Orginal Student Musical Play Debuts July 28

An original play by Portland-area students will make its debut this Friday. Everyone Has Their Own Story is the creation of 11 participants, ages 9 to 15, in an intensive, two-week Arts in Action! musical theatre summer camp called "Creating a Musical."
Showtimes are 6:30 and 8 p.m. Friday, July 28, at West End Theatre, 1220 S.W. Taylor St.
During the camp, the students explored the skills of improvisation, imagination, creativity, writing, acting, singing, movement and visual design, all culminating in an original musical production. Everyone Has Their Own Story focuses on 11 characters working to overcome personal hardship and discrimination in a search to reclaim their sense of self-worth and dignity.
Themes of struggle, prejudice and eventual triumph run through the play, which incorporates elements from the personal experiences of the students.
The 11 students worked with two professional adult mentors — Michael Wehrli and Kristina Armetta. Armetta, who has performed nationally and internationally as a soloist, teaches voice, dramatic arts and writing radio plays, Wehrli, with 15 years' experience in educational theater, has directed over 60 plays.
Both performances are free to the public, though donations are accepted. All donations from the show will help to provide scholarships for students attending future Arts in Action! classes. For information, call Armetta, at 503-644-0986.