Pocahontas County Opera House
Summer Theater Camp
You can drop off registration packets at your child's school, the Wellness Center, McClintic Library, or the Opera House (P.O. Box 282, Marlinton, WV, 24954) by June 6th, 2025. You may also email digital forms to events@pocahontasoperahouse.org or complete the digital sign-up form below. For payments, please make checks payable to “Pocahontas County Opera House Foundation” or pay online using the link below for a small surcharge fee.
The Pocahontas County Opera House is pleased to offer a week-long Summer Theater Camp. We have partnered with the Missoula Children's Theater's Touring Program to bring to life a full theatrical production in a single week. The Missoula Children's Theater is the nation’s largest touring children’s theater and has been touring extensively for more than 40 years now from Montana to Japan and will visit nearly 1,200 communities this year with up to 44 teams of Tour Actor/Directors. A tour team will arrive in Marlinton with everything it takes to put on the play: Black Beard the Pirate...except the cast!
On Monday morning, children will be cast in their parts. Among the roles to be cast are Blackbeard and his crew of Bearded Pirates, Sailors of the High Seas, Cranky Crabs and Crocodiles, Magical Mermaids and Seaweed Creatures, Parrots and even a group of Beach Bums! Children will rehearse throughout the week in a fun, safe and supportive atmosphere where they can practice fundamental life skills like confidence, empathy, communication skills, self-discipline, cooperation, creativity, and dedication. Then Friday and Saturday, they will perform on our very own Pocahontas County Opera House Stage.
Additionally, the Pocahontas County Opera House Summer Camp classes will introduce children to acting and movement, as well as learning about the behind-the-scenes world of costumes, sets, and props. Pirate themed experiments, storytelling, and craft projects will also be included.
Children entering 1st through 8th grades are invited to apply. The registration fee is $25 for the first child and $15 for each sibling. Scholarships are available. Each child will be fed lunch and a snack and receive a camp t-shirt and water bottle. Up to 60 children will be registered, additional applicants will be waitlisted and contacted should another child drop out. The camp will run Monday through Friday from 10:00am to 3:30pm July 21st through July 25th. Two performances will be held, Friday July 25th at 5:00pm and Saturday July 26th at 2:00pm. Children will need to be at the theater one hour before the Saturday performance. Children must attend ALL days of the camp in order to participate. Guardians are responsible for getting their child to & from the Pocahontas Co. Opera House.
This camp is only possible because of the support of so many in our community. A group of amazing local volunteer thespians will be on hand. Financial and logistical support through the WV Neighborhood Investment Program from PC Parks and Recreations, Pocahontas schools and a variety of civic organizations, have help make this project happen. The desire to see all children experience the arts was a passion of late board member Shenda Smith, who was instrumental in founding this camp. In her name, we are able to provide scholarships for children in need (simply check that box on the registration). If you would like to include an additional donation to help ensure this amazing experience is open to all children, it is greatly appreciated and will help continue to grow the arts in Pocahontas County. We hope to see your child this summer!
