´ķĪķAPP

‘One big family’ MSU Summer Scholars take the stage June 27, 28

Contact: Mary Pollitz

STARKVILLE, Miss.—Every performer has their moment, and for eighth grader Camden McKinnon of Jackson, those moments have already included Off-Broadway, Broadway and even the Tony Awards. Now, his passion for the stage has brought him to Mississippi ´ķĪķAPP’s Summer Scholars Onstage program.

“My mom heard about Summer Scholars and how great it was,” he said. “Right now, I’m trying out different theater programs, but I’m really liking ´ķĪķAPP so far. Theater-wise, it’s a really nice program—definitely where I want to be.”

In its 44th season, Summer Scholars presents an original musical comedy “Are You Still Watching?” June 27 at 7 p.m. and June 28 at 1 p.m. The show, free and open to the public, is in McComas Hall Theatre.

The immersive, artistic camp is a writing, production and technical camp for students grades 7-12 that incorporates dancing, singing, acting and technical students from all over Mississippi, Alabama—and even as far as Michigan.

Leading up to the theatrical production camp is the writer’s camp, where 12 campers work on script writing and music composition tracks. The show’s musical score features 10 original songs.

For most of the campers and counselors, the program is almost like a second home. Several counselors and directors are former campers themselves, continuing the tradition year after year.

 Starkville High School senior Amelia Rodgers began attending in middle school and has returned each summer since.

“It’s like we’re one big family,” she said. “We all have these connections with people that we’ve never felt before. My favorite thing in the world is theater, and I get to do it with people who are like my family. It’s a great place to learn because everyone is so accepting and kind.”

This year’s production “Are You Still Watching?” is a three-act musical comedy inspired by modern streaming culture. Directed by first-year production director and Summer Scholars alum Louis Codling, the show features a reality dating competition between superheroes and villains, a mockumentary about the fictional closing of the Mall of America and a ghost-hunting show featuring real ghosts. A staff of musicians, drama teachers, counselors, dance instructors, technicians and college volunteers lead the students.

Summer Scholars is sponsored by the Office of Pre-College and Opportunity Programs in the MSU Division of Access, Opportunity and Success

For more about Summer Scholars Onstage, visit .

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