It Happened On the Bus: Theater Camp at Canton Library

The hosted a three-day acting workshop for the town’s budding stars, age six to eight, over the February Vacation week.  The event was organized and run by Marsha Wright.  Marsha Wright is a Parent-Child  Education Specialist who works with the non-profit group Self-Help, Inc., Community Partnerships for Children.  The Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care supports this local agency with grants. 

Rounding out the February “Black History Month,” Marsha Wright used this three-day acting workshop to highlight one of the catalysts of the Civil Rights Movement.  “It Happened on the Bus,” the title of the culminating performance, tells the story of Rosa Parks, whose determination to sit in the front of the bus sparked the flame of anti-discrimination protests across the country. 

The history of the Civil Rights Movement is that of empowerment and energy, something Marsha Wright brings with her in her community-based children’s programming.

“Marsha Wright is fabulous,” Children’s Librarian Ann Woodman said.  “She turns her energy and exuberance into really fun programs!”

Many children from Canton participated in the show. They spent the three days building the set, props, posters and invitations. The cast included Julia Capraro, Abinaya Gargy, Harshitha Valluri, Nora Gorman, Anoushka Luis and Alex Smith.

The experience was a great way to spend part of February vacation. Gerra Gorman, parent of Nora Gorman of the production, said her daughter "loves it. She thought it was just like camp. It was a great introduction to acting for her."

An important upcoming venture between the Canton Public Library and Self-Help, Inc., Community Partnerships for Children is the month of March’s “Read Across America Campaign.” Canton Public Library patrons are urged to participate in this year’s promotion, in which parents are encouraged to “catch their kids reading.” Photos can be snapped and submitted to the Canton Public Library, where they will be displayed on a special board.  Digital entries are also accepted, and should be emailed to ldunn@selfhelpinc.org, along with the name of the library you wish to send it to.  By participating in this event, the Canton Library will be entered to win a gift certificate to purchase Children’s Room supplies.

For more information on upcoming community events at the , click here.