Young Brothers funding helps drama campers

PUHI — Eldean Scott was pleasantly surprised when Bobbee Downs managed to get Ethan Whatmore to show how much he has learned in the two days since the start of the Summer Stars Drama Camp, Session II.

Scott was on hand with Young Brothers Community Advisory Board (YB CAB) members Millie Wellington and Wanda Shibata to present a grant ear-marked for scholarships and were able to witness the progress of about 60 youngsters in the program that was, on Thursday, focussing on dance, song, and learning how to project.

“They’ve got about three weeks to put it together,” Debra Blachowiak, a Board member of the Hawai‘i Children’s Theater said.

“The ‘camp’ comes to an end on Saturday, July 23 when they host a recital at the Kaua‘i Community College Performing Arts Center.”

Two shows are scheduled, one starting at 5 p.m., and the second starting at 7 p.m. where the public is invited to come and see the accomplishments of the group that meets in Puhi on weekdays from 1 to 5 p.m.

Admission price is $5 pre-sale, and $6 at the door, and people may call 246-8985 for tickets.

The YB CAB grant will be utilized to provide scholarships for some of the students in this summer program, but also will be available for some of the other programs put on by the Hawai‘i Children’s Theater, Blachowiak said. Downs, whose daughter Jenny has taken over as the director, noted that among the group of “instructors” are college students who have advanced through the ranks, starting from the days they were Kaua‘i Performing Arts Council (KPAC) students themselves.

“It’s good to see them come back and give back in this way,” Downs said.

Also on hand for the presentation were Hawai‘i Children’s Theater Board member Alisa Yee and her son Jason as well as the program director Jenny Downs.

• Dennis Fujimoto, photographer and staff writer, 245-3681 (ext. 253) and dfujimoto@pulitzer.net.