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‘Literal theater magic’: Teenagers take the stage at Effingham Performance Center camp

Amanda Brennan
2 min read

EFFINGHAM, Ill. (WCIA) — Teenagers in Our Town Effingham are getting their head in the game and taking to the stage with the summer camps at the Effingham Performance Center.

Over nine days, students learn the lyrics, sing the songs and choreograph every dance move on stage. Those are all the ingredients needed to put together Disney’s hit “High School Musical” at the Effingham Performance Center.

Our Town Effingham

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Carson Etheridge described camp as “literal theater magic”. The theater bug bit him when he was only 8 years old.

“It’s been the highlight of my summer every summer since I’ve been doing it,” he said.

Another student, Evie Ballard, has a similar story.

“I came in with not much experience, only one show, and I’ve learned so much throughout my five years here,” Ballard said.

Students learn how to curb nerves and awkwardness at camp.

“No one here is gonna judge you; this is one of the most accepting spaces ever,” Etheridge said.

The students also continue the theater magic off-stage.

“At camp, it gives me a good opportunity to see what it takes to be in the…to work in the crew or to be a more artistic mind behind the show.”

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They call the crew positions their “tech tracks”: marketing, set and props or lights and sound. That’s how Etheridge found his passion.

“I love marketing so much,” he said. “I’m going to be a senior and I’m looking at doing a career in graphic design and marketing in the future.”

Ballard also believes camp is preparing her for her years ahead.

“I plan to major in theater education when I go to school so this is a really great opportunity for me to broaden my knowledge of theater and how to teach it in the future,” she said.

No matter what the show is, they’re both thankful to have a big, 1,500 seat auditorium right in their hometown.

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“To have this space in Effingham and being able to grow up here, I’ve lived here my entire life, is amazing,” Etheridge said. “You really get everything with this space, and it’s awesome.”

Effingham Co. Animal Shelter is full; has no open kennels

Students across Effingham County performed “High School Musical” in June, with about 900 people in the auditorium. The Jr. High Camp will perform “Shrek the Musical Jr.” at the Performance Center on Thursday, July 18 at 7 p.m.

More information and photos from past camp productions can be found on their Facebook page, while dates for all future performances can be viewed at the center’s website.

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WCIA’s news team will be in downtown Effingham this Friday the 12th for Our Town event.
The 4, 5, and 6 p.m. broadcasts will all be live from the city.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.

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