As history comes to life in downtown Elizabethton, children now have an opportunity to hone their craft in the performing arts.
Marcia Ross told the Elizabethton Star Friday morning that the Bonnie Kate will host youth summer camps during the month of July, the first of its kind since the facility’s restoration efforts kicked up a notch months ago.
Children between the ages of six to 12 years old have the opportunity to participate in a bevy of activities and learn more about the performing arts. Camps are scheduled to take place July 10-14 and 17-21 from 1 to 4 p.m. inside the Bonnie Kate. A preregistration of $50 covers the cost of the camp, which ultimately concludes July 21 at 7:30 p.m. and July 22 at 2 p.m. as children will perform live for the public.
“Big Bad Wolf Stories Camp” allows children the opportunity to learn the necessary tools when performing on stage and delve into the different stories associated with the popular Big Bad Wolf character which brought in multiple children’s stories.
The importance of the event, according to Ross, is to encourage area children to pursue their dreams in the performing arts.
And it’s a dream that’s flowed really smooth so far since restoration took place at the Bonnie Kate. The facility held a variety of shows to standing room only crowds which raised enough funds for brand new stage lights inside the building. The Bonnie Kate also participated in the Covered Bridge Celebration inaugural “Keep the Kids Covered” free children’s activity area.
“We greatly appreciate the support from the community,” Ross said. “It was a great experience being part of the Covered Bridge Celebration and we appreciate all the support of everyone that turned out for each of the different productions.”
With stage lights shining bright on the main stage, Ross added the goal moving forward is to utilize different events to help cover the cost of other improvements at the Bonnie Kate.
“Moving forward, we’re going to concentrate on more robust funding efforts,” she said. “Our doors are open. We want the community to come out and see the progress at the Bonnie Kate and participate when they can with the different events going on.”
The Bonnie Kate has a variety of events coming up during the fall, which include:
• Sept. 23 – BBQ, Blues & Brew fundraiser at Covered Bridge Park (4 to 8 p.m.)
• Oct. 20-21 – 1940s Radio Show at the Bonnie Kate (7:30 p.m.)
• Nov. 17-18 – The Great Gatsby (7:30 p.m.)
• Dec. 1-2 and 8-9 – A Christmas Carol at the Bonnie Kate (auditions for the show take place on Oct. 2 at 4 p.m.)
Working through the East Tennessee Foundation, the public can make monetary donations to assist with the transformation of the building.
Individuals wanting to assist with the restoration are encouraged to make monetary donations, if possible. To make a contribution visit bonniekatetheater.com or contributions can be sent by mail and be made payable to Elizabethton – Carter County Community Foundation, P.O. Box 695, Elizabethton, TN 37644-0695.
For more information and to stay updated with the Bonnie Kate, visit their website or The Bonnie Kate Theater Restoration Project Facebook page online.