NE drama program ‘tinkers’ with community production

The NE drama department is serving the community with its production of Toy Camp through Nov. 20.

Toy Camp is a play that also doubles as an outreach program for underfunded elementary schools. Drama associate professor Julie Gale, who has a background in educational outreach, organized this year’s outreach program.

“They [TCC] saw a need in the community,” she said. “Most schools have limited field trip funding and a desire to see live shows. We are able to provide that.”

This year’s performance follows a group of toys who undergo a boot camp environment to be in top shape for children, led by the witchy Miss Grouchstick.

They learn about important ideals such as being confident in themselves, overcoming weakness and learning how to compromise. But if the toys do not graduate, they face going to the dreaded toy dump.

Drama instructor and play director Susan Polster said the production is a good choice for children.

“Toy Camp has a great message for little kids, and it is about paying attention, concentrating, not bullying, being nice to others, in a fun atmosphere with music that will appeal to the children.”

Polster is pleased with the NE cast members.

“I have an extremely talented group of 10 doing the show,” she said. “They work great as a team.”

Performances are 11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday. The performance is free but requires a reservation.

To order tickets, contact Gale at 817-515-6181.

The NE drama program was recognized for its outreach efforts with the 2013-2014 Chancellor Employee Excellence Award for Service to Community. The outreach program has been at TCC for eight years and reaches approximately 3,000 students, teachers and parents.

­— Chelsea Olson