Bowie State University has launched its first children's theatre, 'WonderWorks,' which will present its first program Friday called 'The Big Bad Bullysaurus' at the Fine and Performing Arts Center.
It will also be showcased again, March 8th and 9th at the center.
This 45-minute play, written by Tommy Jamerson, will be performed by five students. It tells a story about friendship and the importance of forgiveness.
Director Bob Bartlett, assistant professor of theatre at BSU, told Gazette that they created a children's theatre at the university because Prince George's County and central Maryland rarely showcase plays/drama for children.
The university now hopes to present two or three plays a season and during summer camp and productions they will feature outside actors to provide students an opportunity to work with professionals.
They also hope to start paying the students for their contributions to the play.
The theatre also plans to include educational themes on math, environmental science and health.
Co-organizer Gail Medford, who coordinates BSU's theatre program, told the newspaper that community groups' concentration on children themes is less.
In order to engage the community with their plays, the university recently built a $71 million performing arts center at the university.
"We want to bring kids and families in," Bartlett said. "There's nothing in central Maryland serving our population. People have to go to Imagination Stage or Adventure Theatre in Montgomery County or D.C. or northern Virginia."
The university is open to contributions from individuals and organisations to help the theatre grow into a professional theatre group.
