A small but impressive group of young people gathered this week for Lamar Arts’ annual drama camp to learn new skills and to collaborate with other aspiring performers. The camp instructor, Carol Parrish, greeted patrons to the Lamar Arts Depot and Gallery for the culminating showcase on Friday, June 13.
Parrish expressed her gratitude for having the opportunity to work with this group of young people. She shared that the event was bittersweet because, after approximately nine years of hosting the drama camp, this year’s event may be her last due to a recent move. Parrish gave an overview of the week’s learning experience which included reading and writing scripts as well as learning about AI and film. She stated that this year’s showcase was the first of its kind: a video podcast performance. After walking the red carpet, each camp participant would take part in a question and answer panel, much like popular video podcasts in today’s culture.
Campers included Jace Chestnutt, Iyana Isom, Kelia Isom, Gabe Taaj, Hannah Taaj, and Daveon White. Rising middle schooler, Loren Guild, participated in the week’s activities but was unable to attend the final act due to traveling.
Parrish served as the panel’s moderator, and campers shared their interests and hobbies with guests. Each participant was sharply dressed and poised for their answers. Throughout the week, students honed their public speaking skills in order to perform well during these final moments of their camp experience. Guests learned that the participants shared interests in gaming, running track and cross country, playing sports, and creating art and designs.
After the group of panelists had a chance to share individually, Parrish opened the floor to questions from the audience which included family, friends, community members, and Lamar Arts’ leaders and patrons. During this portion of the event, students were asked to think on their feet and improvise as they prepared answers to live, unrehearsed questions. They handled themselves professionally and gracefully. The audience learned that high school students, Gabe Taaj and Daveon White, have ambitions to go to Mercer University and Morehouse College respectively. Middle schooler, Iyana Isom, has a knack for creating and designing bracelets. When asked about adding another farm animal to his family’s collection, Jace Chestnutt responded that he would want to get a baby goat and name it “Screamer.” Throughout the event, each child’s sense of humor and ambition resonated with the audience who responded with laughter, smiles, and applause.
Parrish concluded the performance by inviting guests to enjoy refreshments before ending with an appropriate phrase: “That’s a wrap!”
Current Lamar Arts’ president, Bob Barber, provided a few final words stating how proud he was of the participants and their effort throughout the week. Barber stated that drama camp participants often arrive as quiet and timid individuals but learn to “use their voice” through the opportunity.
This year, Lamar Arts was fortunate to earn funds from a Lamar Gives 365 grant to help offset the cost of offering their annual drama and art camps. The Lamar Arts board was able to lower the cost of both camps to make these opportunities for young people more affordable and accessible, fulfilling their mission to promote the growth of arts and culture in the Lamar County community. Next up is Youth Art Camp set for June 16-20. For more information about Lamar Arts, visit www.lamararts.org.
Haley Turner
Haley Turner is a writer, teacher, and arts enthusiast born and raised in Jackson, Georgia. She shares stories highlighting education, community events, and local creative outlets. She resides in Barnesville with her husband, Grant.
