Great Bend Community Theatre’s youth camp is in full swing this week. The camp for youth began July 22 and kids aged 5-9 began Monday. Both camps end Aug. 2.

“We were excited to have the younger kids join us today,” noted Madison Hembree, who with Ashley Wood is camp director for the event. 

Each morning, the campers are presented with different aspects of theatre, from staging to stage building and acting to stage combat, Hembree noted.

Barton County Community College theater faculty members Dan and Denise Williams have been by the Crest throughout the camp to share their expertise as well.

At the camp, they shared their knowledge of set building and lighting. Through a photo presentation, campers saw how different lighting scenarios affect emotions and also how specific special effects can be presented on stage.

At the end of the camp, the older campers will present the play “Game of Tiaras,” a lively delving into mediaeval fairy tale and fantasy, this Friday and Saturday, Aug. 2-3, at the Crest Theater.

Showtime for Aug. 2 is 6 p.m., while doors open at 5 p.m. For Aug. 3, the shows open at 2 p.m., with doors open at 1 p.m. The younger campers will also be presenting a variety of skits they learned during the week, Hembree noted.