When the Lights Went Out, the Show Went On: Young Performers Bring Drama Camp Finale Outside
When the Lights Went Out, the Show Went On: Young Performers Bring Drama Camp Finale Outside
When a summer storm knocked out power at Miami University just an hour before the final performance of the Performing Arts Series' drama camp with Missoula Children's Theatre, 55 young performers faced a frightening possibility: after spending an entire week learning a show, their one and only performance might not happen.
Instead, they took the show outside.
The drama camp, which serves young performers ages 6-18, culminates each summer with a single public performance of the production the campers have spent the week learning. This year's performance of Rapunzel was rehearsed and ready to open Friday, Aug. 7 at 7:00 p.m.
About an hour before curtain, a blustery storm moved through Oxford, knocking out power across the Miami and Oxford community including the performance space, Hall Auditorium. The loss of electricity meant there were no stage lights, no dressing room lights for the campers to get in costume and no air conditioning. 55 already nervous young actors waited backstage while approximately 200 audience members, mostly parents and family members, gathered, uncertain whether the performance would happen.
Choices were limited with no known timeline for restoration of power and visiting directors set to drive back to Missoula Montana the next day. With the rain stopped and the sky clearing, the Performing Arts Series team made another plan: move the performance outside.
The audience was directed to the plaza in front of Miami's King Library, while parents pitched in to cart chairs for anyone needing accommodations. The young performers changed into their costumes by flashlight and the visiting directors reworked the show to ensure every camper got their moment to shine.
Then, with a tiny portable speaker providing recorded accompaniment the campers took their places and performed.
"There was a strong possibility we were going to have to cancel the show even though we knew it would be the worst outcome for everyone involved," said Gwemnarie Ewing, Assistant Director of the Performing Arts Series and coordinator of the annual drama camp. "Moving the show outside was the best plan we had but we didn't know how our audience of parents and families would react."
But the audience stayed.
"We are beyond grateful the parents were so incredibly supportive," said Ewing. "They helped us shift people and chairs, and no one left. They weren't upset that the performance looked different than we had planned. They were simply grateful that we found a way to give their kids a chance to perform. It was one of the most amazing theatre experiences I have had in my more than 20 year career."
For the young actors, what began as a night of uncertainty became an unexpected lesson in what live theatre can mean--and what it takes to make it happen.
The events of that day demonstrated what is at the heart of the Performing Arts Series' commitment to arts experience and education: performance is about more than elaborate production equipment or a traditional stage show. It is about bringing people together, giving people of all ages the opportunity to engage with performing arts, and finding a way forward when the unexpected happens.
"I hope every camper went home with a better understanding of why the phrase, 'the show must go on.' persists" said Ewing "It's about more than learning to be resilient when things don't go as planned. It's also about discovering the incredible ability of live performance to bring a group of people together to do more than any one could do alone. And sometimes even make the impossible possible."
The Performing Arts Series' summer drama camp is part of its broader commitment to providing young people with meaningful, hands-on experiences in the performing arts. 2026 marks the 15th year collaborating with the world-renowned Missoula Children's Theatre touring program. The program is celebrated for its dedication to offering premium, reachable dramatic arts instruction. Led by two professional tour directors, the experience guarantees that every camper benefits from individual guidance and mentorship. Youth participants are assigned parts specifically suited to their development and talent, fostering an atmosphere of belonging and encouragement. The week-long journey emphasizes collaborative spirit and the cultivation of essential interpersonal skills for every young person.
About the Miami University Performing Arts Series
The Miami University Performing Arts Series presents professional performing artists and provides transformative arts experiences for Miami University students and the surrounding community. Through performances, educational programs, and experiential learning opportunities, the series connects audiences and students with the performing arts in meaningful and unexpected ways.
Media Contact:
Gwenmarie Ewing
Assistant Director
Miami University Performing Arts Series
ewingg@MiamiOH.edu
513-529-4111