Camp Omigosh
Connor's summer is off to a rough start: the camp bus almost crashes, his cabin mates don't trust him, and the girls on the other side of the camp constantly outsmart him. But when he and his friends Tasha, Parker, and Kimberly investigate the mystery surrounding the "Ghost of Dead Billy," they begin a hilarious adventure that is worlds away from a typical campfire story. This haunted camp comedy with a sci-fi twist has it all: ghosts, aliens, robots, plant zombies and, of course, dodgeball.
Productions
Behind The Scenes
WADE BRADFORD TALKS ABOUT CAMP OMIGOSH
Q: WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO WRITE THIS PLAY?
A: When I was a kid growing up around the forests of Washington state, one of my favorite things to do was camp out in the woods. When it got dark, that hushed midnight wilderness sort of dark, my cousins and I would tell each other ghost stories. And sometimes we told stories about outer space, as we gazed up at the stars and wondered if anyone was gazing back. I never got the chance to stay at a summer camp like Camp Omigosh. Writing both the book and the play became a way to fulfill that childhood wish, and have fun with the scary stories and sci-fantasies I dreamed up during my youth.
Q: WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE PART OR LINE IN THE PLAY? WHY?
A: It might be Coach Dunbom... I don't know where that character came from... but I am glad he barged his way onto the page. I also loved writing the mystery aspect of the story.
It was fun trying to figure out how all of these puzzle pieces fit together.
Q: WHERE DID THE CHARACTERS COME FROM? ARE THEY BASED ON PEOPLE YOU KNOW?
A: Some of the characters are a conglomeration of people I know from grade school, junior high, and high school. Some of the characters are completely fabricated -- those are usually my favorites. And a couple of the characters are slightly altered versions of my younger and present-day selves.
Q: WHAT DID YOU TRY TO ACHIEVE WITH THIS PLAY?
A: I am trying to achieve a fun adventure that makes the most of the stage. As usual, I try to create scripts that give all lot of actors a chance to feel the gleam of the spotlight. But I also wanted this to be a fun challenge for directors. If the pace is fast and the blocking is innovative, this can be a riveting, rollicking theatrical experience.
Q: DO YOU HAVE ANYTHING ELSE YOU'D LIKE TO ADD?
A: In an effort to grow as a writer, I have created two versions of Camp Omigosh, the play and the novel (which will be released by May 2014). I hope both find an audience! I'd love to hear your thoughts about either project. As always, you can connect with me online at wadebradford.com
Finally, let me say how happy I am to be working with Eldridge Plays. They were the first professional company to believe in me as a writer. I will never forget the encouragement and enthusiasm they have shown me. My life changed, in a very good way, thanks to Nancy and her team.