By Rick Abercrombie
On November 14, a pair of leaders from the Irmo-Chapin Recreation Commission Childrens’ Theatre spoke to the Optimist Club of St. Andrews-Irmo. The presenters were Jenea Gardner and Tyler Bennett. Gardner is the Co-Producer for the Theatre at Crooked Creed Park, and Bennett has the same responsibilities at Seven Oaks Park.
Begun in 2006 with a membership of fewer than 20 kids and after a brief hiatus, fully operating since 2008, the Theatre’s first production was Cinderella. In 2011, a partnership with Harbison Theatre began and that relationship has continued to the present.
Membership is offered to children from age 8 to 18. No previous theatre experience is necessary, so, as the presenters described the experience, kids “are met wherever they are.” There are two general categories of productions: some including ages 8 to18 and others for ages 11-18.
Performance being an obvious goal, there is also a focus on growth, teamwork, and creativity. The mission of the Theatre is “To provide a safe, supportive, and inspiring environment where children can explore the performing arts, build confidence, and connect with their community.”
That mission links with four Core Values:
Creativity: imagination and self-respect.
Collaboration: teamwork through shared artistic goals.
Confidence: developing public speaking and social skills.
Character: embracing empathy, discipline, and respect.
The experience is immersive. Children learn to overcome stage fright; they learn to project, listen and engage; they must memorize lines, attend rehearsals, and meet deadlines; finally they “become their character” to the point of transcending rote memorization and be convincing to the audience.
A typical show requires several moving parts, those being: director, show, cast, crew, set(s), costumes, and props. Expanding upon the roles handled by the crew, the elements are: lights, sound, stage management, props, set management, and costumes.
There are two to three major productions every year. So far, the 2025-26 season includes Matilda Jr. January 9 – 11 at the Harbison Theatre and The Spongebob Musical — Youth Edition April 24-26 at Spring Hill High School. Larger productions such as these often attract audiences of 400 or more.
The Theatre also offers summer camps with week-long sessions that include acting, singing, movement, and stagecraft. There will also be workshops offered for audition conduct, projection, improvisation, and teamwork.
Once participants have been through one or more seasons with the Theatre, the residual benefits of the experience translate to dealing with everyday life with more confidence and awareness. Veterans of the program are more likely to try new areas of interest.
Pictured are Optimist Jay Downs who sponsored the speakers, Club President David Kafitz, Jenea Gardner, and Tyler Bennett. The speakers received copies of the Optimist Creed.
