Rehearsing a scene Cast members and director of Rehearsals are underway for the Motley Staples Middle School play, “Krazy Kamp,” a comedy about a girls camp and a boys camp separated by beautiful Lake Lookeeloo.

It’s a fun, fast-moving farce, says Matt Olsen, a 2002 graduate of Staples Motley High School and the director of “Krazy Kamp”...a play he was in 12 years ago while a student at MSMS.

Although he now lives in Chicago, Matt said he’s happy to spend a few weeks in Staples as a guest director at his Alma Mater.

“I guess I’ve come full circle,” Matt said recently, prior to a rehearsal. “I had the part of Adam Apple in this play when I was in eighth grade. It was the first lead character I ever played,” he added.

Matt’s directors at that time were Kevin Olsen (his dad) and Gloria Palmer, both of whom were (and still are) teachers at the middle school. Kevin and Gloria have directed many student plays over the years and are helping this time as well.

Directors Directing the Motley Staples Middle School spring play “It’s fun working with

Matt again,” Gloria said. “He is really talented...a

great director.”

After high school, Matt went on to study theatre at the University of Minnesota, Duluth, earning a BFA in acting a few years ago.

He is now in Chicago, where he continues to hone his craft and pursue work in a field he’s passionate about. “There’s a lot of great theatre in Chicago,” Matt shared, adding that it’s not unusual for respected playwrights to debut their work in the Windy City. “They will often come to rehearsals and offer feedback to the actors. It’s a great opportunity,” Matt said.

When he returns to Chicago, Matt will begin work on a film written and directed by Joe Price, a graduate of Columbia University Film Studies. “I’ll be acting in it,” he said.

In the meantime, Matt is enjoying his role as a director. In addition to “Krazy

Kamp,” he will be directing

the SMHS spring musical, “Fiddler on the Roof.”

Two years ago he directed

the high school musical “Seven Brides for Seven

Brothers” and thoroughly enjoyed it, Matt said.

Directing “Fiddler on

the Roof” will be another ‘coming full circle’ experience

for Matt.

“That was actually the first show I was ever in,” Matt said. The Lamplighter’s Theatre company in Staples performed it years ago. I played one of the children.”

His dad was also in the show, Matt shared. “In fact, dad had been in Fiddler when he was a student at Staples High School. I defi- nitely got my love for theatre from him.”

Matt’s looking forward to working again with his dad and Gloria, as well as an energetic group of talented middle school kids.

“I think people will really enjoy this show; it’s a lot of fun,” Matt said.

Cast of characters includes: Kelli Klein, Megan Han, Brent Sterriker, Spencer Svendson, Breeze Bestland, Jenessa Iverson, Tatum Williams, Samantha Weyer, Jordan Denning, Jacob Swendsrud, Tiffany Amiot, Kalli Klimek, Julia Fink, Claire Roberts, Rebecca Paskewitz, Tyler Winkles, Tyler Holub, Andrew Israelson, Jordan Haglin, Olivia Klefsaas, Macray Rodeman, Emily Ladd, Nikki Edin, Tristan Jenkins, Paige Becker.

“Krazy Kamp” will be performed at Centennial Auditorium in Staples Friday, March 12, at 7:30 p.m.; and Saturday, March 13, at 2 p.m.

Tickets will be available beginning Feb. 25, at Miller True Value, Coast True Value and First International Bank, all in Staples; and at MSMS and at First International Bank in Motley. For more information, call 218-352- 6315.