Children's Show Committee

Co-chairs: Stephanie Bernard slb5255@psu.edu 
Christina Sharkey ces1027@psu.edu

The children's show committee picks a children's book and turns it into a short play that is performed at Schlow Memorial Library in downtown State College. Members and pledges greatly enjoy the creative process of taking book suggestions, debating each suggestion, picking a feasible option, and writing a script that goes into each show.

Once a script is written, a production staff is assembled consisting of pledges in main roles and members as assistants for guidance and advice. In this way, the children's show is a great vehicle for pledges to learn and gain experience in Thespians. The cast and production staff consistently bring great books to life that are enjoyed by both young and old. Recent shows include Amelia Bedelia, The Lorax, Paddington Bear, Lyle, Lyle Crocodile, and Ben and Me.

Meet the Committee Co-Chairs

The children's show committee dedicates its time and effort into converting a children's book into a show. Our intentions are to promote reading and theatre to younger kids, and to introduce pledges to the roles of a Thespians production. In the past, we have created shows such as Paddington Bear and The Lorax. In the fall, we put on Amelia Bedelia at the Schlow Library. I hope to get as many people involved as possible, so we can create an awesome show and have a great time! And of course, entertain children!

Thespians experience: children's show committee co-chair (2008-2009), paint crew for Assassins (fall 2007), run crew for Jekyll & Hyde (spring 2008), Once Upon A Mattress ensemble (fall 2008)

Favorite Thespians moment: "CARPET SQUARES! Duh!"

Name: Christina Sharkey
Year: Sophomore
Major: Computer Science (maybe a double someday?  :D)
Hometown: Philadelphia, PA <3

Each semester, the children's show committee puts on a show at the Schlowe Memorial Library based off of a book to help promote and inspire a love of performance and reading to our young audience. Because the children's shows are smaller in scale than the musicals produced by Thespians, it allows pledges to learn about the various positions used in our other shows and take charge. Each production staff position is held by a pledge who is assisted by a current Thespian. It’s a great way to learn how Thespians work, make friends, and have fun. ;)

Thespians experience: Children's Show Chair 2009-2010, Costume Crew for Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Spring 2009, Stripe Fish and Costumes in Rainbow Fish Spring 2009, Ensemble and Advertising in MasquerAIDS February 2009, Amelia Bedilia for Amelia Bedilia Fall 2008, Run Crew for Once Upon a Mattress Fall 2008

Favorite Thespian Moment: There's enough to fill an encyclopedia and I've only been here for a year! (trust me you should see the size of my scrapbook) There are a few moments that stand out to me though. Andrea is the best big ever! Working on my SQUAD!'s pledge skit was an experience with Eliza and Steve. I am so thankful that Amelia is the only person who didn’t have to eat her own pies in Amelia Bedilia. When you make octopus tentacles out of balloons or a shark fin out of Sport ‘n Waves, jokes will ensue. I love anyone who was willing to teach me how to use power tools! But seriously, so many jokes came from my attempts at using a power drill or lifting something heavy. ;) The last night before I left last spring was probably one of my best memories though. Those are only a couple memories, and I can NOT wait to make some more!