The temperature may be climbing outside, but snowballs will soon by flying inside the Harriston Town Hall Theatre.
The Grey Wellington Theatre Guild is preparing to stage The Snowman War, the latest offering from the group’s summer youth theatre company.
Written by Megan Raftis, who is co-directing the show with Peggy Raftis and Dan Bieman, The Snowman War features 23 actors between the ages of seven and 16. Participants come from Harriston, Clifford, Palmerston, Moorefield and Listowel. It is the guild’s eighth summer production staged entirely by youth actors and the seventh written by Megan.
Action revolves around several groups of youngsters who find themselves in a “cold war” over forts and mascots on the first snow day of a school year.
“The play is sort of a schoolyard take on the Trojan War,” said Megan. “There’s plenty of action and lots of humour.”
Noting this year’s cast is a good mix of returnees and actors new to the program, Peggy said, “It’s great to see the experienced kids being able to help the younger ones with their stagecraft.”
The main goal of the youth theatre program is creating a play that’s fun for young people to be involved in, while giving budding actors the chance to shine on stage. The shows also provide an ideal opportunity for parents or grandparents to introduce children to theatre by bringing them to watch the production.
The Snowman War runs July 21, 22 at 7:30pm and July 23 at 2pm at the Harriston Town Hall Theatre.
Tickets are a family-friendly $5 per person at the door.
Call 519-338-3681 for information or go to greywellingtontheatre.com.