Area youth participate in "Play in a Day"

On Saturday, August 18, approximately 80 youth ages 12 through 18 from Fallbrook, Bonsall and Vista of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gathered together at 9 a.m. at the Vista Stake Center to participate in a day-long activity which would culminate in producing and performing vignettes. Each skit was to be something to do with the early pioneers. These vignettes were performed that same evening at 7 p.m. before members of the Vista Stake, their friends and families.

During the morning hours the youth were divided into 11 groups. Within each group, each youth chose whether to be an actor, prop specialist, lighting specialist or to build and paint scenery. Lines were memorized, scenery was built and painted, lighting and sound were taken care of and costumes were prepared before the deadline. By 7 p.m. each group was ready to present a polished performance.

Phyllis Livingston, the Stake Specialist for this activity, said it “has given youth who would not have the opportunity in any other venue a chance to perform onstage and appreciate their ancestors and the sacrifices they made all those years ago. Each youth is still affected by the decisions of their ancestors and this opportunity to act out their experiences connects them even more to the past and strengthens their connection with the early pioneers.”

Judging for the event was done by a distinguished panel of Susan Ferguson, Arden Thorham and Lyndsey Gemmell. Since this was an all-day activity the youth provided their own sack lunches but a dinner was served to all who participated. The event was under the direction of Phyllis Livingston of the Vista Stake, while Alene Ahrend of Fallbrook served as the publicity director.