A Day with the Oswego Children's Theater at HARMS

A lesson parents learn at an early age, our children may, or may not have the same extracurricular interests as us. While still in utero, one dreams of their son or daughter following in one of the parent's footsteps.

My husband, Ed, is a sports fan, and if I can brag, a great athlete himself. More so, "back in the day", lol. My hobbies and interests as a child were more theatrical in nature, with the exception of softball. This sport I enjoyed, but for the most part - riding my bike, swimming, or walking were just fun to do - not a necessity.

My favorite memories in the middle school are doing the annual play. As a fifth and sixth grader I was part of the chorus scenes - an Oompa Loompa and and a begger on the street. In seventh and eighth grade I graduated to Oliver Twist's aunt and an orphan. Our directors invested time, energy, and a love for the arts into each member of the production.

Although our daughter doesn't share her father's love for sports, she is a natural on stage. Ed and I spent today watching six different groups of kids perform, six cry different plays. Each school or community group had thirty minutes to shine and share. We laughed, cried, and were left speechless.

After each performance the kiddos were encouraged by the judging panel with kudos and areas they could expand on. Between the morning and afternoon sessions, the kids participated in break-out sessions to enhance or explore skills needed to work, act, or be a part of a theatrical performance.

This evening they enjoyed dinner with their new friends, then the awards banquet. Ed and enjoyed this day fir many reasons. First and foremost, we spent it supporting our daughter as she competed and learned new things. And the added benefit, we enjoyed walking on the nature trail while the kiddos attended their break out sessions.

Who won the competition? At the time if posting this blog, I honestly don't know. In our opinion, every actor, actress, stage crew, tech person, director, and person who made each production and today's event such a joy...are all winners.

Children arrived quiet and nervous, sticking with their own groups. Over dinner and prior to the awards ceremony, there is much jubilation, sharing friend requests, and making new friends.

What do you think...is there really only one winner? I don't think so either.

A wonderful day to say the least. We are thankful to be a part of it.