“I regard the theatre as the greatest of all art forms, the most immediate way in which a human being can share with another the sense of what it is to be a human being.” Thornton Wilder
The Voorhees Theatre Company (VTC) is a non-profit community theatre based at the Voorhees Middle School Theater. The mission of the VTC is to provide opportunities for young people to experience theatre as performers, technicians, managers and audience members.
Since forming in 2002, the VTC has staged a wide array of productions, including “South Pacific,” “Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” “Grease,” “West Side Story,” “Peter Pan,” “To Kill a Mockingbird,” “The Wizard of Oz,” “Cabaret,” “Oliver,” “Bye Bye Birdie,” “Godspell,” “Annie” and “Fiddler on the Roof.”
One of the most successful programs of the VTC has been the six-week Summer Theatre Camp held at the Voorhees Middle School. The camp provides a complete theatrical experience and offers a choice of concentrations in performing theatre or technical theatre. The performance camp provides instructions in all aspects of performing and offers a chance for participants to perform and stage a musical production at the end of camp. Tech campers focus on the technical support that brings the magic on stage to life. Lighting, sound, sets and props are vital parts to any show. The camp is open to children entering third grade through eighth grade.
Another popular VTC program is 24 Hour Theatre. High school performers gather as the clock starts on their 24 hours of writing, planning, rehearsing and performing original stage productions. One night later, the results are put before a live audience.
The Young Adult Musical is another popular program. Open to those entering high school through age 22, the program rehearses Monday through Thursday evenings in the summer, culminating in a full-length musical production in August.
The next production of the VTC will be “The Music Man.” This timeless classic follows the fast- talking traveling salesman, Professor Harold Hill, as he cons the people of River City, Iowa into buying musical instruments and uniforms for a boys’ band he vows to organize. His plans to skip town with the cash fail when he falls for the town librarian. “The Music Man” will be presented on Saturday, Nov. 1 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and on Sunday, Nov. 2 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15.
To learn more about the VTC, including information about upcoming shows, the summer theatre camp and available scholarships, visit www.voorheestheatre.org or call (856) 206–3554.
Voorhees is proud to have such a wonderful and talented group providing a stage for the stars and future stars of our community. At two recent township events, we were fortunate to have two talented VTC members, Madeline Redfern and Addison Clark, perform stirring renditions of the National Anthem!
** On Saturday, Oct. 11 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., “International Day 2014” will be held at the Eastern Regional High School. The event is free and will include international foods and multi-cultural displays that highlight our community’s cultural diversity. The event is sponsored by the Voorhees Township Citizens Cultural and Diversity Advisory Committee as well as the Camden County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Camden County Human Relations Commission.
** On Monday, Oct. 13 a “Food Allergy Awareness and Community Education Seminar” will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Voorhees Middle School Theater with special guest, “Supernanny” Jo Frost. One in 13 children has food allergies. The disease is unique because the health and psychological well-being of food allergic children is significantly dependent upon the actions of others. Learn how you can help! This seminar is recommended for children age 11 and older due to the sensitive nature of the material covered. Contact Coleen Paravicini at [email protected] to reserve your seat.
** On Thursday, Oct. 16 at 6 p.m., Voorhees Business Association will hold a 25th Anniversary Gala at The Mansion. The event includes cocktails and dinner. Pre-paid tickets are $80 per person and a table of 10 is available for $750. For more information about the event, visit www.voorheesbusinessassociation.org.
** On Monday, Oct. 20 at 6 p.m., Voorhees Township will honor all who have worn the uniform of the United States Military with the unveiling of our Veterans Wall of Honor. The program will be held in the Macy’s Court on the lower level of the Voorhees Town Center. The Wall of Honor is located in Town Hall. We will always be thankful to those who have protected our freedom.
** On Friday, Oct. 24, the Voorhees Town Center will again be hosting Thriller Night from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. along the Boulevard. Enjoy “Spirit Hours” with specials at the bars of Iron Hill Brewery, Rodizio Grill and Catelli Duo. At 7 p.m., watch The Nightmare Before Christmas on a 20 ft. outdoor movie screen. At 8:30 p.m. there will be a live re-enactment of Thriller.
** Voorhees Township’s Annual Halloween in the Park will be on Sunday, Oct. 26 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Connolly Park. Take an old-fashioned hayride or pick from the Voorhees Business Association’s pumpkin patch. Candy and refreshments will be plentiful. Activities will include a Halloween costume parade, pumpkin painting and decorating, balloon artists, a Halloween themed magic show and face painting. The Voorhees Township Police Department will be providing Halloween safety tips and conducting a kids’ I.D. card registration. For more information, visit www.voorheesnj.com or call (856) 882-SHOW.
