Couple bringing Summer Theatre to Holy Name

By Mairgread Gray
CFP Correspondent

Vanilla Box Productions is collaborating with Holy Name Central Catholic Junior-Senior High School to bring summer theater back to Holy Name. This summer’s production will be the “Wizard of Oz.”
Just the name - Vanilla Box Productions - sounds intriguing, and Joel Seger, 43, co-owner, explained its origin. He said his wife, Christine Seger, 46, the other co-owner, came up with the name.  When a retail store closes, the landlord will paint everything white for a fresh start for the next retailer, a sort of “vanilla box.”  So, Vanilla Box offers a fresh start to each new class.
Vanilla Box Productions Summer Musical Theatre Camp promises students entering third grade through 12th grade a chance to hone their skills and learn new ones this summer. The program is open to all students in Worcester and surrounding towns.
The couple’s connection to Holy Name began years ago when Mrs. Seger was a student there. She started performing in summer theater in 1982 and graduated in 1984.  Mr. Seger started performing summer theater with her in 1988.  They eventually worked at the school’s summer theater camp for kids. For the Segers, it is “returning to our roots.  We have come home,” Mr. Seger said.
The Segers’ summer camp has been held since 2007 at their CCS Dance Academy in Holden, but now this year they will be at Holy Name.
Holy Name Headmaster Edward Reynolds said any student who attends a Catholic school in the diocese will get a $150 discount. Tuition is $550 and includes registration fee, T-shirt, and pizza lunch every Friday.
Holy Name has long been known for its fine arts department. During the school year there is a theatre class elective for seniors and eighth graders.  A Theatre Guild meets after school.  Mr. Reynolds noted the school also offers band and chorus for the students Every year there is a spring musical put on by the students in Grades 9-12.
In a statement Mr. Reynolds said, “We are excited to work with Vanilla Box Productions to re-establish the proud tradition of Summer Theatre at Holy Name.”
The summer camp is from 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. (extended day 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.) July 8-26.  It will be held at Holy Name, 144 Granite St., Worcester.
Students will perform the “Wizard of Oz,” Youth Performers Edition. Brett Penza, Holy Name’s information and technology coordinator, will be the music director for the show. Choreographer is Katelyn P. Seger, and Christine Seger is producer. The Segers have performed, directed and choreographed nearly 100 productions.
The Segers will lead daily morning classes in music, voice, dance and theatre arts, with play rehearsals every afternoon. Students will learn about set construction, set painting, costumes, and props. Mr. Seger emphasized that all campers will be on stage.
Asked what he is looking for in an aspiring actor, he said, “A good personality; and energetic.”
“We’re very excited about the relationship with Holy Name.  We’re trying to bring back the tradition of theatre at Holy Name,” Mr. Seger said.