Year 3: The Beauty of Community

“When we establish human connections within the context of shared experience, we create community wherever we go.” ―Gina Greenlee

Theater is an absolutely amazing experience. To be able to get to know so many people at once—to act together, to practice together, and to perform together—is always such an added benefit to drama. This past year at musical theater camp while putting on Beauty and The Beast, an amazing troupe was formed, and I was able to witness it firsthand.

There was a group of about eight of us who connected immediately. From the first day we began sitting together at lunch, and before long we were planning events almost every day after camp, going out for coffee and dinner to spend as much time together as possible. We helped each other practice with our free time, and managed to learn our parts quickly in spite of all the companionship. The younger ones looked up to us, and we did our best to lead them as gently as possible. We were teachers as well as students, and we bonded over school, mutual friends, interests, and most of all, our love of acting. No one has ever thought there was a world when Gaston, Belle, and the Beast were all good friends, but such a world does exist.

On the last day of camp, shouts of “I’m going to miss you so much!” and “I’ve had the best time with you guys…” echoed through the halls. We were all saddened by the thought of having to live without one another after we had gotten so used to each other’s company. The moment we had been dreading came too quickly, and we said our goodbyes with many plans to meet up over the rest of summer.

Unfortunately, we weren’t able to do much together the next couple months, but we missed each other. We had formed a connection that wouldn’t be forgotten anytime soon. It was truly a bonding experience that made the students feel like family, and Lochwood feel like home. We were completely comfortable in the studio and with each other, and the community seemed more close-knit every day.

That was six months ago, and I still miss the entire experience. It was a kick-off into summer that brought a whole host of new friends into the picture. Although it’s over, I already greatly look forward to next year’s camp and the new lessons that I’m sure it will bring ☺

Author: Kirstan D.