Dover-Foxcroft – Local Kiwanis Clubs are providing crucial financial support to ensure children across Piscataquis County can participate in the Center Theatre’s acclaimed summer drama camps. The Moosehead Lake Kiwanis Club has once again committed to sponsoring ten children for the Greenville camp session, demonstrating a longstanding dedication to arts education in the region.
The Center Theatre’s Children’s Summer Drama Camps, a cornerstone of the theatre’s programming since 1999, offer a unique opportunity for young people ages 6 to 13 to explore their creativity and develop confidence through theatrical performance. Notably, the camps operate on a pay-what-you-can basis, removing financial barriers and making the arts accessible to all families. This commitment to inclusivity is bolstered by the generous support of community organizations like the Kiwanis Clubs.
Beyond Greenville, the Three Rivers Kiwanis and the Dover-Foxcroft Kiwanis are also providing vital backing for camps in their respective communities, creating a regional network of support for arts education. This collaborative effort is particularly important as the Center Theatre navigates challenges stemming from federal funding cuts impacting programs like AmeriCorps VISTA, according to theatre officials.
DRAMA CAMP — Campers enjoy outdoor play at the Center Theatre Children’s Summer Drama Camp in Milo. Registration is now open for the 2026 Drama Camp schedule, supported by area Kiwanis Clubs.
Kiwanis Clubs: A Long-Standing Partnership for Arts Access
“We are so grateful for the continued support of the Kiwanis Clubs in our communities,” said Patrick Myers, the Center Theatre executive director. “They do so much for area children. We’re humbled and inspired by their support of our summer camp programs.” The Kiwanis Clubs’ commitment extends beyond financial contributions, fostering a sense of community investment in the arts and providing opportunities for local youth.
The Kiwanis International organization, founded in 1915, is a global community of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child at a time. According to the Kiwanis International website, the organization focuses on children’s health, education, and well-being, making their partnership with the Center Theatre a natural fit.
2026 Summer Drama Camp Schedule and Registration
The 2026 Summer Drama Camp schedule offers a variety of locations and sessions to accommodate families throughout the region. Camps will be held in Dover-Foxcroft (two sessions), Monson, Greenville, and Milo. Registration is currently open for all sessions, and families are encouraged to enroll their children, ages 6 to 13, as soon as possible.
Interested families can find more information and register for the camps by visiting the Center Theatre’s website at www.centertheatre.org/drama-camps or by contacting the box office directly at 207-564-8943. The pay-what-you-can model ensures that financial constraints do not prevent children from experiencing the benefits of arts education.
Center Theatre’s 20th Anniversary and Mission
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Center Theatre for the Performing Arts reopening as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Since 2006, the theatre has been dedicated to its mission of engaging and inspiring rural communities through accessible arts, education, and entertainment. The Center Theatre’s commitment to accessibility is evident in its diverse programming and its dedication to serving all members of the community.
Looking ahead, the Center Theatre will continue to rely on the support of community partners like the Kiwanis Clubs to maintain its vital programming. The ongoing success of the Children’s Summer Drama Camps, and the theatre’s broader mission, depends on continued collaboration and investment in the arts. We encourage readers to share this story and support the Center Theatre’s efforts to bring arts education to Piscataquis County.
