South Dakota 4-H Performing Arts 2013

BROOKINGS – The South Dakota 4-H Performing Arts Troupe will perform “30 Years of South Dakota 4-H Performing Arts Greatest Hits” this summer.

The 4-H Performing Arts Troupe will put on the variety show during their preparation camp in Aberdeen, as well as the South Dakota State Fair in Huron and at various other locations throughout the state.

The Troupe consists of 59 teens, ages 13 through 18, from 22 counties all across South Dakota. Now in its thirtieth year, this 4-H educational program provides youth an opportunity to learn new skills by participating in the 4-H Performing Arts Preparation Camp, which was held June 9-15 at Northern State University in Aberdeen.

This year’s musical production, “30 Years of South Dakota 4-H Performing Arts Greatest Hits” features music, dance and songs such as “Footloose,” “Dancin in the Streets,” “That Thing You Do,” “Rhinestone Cowboy,” “Oh Happy Day,” “Listen to the Music.”

Community performance Schedule:

· Milbank on June 29, at 12:30 p.m., during the Farley Fest at Lake Farley

· Canton on July 30 at 5:15 p.m. during Lincoln County’s 4-H Achievement Days

· Brookings on July 31, at 7 p.m., during the county’s 4-H Achievement Days at the Swiftel Center

· Miller on August 9 at 5 p.m. during the Hand County Fair

· Britton on August 10 at 3:30 p.m., during Britton’s Harvest Days

· Aberdeen on August 18 at noon and 3:30 p.m., during the Brown County Fair

The Troupe is scheduled for five performances on the 4-H Stage during the South Dakota State Fair in Huron. Dates and times are: Aug. 31, at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.; Sept. 1, at 3 and 6 p.m.; and Labor Day Sept. 2, at 10 a.m.

The South Dakota 4-H Performing Arts Troupe is a theater arts educational experience for youth interested in developing skills in drama, music, dance, and technical theater. This distinctive program was started in 1984 by former SDSU Extension Youth Development 4-H Youth Specialist, Carolyn Clague. The program is unique in that it provides opportunities for youth and the arts to come together. The Troupe often involves youth who do not have the opportunity to experience the arts, except through the 4-H program, particularly youth from rural areas.

The youth are directed by theater arts professionals and guided by parent volunteers. Professional staff members are Ashley Geist Cusick, co-director, co-scriptwriter, and choreography director; Mallory Scott, co-director, co-scriptwriter, and musical director; and Jason Honerman, set designer. All are from Aberdeen. More than 30 parent volunteers assist during preparation camp and the season with chaperoning, costuming, and overall production details.

For questions and to support 4-H Performing Arts Program, contact the state 4-H Office, 605-688-4167. For more information about 4-H Youth Development, visit iGrow.org.