MAT children's theater camp wraps up with 'Hollywood Lights' tonight

Another children's theater camp was finishing up this morning, with the participants' own play, "Hollywood Lights," set to run at 7 tonight at the Little Theatre in Montana State University-Northern's Cowan Hall.

Montana Actors' Theatre veteran Jessa Pyette again directed the troupe's annual camp, with fellow veteran thespian Oriah Pratt acting as assistant director.

This year's camp "has been full of laughter, fun, and creativity," Pyette said Thursday in an email interview with Havre Daily News. "What makes this camp different from others is that the kids completely create the show themselves: They design the set, their costumes, and write the script. I believe this nurtures creativity in the kids and builds a solid foundation on which they can grow their love of the arts over a lifetime."

The children participating comprise an extensive list, and Pyette said she is "absolutely proud of each and every one of these kids and the enthusiasm and hard work that they have displayed this week."

The children in this year's camp are: Paul Bartlett, Grey Brady, Micah Cammon, Liana Durward, Louis Durward, Tyley Hemmer, Kate Hemmer, Lennon Herdina, Molly Huse, Cadence Kallenberger, Elle Kucera, Emily Leeds, Lindsey Leinwand, Ali Malaughney, Sidney Moffitt, Elly Moore, Pia Morrelli, Vann Morrelli, Madison Motichka, Trinity Olsen, Kaitlyn Quigley, Willow Riggin, Cory Simonson, Marlee Thivierge, Maddy Thomas, Quinn Trueax and Carol Anne White.

Pyette said Mina Everingham, Rory Everingham, Patrick Leeds, Aylan Pratt, Aria Pratt, Shandon Oberquell, Jessica Otto and Rebecca Quigley have worked as counselors at the camp.

MAT artistic director Jay Pyette said the local business community has supported the camp again, with this year's sponsors Bear Paw Credit Union, Independence Bank and Fiveheads Embroidery.

"We would also like to extend special thanks to Pizza Hut and Havre Laundry," he added.