Founded in 1994, the Gilbert Theater started as a small community-based theatre. Since its inception the Gilbert Theater has grown, but it has never waned in dedication to the community. One of the core values of the theater is educating the community’s actors through experience in theater, regardless of age. One way that the Gilbert Theater is doing this is by providing the community’s children with performance opportunities through the Glee Program. Bryan Adams, director for this year’s Glee Program explains it by saying, “This is a side project of the Gilbert Theater. Kids audition, then we teach them to sing, dance, act and work together. We meet once a month and put on a play at the end of the year.”

The play that the Glee Program will be performing this year is Alice in Wonderland. Some may feel that a cast entirely of children may not produce a high quality show. Children are not often considered for live theater performances, but this program has shown that they are incredibly underestimated for what they can contribute. “Kids surprise me. These kids are talented and their imagination is the greatest thing a director can ask for. When I work with them I get to become a kid. You can’t find an adult actor that can bring imagination like a kid. When we age, it becomes embarrassing to be imaginative, or it fades. I get to go back to that.” Adams said.

Alice in Wonderland is a classic story written by Lewis Carroll. In this story, a young girl has adventures with strange creatures in Wonderland. This is a story full of imagination and childish glee, and fittingly it will be presented by a cast composed entirely of children. This will serve the community two fold. Firstly, this provides the children with a unique experience in theater that is intended to inspire a lifelong love for the art. The program also offers a unique production that will capture the creativity of the youth.

Adams expresses these sentiments, “As the director I have designed this show to be about the kids. This is a different style of directing for me. Usually I tend to tell the actors exactly what I want, but with the kids I want to capture their imagination. I just tweak it, make it fi ner. It’s more like we collaborate and that’s great. Its about seeing the kids build this world and their imaginations. Parents will be happy with what they see and I hope to inspire the kids to go further into theatre and make it a living like I have.”

There will be two performances of Alice in Wonderland. The first will feature the “red cast” on June 29 at 7:30 p.m. The second will feature the “blue cast” on June 30 at 2 p.m. Tickets for the event are $12. Tickets can be purchased via email at Boxoffi ce@Gilberttheatre.com, by phone at 678-7186 or directly online at www.gilbertheatre.com/box-offi ce. Reservations can be made by phone or email. The Gilbert Theater is located at 116 Green St. For more information, visit the website www.gilberttheater.com or call 678-7186.

Photo: Alice in Wonderland opens at Gilbert Theater on June 29.