Portland Public School Students Accepted to Prestigious Wharton Center Theatre Camp

Portland Public Schools proudly congratulates four outstanding students — Ember Dilley, Evelyn Johnston, Rosie Johnston, and Josephine Polasek — on their acceptance to the highly competitive Take It From The Top theatre camp at the Wharton Center for Performing Arts.

This prestigious week-long intensive offers young performers the opportunity to live on the campus of Michigan State University and train under the guidance of Broadway actors, directors, choreographers, and other industry professionals. The experience is designed to immerse students in every aspect of theatrical craft — from acting and singing to dancing and behind-the-scenes production work.

The camp will culminate in a free public performance of Crazy For You, a high-energy musical comedy filled with show-stopping numbers and classic Gershwin tunes. This beloved musical tells the story of Bobby Child, a young banker with showbiz dreams, who is sent to a small Nevada town to foreclose on a rundown theater. Instead, he falls for the local postmistress, Polly, and launches a plan to save the theater by staging a dazzling production. With mistaken identities, hilarious twists, and toe-tapping choreography, Crazy For You is a celebration of love, laughter, and the magic of musical theatre.

"We’re thrilled to see our students recognized for their talent and dedication," said PHS Theater Director Chandra Polasek. "With only 40 slots, it’s an honor for so many of our students to be accepted.  Opportunities like Take It From The Top provide opportunities for our kids to connect with other students from across the state while giving them invaluable experience and inspiration.  We can't wait to see what these students accomplish both on and off the stage."

The entire Portland community is invited to support these talented young artists by attending the final performance on Saturday, July 26th at 3:00 pm.

Pictured: Top row left to right, Rosie Johnston and Josephine Polasek. Bottom row left to right Ember Dilley and Evelyn Johnston.