Making memories during LCT’s theatre day-camp!

By Teresa Lyness

A week of theatre day-camp ending with three performances includes some intense hard work, but it also includes an incredible amount of fun, fellowship and friend making. With her youthful energy and beautiful smile, no one inspires these friendships more than LCT’s director, Emily Bridges.

Emily lives in Lee’s Summit and serves as the Manager of School Programs at the Lyric Opera of Kansas City. She is also an active director, performer, and teaching artist.. Recent directing credits include How I Learned to Drive, and Come As You Are — the world premiere of original micro-operas. Recent performing credits include Proof (Claire), The Play That Goes Wrong (Sandra), and Matilda (Mrs. Wormwood).

Emily holds a Bachelor’s in Speech and Theatre Education and a Master’s in Arts Management. She has taught at Emporia and Center Public Schools, Theatre Aspen, Starlight Theatre, Stage Right Performing Arts, and The Coterie Theatre. She became involved with Lighthouse Children’s Theatre in 2021, co-directing The Wizard of Oz alongside Shayne Daniel — her former high school theatre teacher and dear friend.

With such a busy career, we are so appreciative of Emily’s generosity to our program. Her time, energy, and talent is an amazing gift, however it does not stop there. In addition to directing, last year Emily made her long-term commitment to the Lighthouse’s mission by becoming a member of LCT’s Board. Thank you, Emily for all you do and inspire in each of our kids!

Then last, but certainly not least, assisting Shayne and Emily is LCT’s Music Director, Grace Rhodes. This is Grace’s third year to volunteer as LCT’s Music Director. Grace is a familiar face to the students as she has been the music teacher at El Dorado Springs Elementary School since 2019. Grace holds a Bachelor of Vocal Music Education degree from Northwest Missouri State University and a Master of Library Science degree from Emporia State University.

Grace enjoys this opportunity to work with these talented young singers and actors – especially her children, Erica and Elon! Like Emily, Grace also confirmed her long-term commitment by joining the LCT board last year. Thank you, Grace. We so appreciate you stepping into this role for our kids.

Once again I ask you to support these volunteers and more importantly these young kids, approximately 60 this year!. Many are taking the stage for the very first time this year, thanks to our new format of

offering roles in two different productions, each providing the appropriate challenges for each age group. So for the price of one, you will see two – The Lion King Kids and Legally Blonde The Musical Jr. Performances are June 26, 27 and 28. Purchase advance tickets for $5 from any cast member or at The Home Store in downtown El Dorado Springs. Door price is $6. Seehttps://www.facebook.com/lctofeldo/events for more details.

Various photos of Emily and of Grace.