Milam Community Theater and Milam County 4-H Youth Theater Camp Concludes a Week of Learning, Leadership, and Standing Ovations

Cameron, TX - The curtain has closed on another successful Milam Community Theater (MCT) and Milam County 4-H Youth Theater Camp, but the confidence, friendships, and memories made throughout the week will continue long after the final bow. Held June 15-20, this year's camp welcomed 33 enthusiastic campers from across Central Texas for an unforgettable week of creativity, learning, teamwork, and performance. The camp was made possible through the dedication of 10 adult volunteers, 2 teen volunteers, and 7 instructors, all of whom generously gave their time and talents to invest in the next generation of performers and leaders.
Throughout the week, campers experienced much more than rehearsing for a play. Each morning featured educational workshops that introduced youth to the many moving parts of a theatrical production while teaching valuable life skills they can use far beyond the stage.

Campers participated in hands-on sessions covering technical theater, including lighting, sound, and backstage operations, while also learning the responsibilities of stage management, both front-of-house and backstage. Additional workshops focused on backstage etiquette, emphasizing teamwork, professionalism, and respect during productions. Campers also explored set design, practiced expressions and actor warm-ups, built communication skills through speaking with confidence, and learned how costumes and props help transform actors into
memorable characters.

These workshops allowed campers to gain an appreciation for every role involved in producing a theatrical performance while strengthening leadership, communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills. Leading this year's production was Show Director Tia Rae Stone, whose passion for theater and
dedication to youth shined throughout the week. From the first script reading to the final curtain call, Stone encouraged each camper to step outside their comfort zone, embrace their character, and build confidence on stage. Her creativity, patience, and enthusiasm inspired campers to work together while discovering the joy and excitement of live theater.

Working alongside Stone was Camp Director and Producer Amber Basonic, who coordinated the week's activities, educational workshops, volunteers, and daily operations. Through her thoughtful planning and commitment to creating a positive learning environment, Basonic ensured campers experienced a week filled with creativity, laughter, learning, and lasting friendships. Her leadership helped make every aspect of camp a success, both on and off the stage.

"Watching these young actors grow in confidence in just one week was incredible," said Camp Director Amber Basonic. "By the time they stepped on stage for the performances, they had become a family. Seeing them encourage one another, work hard, and celebrate each other's successes is what theater camp is all about."

The week culminated in two public performances of Night at the Wax Museum by Craig Sodaro, presented on Friday evening, June 19, and Saturday afternoon, June 20, at the Williams Event Center in Cameron. Campers delighted audiences as historical figures came to life in a fast-paced comedy filled with laughs, memorable characters, and plenty of energy. More than 220 audience members attended the two performances, rewarding the cast with enthusiastic applause and standing ovations.

"Theater camp is about so much more than putting on a play," organizers shared. "It's about building confidence, encouraging creativity, developing responsibility, and giving young people a place where they can grow while having fun. Watching these campers shine after only one week of preparation is truly inspiring."

The success of the camp would not have been possible without the generous support of local businesses and community members. Milam Community Theater and Milam County 4-H extend their heartfelt appreciation to the 2026 Theater Camp Sponsors:

Marek-Burns-Laywell Funeral Home
Cameron Lions Club
Terry Richter
Classic Bank
Dairy Queen State Farm, Julie Sulak

These generous sponsors helped provide camper scholarships, meals throughout the week, and supplies that ensured every child had the opportunity to experience the magic of theater. A special thank you is also extended to the 2026 Milam Community Theater Season Sponsors, whose continued support allows youth and community theater to thrive throughout the year:
 Cappolino Dodd & Krebs, L.L.P.
 Rockin' R Madillo Embroidery
 EBCO General Contractors
 J Boys Ranch
 First Materials
 Izzo Pecan Farms
 Victoria Otto, CPA
 Marek-Burns-Laywell Funeral Home
 Bobby & Monica Schiller

Milam Community Theater and Milam County 4-H also recognize the countless volunteers, parents, instructors, and community supporters who worked behind the scenes throughout the week. From preparing meals and organizing activities to building sets, managing costumes, running lights and sound, selling concessions, and helping at performances, every volunteer played an essential role in creating an unforgettable experience for the campers. Their dedication demonstrates the power of a community coming together to invest in its youth. As the final curtain fell on another successful camp, one thing was clear: theater is about much
more than acting. It teaches confidence, communication, creativity, responsibility, leadership, and the importance of working together toward a common goal.

Thanks to the incredible support of volunteers, sponsors, instructors, and families, 33 young performers left camp with new skills, lasting friendships, and memories that will stay with them for years to come. Milam Community Theater and Milam County 4-H look forward to welcoming another group of aspiring performers next summer as they continue inspiring creativity, confidence, and community through the performing arts.

Youth interested in developing leadership skills, exploring career opportunities, competing in exciting contests, making lifelong friends, and giving back to their communities are encouraged to join Milam County 4-H. For more information about Milam County 4-H programs, contact the Milam County Extension Office. For more information about Milam County 4-H, please call the
Milam County Extension Office at (254) 697-7045 or email Micah Holcombe, FCH Agent, at mlholcombe@ag.tamu.edu or Josh Evans, AG Agent, at josh.evans@ag.tamu.edu. Milam County 4-H Facebook Page:

The Milam County 4-H has a facebook page! Please make sure and go in and LIKE the page to
get information about Milam County 4-H! 4-H facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/milamcountyfourH 4-H Blasts will be posted on the page as well as contest winners, etc.

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