Seventy Malverne students took center stage this summer during the Howard T. Herber Middle School Theater Camp, producing and performing the original production “Gravestone Manor” after just four days of preparation.
Now in its eighth year, the annual theater camp gives students the opportunity to take ownership of every aspect of a theatrical production while developing leadership, teamwork and creative problem-solving skills. Under the guidance of director David Coonan, this year’s participants handled nearly every element of the performance, including directing, stage management, technical operations, costumes, props and memorizing lines.
Presented as a collection of interconnected vignettes, or short plays, “Gravestone Manor” allowed student directors to lead individual scenes while working closely with actors and stage managers to bring each performance to life.
Despite having only 12 hours of rehearsal spread over four days, the students successfully staged an hour-long production for an audience of more than 100 parents, family members and supporters.
The annual theater camp continues to provide middle school students with hands-on experience in all aspects of theater production while encouraging creativity, collaboration and confidence both on stage and behind the scenes.
