The Klaesges sisters have been spotted at the scene of the crime four summers in a row. The pair admit they're easily lured into the drama of a good murder mystery.

Carolyn and Anne Klaesges are teens who act in Millstreet Players Dinner ­Theater, a summer acting program of the Columbia Heights Recreation Department.

The city offers summer theater and puppetry programs for children and teens. Everyone who participates in the theater programs is cast in a speaking part. Sign-up starts in mid-May.

"Most summer theater programs will have a tryout. We don't do that. We just take whoever comes through the door. We just go for it. That's what makes it kind of special," said Liz Bray, recreation program coordinator.

The summer dinner theater program for high schoolers, which includes a three-course meal and usually a whodunit, draws a crowd at Murzyn Hall. Rehearsals start in mid-July and culminate with one or two performances in mid-August.

In last year's production of "Who Poisoned His Meatball?", Carolyn Klaesges played the role of the victim's vampy secretary.

"I had a really fun part. She was a flirt and really ditsy," Klaesgas said. "I wore a super-bright red dress that was way over the top. It was so much fun."

Klaesges, 15, said it feels good knowing that everyone gets some stage time.

"At our school, its super-hard to get into a play. Over 70 people try out. Barely anyone makes it," she said.

Columbia Heights recreation also offers:

• Moonshoe Players Dessert Theater for grades 6-8 from June 11 to July 11.

• Theater in the Park for grades 3-5 from June 4-26.

• Puppet Wagon Puppeteers for grades 4 and up from June 17 to Aug. 2.

Register online at www.ci.columbia-heights.mn.us.

Shannon Prather • 612-673-4804