This year’s Page 2 Stage play, “POST (APOCALYPTIC),” originally seemed to be a silly comedy about a bunch of people arguing over who got to be in front of a line at the post office. But as WriCampians watched the show on Wednesday night, they were soon faced with a twist: a deadly parasitic disease that kills people within a half hour, and the sudden onset of the apocalypse. It turns out to be caused by contaminated lettuce being shipped from the post office. The characters who stay in the post office line are at first in denial, but as they realize what is happening, they begin to argue about food and resources.
“Thematically, we were really playing with the idea of selfishness, and how you can’t get anywhere alone,” Instructor and Page 2 Stage Lead, Carly P. said.
The show has many moments of optimism an humor. Towards the end, Avery, played by camper Daxin (Dax) Z., says “Well, even though the world is ending, even though we’re about to be killed by a bunch of infected people…I’m really glad I met you guys. This isn’t a bad group to end the world with.”
Most campers join Page 2 Stage for the same reason: a love of theatre, music, and acting. Page 2 Stage allows campers to put all the elements they enjoy together to create an original play or musical, supported throughout the weeks by co-directors Carly and Eric, music directors Fabi and Jem, and eight amazing counselors. “People are super committed to what they’re doing in Page 2 Stage because they got to choose what they were doing,” said Carly.” In Page 2 Stage, campers create an original setting and characters from scratch, incorporating the actors’ ideas and thoughts in a group process.
Campers join the Page 2 Stage track for many reasons. Some want to become Broadway or professional actors, and are taking their goals step by step. Some come to try new things, practice their craft, and spend time with friends. “I think that Page 2 Stage builds community, helps you improve your writing, and the same time write an amazing play,” said Dax. Although it might seem like Page 2 Stage has always been a part of WriCampia, the track wasn’t always an option. From 2013-2018, the camp only had theatre skits. However, in 2018, current camp director and instructor Matthew Jellison changed the theatre skits from short plays presented in a showcase to a full-length production created and acted by the entire Page 2 Stage ensemble.
Each new director has a different goal for the Page 2 Stage campers. Matthew’s goal was to help the campers create a special story, and feel proud when the audience cheered and applauded for them. Something very special about Page 2 Stage is that one of the main goals is to write a show together; most shows are written individually, but in Page 2 Stage everyone puts their heads together. “I’m so enamored with the young kids and teens every year who show up and build this piece from scratch in such a short period of time. Each year they create something with such originality, passion, and grit that I don’t think adult theatre professionals are even capable of. I say that as one. These kids are an inspiration,” said Matthew.
