For some, it has changed their lives.  

According to Tammy Parker, whose daughter Rebeclyn is a regular on the Center Theatre stage, “Center Theatre Drama Camp was Rebeclyn’s first theatrical experience six years ago. Not only has camp been a place where she can connect with friends each year, but a place where she can truly celebrate her love for theatre. When she was younger, it was an important place for her — it was an environment where she felt comfortable, and where she where she could be herself and learn to express her feelings in a positive way.”

Rebeclyn, however, is more direct.  “Drama Camp has completely changed my life!”

“It is hard enough to keep a theatre program running for just a couple of years,” says previous Executive Director Angela Bonacasa. “And to have one that runs for almost two decades is a true testament to Jayne, her vision, and the people she has brought on board to teach with her. Although she is leaving in an official capacity, she will always be a part of Drama Camp. A positive and fun learning environment are hallmarks of Drama Camp, and Jayne’s hand-picked replacement will keep those qualities while bringing her own special gifts to the mix.”

The new Drama Camp Coordinator, Beth Dyer MacNeil, has been a life-long resident of Guilford. She graduated from the University of Maine at Machias in 2002 with a B.A. in history with a minor in American studies, women’s studies, and a concentration in secondary education.  She has over 10 years in public education teaching children in a variety of subjects across ability levels.

  MacNeil utilizes her creative side by designing and publishing the Piscataquis Community High School yearbook, creating numerous parade floats for the Guilford River Festival, and photographing high school sporting and social events.

The two session dates are June 29-July 10, and July 13-24. Camp runs 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday-Friday, with a final performance at 6 p.m. at the Center Theatre on the final Friday of each session. Session one will be performing “Peter Rabbit” and will be directed by Bobby Keniston. Session two will perform “Toby Tyler” and will be directed by David Murray.

There are still slots available for either session.  For more information, please call the Center Theatre at 564-8943 or stop by at 20 East Main Street from 10 a.m. and 3 p.m Monday-Friday or viist www.CenterTheatre.org The Center Theatre is a non profit performing arts center dedicated to making the arts a part of life in the Maine Highlands.