Every year, following weeks of training, prep and rehearsal, Wyoming Seminary’s Summer at Sem Creative Arts Program presents a full-scale musical production.

This year, it’s The Hello Girls. The musical, based on historical events, follows the story of America’s first women soldiers—bilingual telephone operators during World War I. This refreshing and high-energy musical both entertains and educates. Enjoy catchy, witty musical numbers and a story rich in American history. As an added bonus, due to the subject matter, admission this year is free for military personnel.

With eight girls and two guest artists, the ensemble is small but talented. Over the course of the program, the cast has been hard at work practicing for the show. After weeks of workshops, rehearsals, and spending time together in a close-knit boarding and day community, The Hello Girls is the result of the hard work of everyone involved.

“Everyone in the theatre program is bringing their absolute A-game,” says program director Maya Hana Evans. Evans, who hails from Manhattan, has worked as a director, producer, costume designer, and theatre educator at many institutions everywhere from New York City to Chicago.

The Hello Girls tells a true story of patriotism and female empowerment that not many people today are familiar with. The musical requires the cast to perform in both English and French, just as the real Hello Girls did. “It’s history, but it’s not history a lot of people know, so I think that’s something that will grab people’s attention. It’s so interesting to think that I’m playing a real person,” says cast member Laura Olsen.

Although the Hello Girls served during World War I, their tale of wartime heroism and fight for recognition and equality still rings true in the modern era. In telling this inspiring but little-known true story, The Hello Girls spreads an uplifting message about the strength of patriotism and girl power.

Wyoming Seminary is a private college preparatory school in Kingston. Students from around the world come to attend Summer at Sem each year, which includes specialized programs in theatre, dance and filmmaking. Their renowned theatre program lets students participate in workshops on acting, singing, and auditioning while working with industry professionals and putting on their own musical at the end of the session.

Set in Sem’s state-of-the-art performance spaces and picturesque campus, students at the summer intensive get to forge lifelong bonds with other students while expanding their performance skills. “It’s a great theatre experience,” says Olsen.

While the program’s curriculum is focused on keeping students hard at work and engaged, the staff and faculty make sure they’re having fun as well. Through movie nights and other bonding experiences, the cast forms friendships while also gaining theatre skills and getting individualized attention from professionals. Whether students want to pursue theatre in the future or just like to perform onstage, they’ll find a place for themselves at Summer at Sem.

Wyoming Seminary invites the community to see The Hello Girls.

When: Friday July 28 at 7:30 PM and Saturday July 29 at 2:00 PM
Where: Kirby Center for Creative Arts
260 North Sprague Ave.
Kingston, PA 18704
Tickets: General Admission $15
Students & Seniors $10
*Free Admission for Military Personnel*
Tickets are available at the door.

Featured Image (Top) Courtesy of Wyoming Seminary.