Wayside’s Youth Theatre is directed by Dover-Foxcroft residents Bob and Raelene Keniston, who are experienced actors and instructors. The first 10-week Youth Theatre session was held last fall and the second is scheduled to begin within the next two months. Pre-registration applications are now being accepted at 924-8813, and starting dates will be announced in local papers. The classes are held on Saturday mornings from 10am until noon, and students are given instruction in the basics of all aspects of Theatre. This program helps children to learn to take direction and work well within an interdependent group, and it is an excellent tool for teaching the need for responsibility. It is also a valuable experience for children in that it reduces the fear of public speaking, it improves self-confidence, and it creates a new awareness of Theatre as an enjoyable activity as well as a source of entertainment.

Kiwanis has a long tradition of sponsoring community service projects, including the Terrific Kids program, the Home Building Program with Tri-County Technical Center, Family Safety Day, the Holiday Food Basket Program, the Key Club & Builders Club, the Pre-School Reading Program, and many more. Dexter Sunrise Kiwanis is an active, dedicated organization whose members are committed to serving the community, and it takes the time and effort of Kiwanis members for all of these programs to prosper and succeed. Wayside Theatre is proud to be a recipient of this generous grant, and we are very pleased that it enables us to offer this educational opportunity to children who might not otherwise be able to participate.