The South Dakota 4-H Performing Arts Troupe to perform at the 2017 State Fair

BROOKINGS — The South Dakota 4-H Performing Arts Troupe will perform The Amazing 4-H Race during the 2017 Dakota State Fair in Huron with five performances held Saturday, September 2, at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.; Sunday, September 3, at 3 and 6 p.m. and Monday (Labor Day), September 4, at 10 a.m.
The Troupe consists of 16 teens, ages 13 through 18, from eight South Dakota counties. The 2017 4-H Performing Arts Troupe members include: Brown County - Matthew Sperry; Campbell County - Callie Mickelson; Clay  County - Phillip Hauck; Tyler Hauck; Amanda Havermann; Katrina Heles;
Deuel County - Ian Lundgren; Edmunds County - Benjamin Pond; McCook County - Olivia Fuller; Rafe Fuller; Maleah Gordon; Paige Peterson; McPherson County - Brandon Mueller; Zach Mueller; Jayna Sanborn;  Spink County - Breanna Roth.
“Now in its 34th year, this 4-H educational program provides youth an opportunity to learn new skills by participating in the 4-H Performing Arts Preparation Camp, set this year for June 11-17 at Northern State University in Aberdeen,” said Amanda Stade, SDSU Extension State 4-H Events Management Coordinator.
This year’s musical production is The Amazing 4-H Race. The troupe will perform a musical race adventure. Along the way the audience will enjoy such songs as “Our State Fair,” “Material Girl,” “Sugar Sugar,” “Count on Me” and many more.  
“Come join in the fun with a show for the entire family,” Stade said.

Prior to the State Fair performances, the Troupe had two performances at the Northern State University’s Krikac Auditorium held during their South Dakota 4-H Performing Arts Camp, held June 11 - 17 in Aberdeen.
“In addition to the public performances at the end of preparation camp, the youth are also reached out to senior members in the area by performing shows at different nursing homes and assisted living facilities in Aberdeen,” Stade said.
More about S.D. 4-H Performing Arts Troupe
The South Dakota 4-H Performing Arts Troupe is a theater arts educational experience for youth interested in developing skills in drama, music, dance, and technical theater.
This distinctive program was started in 1984 by former SDSU Extension Youth Development/4-H Specialist, Carolyn Clague.
“The program is unique in that it provides opportunities for youth and the arts to come together. The Troupe often involves youth who do not have the opportunity to experience the arts, except through the 4-H program, particularly youth from rural areas,” Stade said.
The youth are directed by theater arts professionals and guided by parent volunteers. The Co Directors are Danica Mickelson of Aberdeen and Alyssa Serfling of Mellette with Danica as vocal director and Alyssa as choreography director.
More than 10 parent and alumni volunteers assist during preparation camp and the season with chaperoning, costuming, and overall production details.
4-H Performing Arts Volunteer committee members are Kathy Sperry, Bath; Cathy Mickelson, Herreid; Robyn Morgan, Mellette: Leah Fanning, Miller; and Pam Hanson, Vermillion.

In the photo: 
The Troupe consists of 16 teens, ages 13 through 18, from eight South Dakota counties. The 2017 4-H Performing Arts Troupe members pictured here include, Callie Mickelson and Olivia Fuller in row one; Benjamin Pond, Brandon Mueller and Tyler Hauck in row two; Jayna Sanborn, Amanda Havermann and  Breanna Roth in row three; in row four are Zach Mueller, Rafe Fuller, Matthew Sperry and Phillip Hauck; and in row five are Ian Lundgren, Paige Peterson, Katrina Heles and Maleah Gordon. 4-H Performing Arts Youth will perform five times during the 2017 South Dakota State Fair Sept. 2-4

  COURTESY PHOTO