‘Unicorns really are real’

Ever heard of the smash hit show “Unicorns Really are Real: The Story of How They Save the Earth from Global Warming”? Not yet, perhaps. It just debuted in Sisters last Friday.

It was all part of Starshine Theater’s debut theater camp. Director Jennie Sharp, known locally for the winter kids’ performances she directs in Camp Sherman, saw a need for hands-on theater experience in Sisters Country. Options in Bend often present traditional shows in classes that go on for weeks or months.

Starshine uses a different model: kids explore and invent their own characters, assemble their own costumes, and help shape the show. It all takes place in five short days.

Students registered through Sisters Park & Recreation District. They rehearsed four days in a row at The Belfry, during their three-hour-long camp. They invented their characters and some plot points on the first day.

Then Sharp set about writing a script for them.

“I had a great time!” she said.

She said it was hard to fit so many characters into one play, but she had fun meeting the challenge. Sharp narrated the plot over a microphone, and helped kids remember their lines off-mic.

“We have a big range of ages,” said Sharp.

The group accepted kids aged 4 to 8. Next week, Starshine will work with older kids in the 8-to-13 age bracket. They will create their own original show with Sharp’s guidance.

The public is invited to come see their performance free of charge on Friday, August 2 at 3 p.m. The play, as yet unnamed, will take place on the Songbird Stage at Fir Street Park.

Starshine will have some chairs available, but suggests that audiences bring their own chairs and sun protection. The show lasts about half an hour; the park’s splash pad fountains will be turned off during this time. Fir Street Park is located at the corner of Fir and Main, one block north of Cascade Avenue/Highway 20.

Sharp thanked The Belfry, SPRD, and the City of Sisters “for providing this amazing stage.” She also thanked middle-school student Addison Russell for her volunteer work as the camp’s stage manager, and local resident Rich Hummel for providing the sound system.