ELGIN — Actors from around Eastern Oregon are back rehearsing at the Elgin Opera House, and can be seen the last weekend of July in performances of Shakespeare’s “Comedy of Errors.”

The play is the first on the opera house’s new outdoor stage.

Some of the cast are veterans to the theater’s musical productions. This turn at Shakespeare gives them a different challenge, said Terry Hale, executive artistic director.

“We wanted them to do more classical theater,” Hale said.

“Comedy of Errors” is directed by Grant Turner, the Opera House’s associate artistic director. The plot, which involves two sets of twins and mistaken identities, in this production is set on a beach in the early 1900s.

“It’s really fun. It’s great for summer theater,” Hale said.

Performances begin at 6:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, July 30-31.

Attendance is free. Donations are welcome.

“It’s our gift,” Hale said. “Bring treats, a cooler, a chair. It’s theater in the park.”

A grant from Oregon Community Foundation is supporting the theater’s summer programs.

Summer theater camp

Youth ages 6-17 are invited to a “James and the Giant Peach Jr.” summer theater camp. The camp begins Aug. 16 and culminates with performances on Friday and Saturday, Aug. 20-21. Cost is $150, although scholarships are available thanks to the OCF grant. To register, go to elginoperahouse.com and click on “camps.”

Hale said a set cast is already rehearsing for the show, and the theater campers will join for ensemble pieces.

“That way it’s a well-rehearsed show,” he said.

Youth campers will also participate in several workshops on acting, music, costumes and choreography, such as stage fighting.

“That’s always a popular workshop,” Hale said of the fight choreography.

For the first time, the camp will be run by youth actor alumni who are veterans of Elgin Opera House productions.

“These kids have been through camps multiple times. Now they get to run them,” Hale said. “They’re getting leadership experience.”

There will be three performances: 2:30 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 20, and 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 21.

Shows will be on the outdoor stage. Admission is free.

“Comedy of Errors”

100 N. 8th St., Elgin

elginoperahouse.com

541-663-6324