What Happened After “Once Upon a Time”?

At the YMCA Summer Theater Camp, twenty-four second through eighth graders discovered what happened after “Once Upon A Time.”

In one short week of eight-hour days, these young actors and actresses came together and learned, by a combination of theater technique and theater play, how to perform in front of an audience. The combination reflects the mission and desire of the play’s director, Gina Sisbarro, owner and operator of Sisbarro Acting School. Theater “technique” provided the students with practical skills and theater “play” provided them with fun experiences, allowing the children to use their imagination and develop friendships.  

Their hard work and camaraderie paid off as the audience applauded, smiled, and laughed throughout the entire performance. In addition, when asked about their experience during the week, comments from the students about their experience were: “The games we played during practice and how we came together was my favorite part,” “I liked how we all got better as the week went on,” and “I liked meeting new people.” All the children indicated that they had fun and wanted to do it again. One parent commented that this was his daughter’s “…first time and she loved it.”

At the end of the play, Director Sisbarro came on stage and praised each child individually, building their self-esteem. She concluded by saying that “theater is my lifeline - nothing brings greater satisfaction to me than making a difference in a child’s life.” Sisbarro thanked the parents for “…allowing me to spend a whole week doing what I love best. This is my summer vacation and the best week of my year!”

The next YMCA’s Theatrics Fall Theater lineup for ages five to 13, runs from September 9 through October 28 at the YMCA of Collier County (South Campus on Marco Island). Contact the YMCA or email Gina Sisbarro at Sisbarroacting @gmail.com for details.