Arts & Entertainment

Tree Of Life Helps Those in Need With Production of The Wizard of Oz

The Tree of Life Theatre Troupe presents a musical adaptation of the classic story.

The Tree of Life Theatre Troupe focuses not only on drama education and performance but also on helping others with this year’s production of The Wizard of Oz.

In its seventh year, the theater group brings the classic story to life through a camp headed by a mother-daughter team in Eldersburg. 

“This is our passion,” said Michele Field, president of the Tree of Life Theatre Troupe during the year but steps aside to serve as assistant director to her daughter Sierra, 22, when it comes to camp time.

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Her youngest daughter, Savannah, 16, is a member of the cast as well as a participant in the camp, making it truly a family experience.

“I’ve homeschooled them their entire lives and this is the next step in getting to do something as a family,” said Field. “We just work so well together, it’s really a blessing.”  

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This year’s camp featured 32 students ages 6-17 and focused on introducing new elements to the classic story.

“This production brings The Wizard of Oz to life on stage just like the movie. From vintage sepia tones to a full color production,” said Field.

In order to do this in the short two-week camp session, the Tree of Life Theatre Groupe held morning sessions with a “behind the scenes” view of theatre and acting, followed by an afternoon session of rehearsals for the show itself.

“Our morning sessions were a way of showing the ‘nuts and bolts’ of the theatre business,” said Field. “We taught the students about the mechanics of music and dance, along with breakout sessions where they learned about the mental, physical, emotional, and vocal elements of what makes a great actor with examples from the stage and screen like Meryl Streep, Gene Kelly, James Earl Jones and Tom Hanks.”

“The afternoon sessions were spent running and perfecting lines, blocking and character building. The rehearsals were to teach them about a typical drama rehearsal they will experience as actors and actresses,” said Field. 

A portion of the proceeds will be donated to CHOSEN (Children of Special and Exceptional Need), a treatment foster care program for children and youth who have been victims of abuse and neglect.

The remaining Tree of Life Wizard of Oz performances are August 12 at 7 p.m. and August 13 at 2 p.m. at the Freedom Baptist Church.

To find more information about Tree of Life, contact Michele Field at fieldtripmom@yahoo.com


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