HANCOCK COUNTY – You can take the kids out of drama, but you can’t take the drama out of the kids.
The Hancock County Children’s Theatre Workshop returns after a year-long COVID-19 hiatus to present “Rockin’ Robin Hood” by Brian D. Taylor at 7 p.m. June 25 and 26 in the auditorium at Greenfield-Central High School, 810 N. Broadway St.
Directed by Pam Johnson, along with a staff of 23 volunteers and parents, more than 80 kids have been rehearsing three hours a day, Monday through Friday, since June 2.
“Rockin’ Robin Hood” is an updated and musical adaptation of the classic story of Robin Hood.
Johnson, now in her 30th year as director, remembers the heartache of having to cancel last year’s program.
“It was very difficult,” Johnson said. “We attempted to put it off until July, but everything just kept getting worse and worse.”
The Hancock County Children’s Theatre, which serves grades four through eight in all four public school districts, has long been a summer staple for children throughout the county. It’s a program with many traditions that draws on the leadership skills developed by the kids who have been through the program.
Kids who start children’s theater as fourth-graders typically have older siblings in the program or already know older kids who are participating.
“The older kids are excited to teach the younger ones the ropes, and the younger ones are eager to learn,” said Erin Vetters, 24, a veteran of the program as a performer and a volunteer.
Zane Roberts, now 24, performed with the Children’s Theatre from 2005 to 2010. He now returns every summer to volunteer.
“I keep coming back because I enjoy inspiring kids in the arts and watching them grow as performers,” Roberts said. “Year after year, I recognize the kids who come back.”
To make up for the cancellation of last year’s show, Johnson invited last year’s eighth-graders to return for this summer’s production. Of those who were eligible, six returned to add closure to their years in Children’s Theatre.
“They’re excellent leaders for everyone,” Johnson said.
It’s a bittersweet opportunity for the kids who acknowledge their high school maturity.
“It feels weird to be in high school and in children’s theatre,” said soon-to-be Greenfield-Central sophomore Addison Martin.
“It feels weird being double the height of some of the kids,” said Darren Baker, also a G-C sophomore.
G-C freshman Ella Harpold shared what it was like to miss a year of an activity that is so important to her.
“It really shows how close you are with people and how you consider them family,” Harpold said. “All my friends are here. I really missed them.”
Mt. Vernon sophomore Ava Lusby reflects on the effect of missing a year on her theatre skills: “It feels harder to memorize lines again and how to prepare for a play.”
Eastern Hancock sophomore Sam Miller is grateful for the chance for some closure.
“I felt really robbed on it,” Miller said. “Theater is like life. It’s one of my passions.”
Tickets are $7 and are available at the door or by calling 317-462-6222.
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Hancock County Children’s Theatre Workshop presents “Rockin’ Robin Hood”
Show times: 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, June 25 and 26
Where: Greenfield-Central High School auditorium
Admission: Tickets are $7 and are available at the door or by calling 317-462-6222.
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