FAIRMONT — An Exploring Theater Arts camp will take place 1-3 p.m. Monday through Thursday in the Fairmont Elementary School cafeteria.

The camp is for students entering grades 3-6. It is offered through Fairmont CER, and led by Sara Gudahl and Courtney Steuber.

“We have a lot of kids who we think might like theater, but the pressure of coming with a bunch of kids who already do theater feels intimidating. They might want to do it but don’t feel ready,” Gudahl explained.

She said the camp offers an introduction to what theater arts looks like, so kids can figure out if it is something they are interested in.

There will not a big show at the end of the workshop, as is typical with other theater programs, because the camp is really a skills workshop, which Gudahl says will be low pressure.

“We want them to be silly and practice their speaking skills and their facial expressions and how to talk louder in front of people. Courtney’s bringing the dance activities so they can learn to move to music and how music helps tell a story,” she said.

Even if a child does not develop a love for theater, or even seem interested, the camp is still a good way to work on speaking skills and build confidence.

“When I approached CER about having this, they said there used to be a theater workshop in the past but it hasn’t been offered for a long time. They were really positive about bringing it back,” Gudahl said.

She has helped with the Opera House’s Children’s Summer Theater program the last two summers. She also has directed the fall musical at Fairmont High School the past four years, and directed three spring plays at the school.

“My aim is to grow both programs. I’m hoping it will bring more kids both to the Opera House summer theater programs and ultimately on to the high school when they get there,” Gudahl said.

The camp is just for two hours per day for four days. It is capped at 20 participants, but there is still room. Anyone interested may contact CER at (507) 235-3141.

“Anyone can come. It’s for kids with zero experience or theater experience. They can be nervous to do it or excited to do it. It’s just for fun,” Gudahl explained.