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Girl Scouts Love Hanging Out at The Z
Ever wondered what it would be like to take a journey around the world in a time before airplanes and automobiles? On May 13, Girl Scouts were invited to come along on a race across the globe at Zeiders American Dream Theater (affectionately known as “The Z”) with the help of two explorers, Phileas Fogg and Jean Passepartout, during their production of “Around the World in 80 Days.” The show was full of fun improvisations based on suggestions made by the audience. With the girls’ help, the engaging and whimsical performance really came to life! Outside the theater, artwork from Salem High School art students was featured, along with notes from the artists. There was also a photo wall for parents and girls to take photos with family and their troops. In total, there were twenty-two girls from six troops in attendance. By watching and interacting with this performance, each girl earned the Explore Zeiders American Dream Theater patch and the “Drama” charm to add to her collection. It was a day full of imagination, laughter, community, and appreciation of many forms of art.
GSCCC has enjoyed a rich partnership with The Z. Over the years, Girl Scouts’ involvement has gone beyond watching the shows, and Girl Scouts and Girl Scout alum have taken the stage and used their own voices at The Z.
In 2021, Girl Scout alum Elyse Donoghue earned the Girl Scout Gold Award by completing a project titled, “Unstoppable.” Elyse felt there was not enough representation of women in STEM in her school curriculum and on television, so she decided to write a book that shared information about women in STEM who were historically overlooked. Elyse designed a Girl Scout patch program that goes along with her book, and held a special presentation of her book at The Z.
Last year, GSCCC celebrated National Women’s History Month by partnering with The Z for the opening of their month-long celebration, “She’s a Brick House.” Following an open-mic session, where girls and adults were able to tell their unique stories, a concert titled “Youth, Truth, and Wisdom: A Song Cycle About Women,” was held.
Thanks to The Z’s Community Liaison, Sibel Galindez, for facilitating this ongoing partnership. GSCCC encourages girls of all ages to explore the action of theater by attending an upcoming performance at The Z.
Penny Shepard, whose Girl Scouts, Avalee and Ariana, are now both Brownies, had this to say about their time at The Z: “I want to go back! And I hope the Girl Scouts do more events like that next year.” When recalling the interactive play, she noted that “one of the actors incorporated one of her [girl’s] ideas on stage,” which was one of their favorite parts. Penny said her girls enjoy all kinds of events that GSCCC puts on, such as “hiking, pottery, painting, and just being with other girls their age not in their school system.”
Check out our upcoming events and maybe you can earn your Explore Zeiders American Dream Theater patch, too!
