GreatNews.Life Student Voices: Munster in the spotlight

What’s recently happened?

On Monday, June 2, Munster Theatre Company (MTC) held its fourth annual week-long theater camp for middle school students. The camp included tech, acting and dance elements that teach students new to theater about all aspects of putting on a performance. 

The camp has become a crucial aspect of MTC’s funding and theater outreach, and this year’s camp had a record-breaking 52 participants. This year brought flexibility for the students and counselors, as the usual rehearsal space was under construction. Because of this, Auditorium Director Raymond Palasz resorted to using the Munster High School (MHS) Professional development center as the main space for learning and performing.

Along with Palasz, seven other high school students volunteered to assist with the camp. The counselors led activities, supervised students and created bonds. The camp having high schoolers leading middle school students allowed both groups to learn about new aspects of theater. The high school counselors had the opportunity to direct a play, introduce improvisation, and teach many elements of technical theater. 

This year’s camp had students with a range of theater experience and interests. The camp allows students to come back for multiple years so for some campers this was their fourth year participating in the camp. First year campers were taught improvisation, and second-to-fourth year students put on a 25 minute play. 

After a week-long camp the students showcased their talents to their parents. Their props were put on display, they performed improv games and put on a play all while the lighting and sound they designed was used. For many students this was their first time performing in front of an audience or their first experience with tech.

The goal of the camp is to raise interest in theater for young performers. The camp gives students the opportunity to perform in front of their parents and showcase their work from the week. Along with this, camper’s tech work such as creating props gets put on display. The goal of this is to build campers confidence and allow them to gain experience in theater. 

What’s coming up?

On Monday, June 16, The Town of Munster will be putting on a Movie in the Park at Centennial Park Amphitheater. The town will be showcasing “Mufasa,” the recently released live action prequel to “The Lion King.” This event will be happening from 8-10 p.m. and will include concessions and merchandise.

Admission is free and audiences are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or blanket so they can enjoy the movie with their community. 

Movie in the Park is a monthly event to create community and a safe activity for all ages. The Town of Munster has many events similar to showcasing movies in the park such as concerts, art shows, and annual events such as National Night Out. The community members rely on each other to volunteer and create a safe and accepting place for everybody who wants to join in on the activities. 

 Community member spotlight:

“Happy Squirrel” by Kerstin Wartberg and David Andruss fills the church as musicians of varying age levels and experience begin to create a symphony of sounds. The song was a finish to a complete showcase of the students’ work throughout the year. The performance was put together because of violin instructor Heidi Tuinstra. After starting lessons in 2020, she has built her business, Violin By Heidi, and gained 24 students with a range of ages 5-75. 

“When I was 4 years old, I saw a group of young children playing Suzuki, and I knew I had to do that. My mom told me when I was older. The next year I saw them again and I told her I was older than some of them. She found my violin teacher, Karl Linden, and I started playing violin by the age of 6.” Tuinstra said.

After starting violin at a young age, Tuinstra continued her passion until high school. Her passions and consistent practice led her to being given full ride scholarship offers.

“I went on to study violin at Illinois Wesleyan University, with a full scholarship. I was later in a car accident in which I suffered traumatic brain injury (TBI). Angry, I put my violin and music aside.”

Despite Tuinstra’s struggles, she refounded her love for violin 25 years later and realized she wanted to share her passion for music with others. She wanted to do more than teach students violin, she wanted to inspire them to prevail against struggles.

“My biggest success is overcoming my past. After my car accident TBI, the setback was emotional and depressing.” Tuinstra said, “I try to inspire students with that story. You don’t have to walk away permanently from things. You can get enjoyment and success after you go through difficult times.” 

Tuinstra strives to be more than a violin instructor to her students, she wants to make connections and be someone for them to look up to. She wants to encourage a passion for violin. 

“My biggest inspiration is my mom. She is a strong, resilient woman. She was brave when brave wasn’t cool. She taught me to take life by the horns and dominate in whatever I try.” Tuinstra said.

Violin By Heidi welcomes students of all ages and violin experience. Tuinstra is currently the only violin instructor in Munster and hopes to progress her students by exposing them to more performance opportunities. 

“I hope to find more places for students to perform. We just performed at Leon’s Hero’s Triathlon opening ceremony. We will be playing at the Victory for Veteran Celebration at Wicker Park and for a 9/11 tribute this year as well.” Tuinstra said.