Coming full circle

TIFFIN — Brandon Price has been involved with the Ritz Theatre since he was 12 years old, and now he's returned to help teach the same summer camp that started it all. For 25 years, The Ritz has partnered with the Missoula Children's Theatre (MCT) to present classic children's tales with a twist. This year, The Ritz and MCT are presenting "Pinocchio." When Price isn't helping with an MCT production, he is a full-time theatre teacher at the Manhattan Middle School of Arts and Academics in Boulder, Colorado. However, Price said he wouldn't be where he is today if he hadn't attended that first summer camp at the Ritz Theatre in 1999. At a young age, Price was one of the assistant group leaders for the production of "Alice in Wonderland." "It was a whirlwind," Price said of his experience then to now. After finishing school at Emerson College, Price began taking auditions and waiting for callbacks, which is how he came back to MCT. "When I got the call, I immediately recognized the company," he said. "So, I told them I was a former MCT kid, and that was that." From there, Price received the opportunity to go on tour as an instructor and traveled to 37 states and four countries within just over four years before again becoming a trainer. This year marks Price's third year as a trainer, and if given the chance, he wouldn't change a thing. "It really is such a great feeling. I love what I'm doing and really believe in the work," he said. "Not only do I owe it to the MCT, though," Price said. "But also to all of the staff at both the Ritz Theatre and the Fremont Community Theatre for always being so welcoming." Additionally, Price is grateful for a former substitute teacher named Ron Hill, who always pushed him to give his best. Mika Gibson, camp director, says former campers returning is far from uncommon. Gibson herself participated in the camp for 11 years before later returning as a staff member. "This year, we actually have two campers (LeeAnn Polinski and Darr Brown) who are 12th year veterans," said Gibson. The Ritz Summer Theatre Camp and MCT will present "Pinocchio" at 2 p.m. today and on June 22 and 7 p.m. on June 21, 30 S. Washington St. Tickets are $7 for adults and $4 for students. For more information about the Ritz's summer camp, please visit their website at www.ritztheatre.org/