A summer theatre camp organized by two local arts organizations is looking to allow area children to explore acting, stagecraft and all of the behind-the-scenes elements that go into show production.
According to event organizer and Drawbridge Entertainment director Christopher Wood, the theatre camp presents a unique opportunity for children in the area.
“This camp really represents an opportunity for local children to be exposed to something they cannot find anyplace else, and the hope is that it will also help some children come out of their shells,” said Wood of the camp.
In its eighth year of existence, the camp typically attracts between 35-45 students, and already has 20 signed on after the first week of registration this year.
The camp is put on by ENCORE! Theatre, the local performing group headed by Allen Johnson, in partnership with Wood’s recently formed Drawbridge Entertainment organization.
ENCORE! director Johnson is also looking forward to what the summer will hold, calling the camp “a great opportunity for children to see and do some fun and challenging activities in a positive environment.”
“We’ve gotten great feedback in the past, and we don’t expect that to change now that we have partnered with Drawbridge,” added Johnson.
To those more introverted children, Wood is careful to point out that there are many opportunities not involving on-stage performance.
“Even though we would like them to go up, we teach so many other aspects of production, including stagecraft, makeup design, set building and lighting.
“It’s a pretty well-rounded camp, depending on their interest,” Wood added.
The two week camp will culminate with a stage production of Douglas Parkhirst’s “The Clown Prince of Wanderlust”, to be performed twice at the conclusion of the week at Morris-Morgan Theatre on the campus of St. Andrews University.
Wood believes that the camp fills an important niche among the many summer opportunities that Scotland County children have to choose from.
“We are trying to expose them to tehatre, and to give them some cultural awareness — something different than TV and video games, and even sports, which are great.”
The camp, which will take place from June 18-29, is open to children ages 7-17. The cost is $65, with discounts available for more than one child. Those interested in more information or who would like to register are invited to call 277-2585.
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