Hogwarts came alive in Brewster this past Saturday afternoon. The Studio Around the Corner located beneath the Southeast Museum at 67 Main Street in conjunction with the Town of Southeast Cultural Arts Coalition (TOSCAC) was turned into the mythical magical school from Harry Potter's world in celebration of 20th Anniversary release of the first Harry Potter book "The Sorcerers Stone."
About a dozen local youths, along with a parent or two, all dressed as characters from the movie, entertained more then 100 children over the course of almost 3 hours. There was a herbology class where kids got to take home a small potted plant. Other classes included a tea leave reading and divination station, coloring stations and even a general store where attendees could buy chocolate frogs, Bertie beans jelly beans, magical candy wands and assorted other movie themes treats. Local teens dressed as witches and goblins held face painting demonstrations and a free screening of the movie played on the studios HD TV as well.
The event was free and open to all age groups but focused on children not yet old enough to have been with us when the first movie came out.
The day started when you entered the lobby and Professor McGonagall (Margaret Carey) greeted each youngster personally and "sorted" them into their respective houses. The children then wandered inside the studio which had been decorated to resemble Hogwarts. From there each child received a coupon book for each station ensuring that all attendees were able to partake of all the festivities. Several dozen parents escorted their children while some waited outside and chatted. Still other parents also joined in the fun as several were seen getting lightning bolts painted on their foreheads or chatting with the Divination Professor (Antonia Carey) who read tea leaves and assorted talisman to ascertain the guests futures. Rowena Ravenclaw (Jacqueline Carey) was on hand to tally each house' points to determine the house cup winner at the end of the day. Judy Marano, a TOSCAC Board Member with Margaret Carey taught the Herbology course out on the Studio's newly refurbished patio. More then several of the parents in attendance remarked how realistic and enthusiastic all of the volunteers were and that made the day eve more enjoyable for the kid several of whom are running around shoving green chocolate frogs in the mouths and casting spells at each other. Parents seemed ecstatic that something new and exciting for kids had come to town with several asking when the Studio was going to have another event such as this. All proceeds from the events at the Studio are used to help renovate the theater on the third floor of the building which also houses the Southeast museum.
For more information on TOSCAC and the Studio around the Corner visit
http://www.culturalartsco.com/