BY SHERI TRUSTY

Students entering grades four through eight have a unique opportunity to gain an insider’s look into producing a play thanks to Playmakers Civic Theatre and a grant from the Ottawa County Community Foundation. Playmakers will host “3-2-1, You’re On – Saturdays,” an educational and entertaining theater workshop, on Sept. 9, 16, 23 and 30.

The classes are free for Ottawa County residents and are open to students of any skill level.

The workshop series of classes teach students general theater skills and behind-the-scenes jobs like set construction, costuming, lights and sound. On Saturday, Sept. 30, the students will perform short plays.

“They’ll learn all the things that go into producing a play,” said Playmakers Trustee Douglas Braun. “The series is progressive, but it’s not mandatory for the kids to attend every class.”

Heather Hill, who holds a bachelor’s degree in theater and education, will serve as the primary instructor. Among the other instructors joining her will be Jonnie Myers Debbink.

“The interesting thing about Jonnie is, she was a theater teacher at Maumee High School and a theater director at Young Rep in Toledo,” Braun said. “She’s really looking forward to getting back into theater.”

Myers Debbink will direct Playmakers’ winter production of “A Christmas Carol.” 3-2-1, You’re On – Saturdays will give potential young cast members prior experience in play production that they can draw from in the play.

“Hopefully, the program will be a feeder into ‘A Christmas Carol’ because we’re looking for a big cast,” Braun said.

Each 3-2-1, You’re On – Saturdays class will be limited to 20 students. Classes run 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and include lunch. Classes are held at Playmakers Civic Theatre located at 604 W Sixth St. in Port Clinton.

To register for 3-2-1, You’re On – Saturdays, call Playmakers at 419-734-5044 or register online at www.pcplaymakers.org/3-2-1-saturdays.