Willits High School Drama Teacher Tim Fischer Takes The Helm at the WCT Youth Theatre Summer Camp

Presently in his second year at Willits High School, drama teacher Tim Fischer is excited to be taking over the director’s helm for the Willits Community Theatre’s fourth annual Youth Theatre Summer Camp. Camp kids will enjoy six weeks of learning all aspects of live stage production, culminating in their presentation of “Oz!” a musical fantasy. “It’s gotta be fun,” Fischer says. “I do theater because I enjoy it so much.”

​The camp will be held at the high school auditorium June 28 through August 8. Enrollments remain open through May 15th. Anyone interested in submitting an application can visit: www.wctperformingartscenter.org.

​Fischer says he wants to promote a local program where he can make a real difference. The high school fits the bill for its size and is a dream come for him in terms of its auditorium as “an absolutely incredible” space, for its elevated stage and all the extras.

​In his ten years teaching in Lake County at the Konocti Medical Magnate School, Fischer helped stage the musicals “Annie” and “Music Man.” He was all set early last year to open at WHS with “You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown” when the covid pandemic shuttered the production.

​He’s anxious as ever to get back on stage with the camp kids and produce “OZ!” the musical fantasy, which will run from June 30 to August 8  “I love the collaborative nature of theater,” Fischer says. “I’m always about each person doing their part, bringing their own skill to the table. Something amazing ends up being produced that would not be there except for all the parts.”

​The enjoyment of his students engaging in the live theater process is really paramount in his work, Fischer says. “Part of my role as director is to make sure the kids are active and engaged. No one is sitting around waiting their turn. We’re all in a learning experience, a collaborative effort, with a product at the end.”

​About the “Oz!” musical fantasy production itself, Fischer points out that the play by Bill Francoeur is based on the original L. Frank Baum classic, and will have the familiar characters, but it nicely takes off on its own path. “We’re creating a version of Oz with a new twist,” he says. “It should be very exciting for the kids and the audience.”

​In its commitment to maintain the health and safety of all the cast, crew and patrons, the camp will follow all applicable COVID-19 protocols. For more information visit: www.wctperformingartscenter.org.