A child learning to express themselves is one of the most vital things they can learn in life. The arts such as theatre can teach leadership, confidence, teamwork, empathy, and imagination. Second Star Theatre Co. has dedicated themselves to bringing their magical works to local cities for all youth to participate in. This month on July 30th, at The Crazy Water Hotel, the enchanting tale of Aladdin will debut. We spoke with the creator of this summer camp, Elizabeth Baker, to give the audience some background on her, the company, and the production itself.
Elizabeth was born and raised in Weatherford TX. She always had a love for the theatre as a young child and couldn’t wait to get her opportunity on stage. “As a kid, I remember going to shows at Casa Manana and it was pure magic. Occasionally, I’d see kids in the shows and I wondered how they got that opportunity. There just weren’t any opportunities for youth to participate in musical theatre in Weatherford when I grew up here. But my senior year, Weatherford High School performed “Oklahoma!” It was so much fun and worth the wait! I was so glad that I had at least gotten to do one musical in school.” After that, she attended UNT and graduated with a degree in Music Education.
She has done everything she can to be an inspiration to all her students no matter what age, or location they may be in. Her first experience teaching is where she really found her passion. “I got my first job in Brock ISD. The school was so small at the time that I was the entire Fine Arts Department. I taught elementary music, middle school, high school band, choir, and high school Theatre. I immediately fell into “production mode” which I later learned is just my natural bent.”
But it didn’t stop there for Elizabeth, she not only for a time was a stay-at-home mom for three beautiful children, Wilson, John Thomas, and Hannah, but she also taught voice lessons and started a musical theatre camp called JamCamp in her church.
Yet, Elizabeth tells us she still was not satisfied. “I began dreaming about the possibility of a summer camp that could include anyone and I approached James Brownlee at Weatherford College with the idea. He was amazingly supportive and allowed this camp to be a part of Weatherford College Summer Stage. Meanwhile, I was still daydreaming and planning for more community events for musical theatre. Along with a group of friends I had worked with on previous projects, we formed Second Star Theatre Company.” It is at this time when Cody Jordan approached her about doing a summer camp production here for all our youth to participate in. She says “Cody heard our vision and shared the vision of downtown Mineral Wells. It became obvious to all of us that we could create the perfect partnership!”
The Second Star Theatre Co. is still very new, but they have successfully brought children and communities together. Elizabeth’s most recent presentations have been Frozen Jr, Moana Jr., and she has directed Peter Pan, Little Mermaid Jr, Dr. Dolittle Jr, Annie Jr, Beauty and the Beast Jr, Wizard of Oz Jr, Willy Wonka Jr, and Lion King Jr for Martin Elementary.
Team Members For The Aladdin Play
The workshop for our children will begin Thursday, July 8th, 2021. The cost to join the workshop and audition will be $125 for the week. Auditions will be held this coming Saturday. The tuition will cover the licensing to purchase the show along with the experience. Elizabeth elaborates on what the camp will entail. “Camp will run July 26 – 30 with a parent show-off performance on July 30. It is a one-week camp for grades 8-12. We will be focusing on singing, dancing, and acting. Without the distraction of set pieces, multiple props, and costumes, the kids don’t have anything to hide behind. It will provide a great opportunity to focus on their skills as a performer. This camp is a teen takeover of sorts. Hayley Vantine will be directing this. Also, many of our strong, experienced teen performers have joined the production team. I love that this provides an opportunity for the teens to lead and the kids to be mentored by some phenomenal and experienced teen performers.”
Elizabeth said she can’t wait to get started. She is eager to see the talent within Mineral Wells and bringing everyone together! “We have some outstanding performers signed up from all around the area: Weatherford, Aledo, Granbury, and Mineral Wells! We are looking forward to bringing all these kids together from different communities and watching them shine!” For more information on registration and details here is their website https://www.secondstartheatre.org/
Writer | I graduated from Weatherford College with an Associates in Art, focusing on history, creative writings, sociology, and humanities. Experience in child development, client care, and runs local Spoken Word Poetry group for young teens.
