“Spolier alert: it’s very moving; there’s a lot of weeping, from the adults,” said Emily Prince, the arts education director at Stuart’s Opera House, in an interview with WOUB in reference to the deeply endearing performing arts performances coming to the stage at Stuart’s on Friday, June 29. The series of dramatic performances and songs are a result of a monthlong performing arts camp for children ages 12-18 that has been happening daily at the historic Stuart’s Opera House for the past month.

The camp is made possible by HAPCAP (Hocking, Athens, and Perry Community Action) and Perry County Job and Family Services and provides a four week, full-fledged, completely free performing arts education experience for children residing in Perry County who are TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) eligible. The camp includes courses in acting, playwriting, dance, and music all instructed by regional performing arts professionals.

In the interview embedded above, WOUB’s Emily Votaw speaks to Erin Glaser, the coordinator for the camp, as well as Prince, about the camp’s mission, the importance of a performing arts education, and what the public can expect from the free performances that will be staged at Stuart’s (52 Public Square, Nelsonville) on Friday, June 29 as a part of Nelsonville’s Final Fridays on the Square. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the show starts at 6 p.m.