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Community Corner

Campers Sing and Dance with 'Expressions of Joy'

Broadneck Evangelical Presbyterian Church hosts the camp for ages 7 to 13 that focuses on drama, dance, puppetry, acting and live music including drums and trumpets.

The gymnasium of was alive with children singing and dancing as they practiced for the dinner theater performance that will take place this Friday.

Thirty-two children, ages 7 to 13, are participating in the Expressions of Joy program. Painted backdrops waiting for their appointed scene were draped over room dividers. Handcrafted puppets lay on tables and super hero capes were everywhere.

Expressions of Joy is in its fourth year of holding a one-week camp that focuses on drama, dance, puppetry, acting and live music including drums and trumpets.

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The children learn choreography taught by Lindsay Shaner, who is in charge of the dance program at Anne Arundel County Parks and Recreation. Also assisting with choreography is Kristen Orr, whose dance experience goes back to her childhood, and 13-year-old student choreographer Bess Trew.

Bess is one of many young apprentices who graduated from Expressions of Joy and is now responsible for helping with a part of the program from behind the scenes.

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The theme this year is "Super Heroes of the Faith" and the focus is on the Bible verse Hebrews 11:1. Stories of Bible heroes such as Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Moses, Joshua, David and Jesus are depicted in song, dance, acting and narration.

The script is written by Calvin Carter with 14-year-old apprentice Marin Howie, who assisted in writing a few scenes herself. Barb Morse lends her talent to creating the puppets and the costumes for each year’s performance.

Expressions of Joy is a group effort and a labor of love for the adults who are responsible for everything from picking the theme to painting the backdrops to sewing the costumes.

“As soon as this show is over, we immediately start thinking about next year!” says Karen Trew, who is in charge of the program.

All of the Bible hero stories come together on Friday, Aug. 5, at 6:15 p.m. for a single dinner theater show and then again on Saturday, Aug. 6, at 10:30 a.m. for a free matinee performance.

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