It has been a delight to attend and record this summer’s Boothbay Region YMCA Y Arts productions. Director and choreographer Emily Mirabile, along with her assistants, have done an amazing job – as have the child actors and actresses! The shows have been entertaining and, despite the venue of the YMCA gym (hot and not set up for theater), parents, relatives, past performers and friends have shown up to support the program.

Started by Emily’s mother, Ginny Bishop, over 20 years ago, the Y Arts program couldn’t have been passed on to a better person. Emily gets these kids ready for show after show. The ensemble put on one show in July and three – what I consider mind-boggling – shows in August. And there will be one more show this weekend for the young performers. These shows have been an hour-plus long and any noticeable missed lines or performers being in the wrong position have been few and far between.

Even if my granddaughters weren’t involved with the program (one an actress and the other a tech assistant), I would still give the praise that I have.

I learned to shoot a basketball, throw and hit a baseball, run a sprint or hit the open hole and tackle correctly instead of learning lines and movement on the stage, so it amazes me how these kids remember so many things in such a short time.

It remains to be seen if the Y Arts group gets to travel again to Atlanta, Georgia to compete in the Junior Theater Festival with COVID-19 still lurking throughout the world. Last year they attended virtually and came away with awards. JTF brings in thousands of children and adults in a relatively small space in January and it will be surprising if it happens – especially with young people not being able to get vaccinated yet.

Thanks again for an entertaining summer, Y Arts, and keep breaking a leg!