Theater Camp

DIRECTORS, Tom Milligan has dedicated over 45 years to the theatrical profession as an actor, director, scene designer, producer, and writer.  A Des Moines native, his extensive career includes work with Charlie’s Showplace Dinner Theatre, The Drake Opera, The Drama Workshop. The Old Creamery Theatre Company, and The Iowa Theatre Artists Company, among other esteemed arts groups throughout the state. It was on this very stage in 2005 that Tom met Deb, and they quickly realized that they were a great team. They were married in 2008, and established TKM Theatrical Productions in 2014.  

Deb Kennedy is an actor, singer, dancer, costumer, producer, directory, stage manager, and maybe most of all – cancer survivor. She has been working professionally for the past 25 years, working onstage, offstage, and occasionally onscreen. During the day, Deb works for Akerman Winery as tasting room manager, and in her spare time she sings with rock & blues band Fork in the Road.  

CAMP DESCRIPTION: Once Upon a Time … in Zerrkania is a week-long camp for children interested in exploring the theatre world. Children ages 7 – 14 have the opportunity to work with professional actors from TKM Productions. This camp is limited to 25 campers so sign up now to make sure your child can attend. Everyone that signs up will be cast in the show. At the end of the week the students will act, sing, dance and SHINE as they perform for their families and friends of the community. 

PLAY DESCRIPTION: Inspired by many children’s classic fairytales, Once Upon a Time … in Zerrkania is about a young and rebellious boy, Oliver, who follows a scheming Wizard into a fantastical world as a way of escaping from doing his daily chores. As he arrives, he realizes that he was tricked by the evil wizard and must find help in order to be released from the Wizard’s spell. Through his many adventures, he encounters a series of unusual events, whilst meeting new characters and navigating through challenging situations. He stumbles thru many obstacles, often going in the wrong direction, but in the end, he finds his path home, and learns that sometimes it is necessary to do difficult things to become a responsible person. This story celebrates imagination, the importance of facing our challenges, and the complexities of growing up.

Once Upon a Time … in Zerrkania is an original play by Deb Kennedy with original music by Travis Smith

LOCATION: Hillcrest Academy, 1421 540th St SW, Kalona, IA
ELIGIBILITY: Camp is for students ages 7 – 14, Your child must commit to attending every day and for the performance in order to participate. Limited to 25 students
COST: $125.00 per student
REGISTRATION & PAYMENTS: All camp registrations and payments will now be through the Bound website. 
EVENING PERFORMANCE: Friday, 7:00 pm start time, Free will donation
WHAT TO BRING: Water bottle and wear closed-toed shoes. A snack will be provided each day. 

QUESTIONS? Contact Rebecca Beachy Miller at rbeachymiller@hillcrestravens.org or 319-656-2073 (x200).