HOULTON, Maine — Fifty years ago, Ricker College student Bob Johnson produced a play for children, “Charlie Brown,” in the fall, and followed it up with “Peter Pan” in the spring. It was the start of what is now Houlton Star Bright Children’s Theatre, one of the oldest continuing children’s theaters in the country.
HSBCT will celebrate its anniversary throughout the 2017/2018 season with a number of special projects and events. Among them is the creation of a scrapbook/display featuring the memories and reflections of those who have been a part of its history.
Children and adults who have participated on stage, behind the scenes, or on the board are invited share thoughts and letters, pictures and drawings, of their experiences in HSBCT.
Whether from recent times or from many years ago, all remembrances are welcome. Please send them to Mary Miller, P.O. Box 73, Oakfield, ME, 04763, or give them to any board member.
The children’s theater that began at Ricker was taken over by interested citizens in the community after the college closed, and at least one play “for children, by children” has been produced every year. Ann Barnes, who still is active in HSBCT, directed more than 20 plays; other directors include Barbara Hogan, Pam Chernesky, Gary Farnham, and even some students who wrote their own plays.
HSBCT also offered a Drama Club for several years; it has sponsored workshops in theater arts, given students a chance to perform on the radio, and introduced them to some outside theater professionals. It is a non-profit organization, relying on the greater Houlton community for support and offering hundreds of area children the opportunity to be part of an on-stage production.
The board of directors of HSBCT is excited about this year of celebrating a rich past, and enthusiastic about possibilities for the future. Please watch for information about this year’s production, and if you have been connected to the theater over the years, please add your contributions to its book of memories to share.
