BWW Preview: Summer 2016 Theatre Camps Promise Fun

With all of the great shows there are to see this summer, there are just as many theatre camps for your kids. Workshops, intensives and camps cover the full range from getting kids ready for a professional career to just having a good time and learning some important life lessons. Offered by some of the top theatre companies and taught by some of the industry's best, these camps are a great way to keep active and keep those minds working over the hot summer weeks.

If you are looking for experiences that will get your child ready for the competitive world of acting or just keep them excited about learning, here are some of your choices. Many of these groups have classes throughout the year so check them all out, even if they are full for this summer.

ACTING OUT ACADEMY has their summer film academy July 18-22 at the Alabama School of Fine Arts. It is an acting intensive that finishes with a showcase for national and regional industry professionals and agents. AOA brings in some of the finest teachers, actors and on set professionals who are currently working in film and on TV. The workshop is currently sold out, but usually spots open up so try to get your name on the waiting list if your child has aspirations of being on screen. Go to www.actingoutacademy.com/summer-film-academy

Also, preparing kids for a career in theatre is the NORTH JEFFERSON SUMMER STOCK THEATRE. Kids Ages 8 to 18 years will experience this Summer Stock style Theatre Camp where they will have a Monday through Saturday 8:30 to 6pm intensive with hands on activities. The Camp will work on Disney's Alice in Wonderland, Jr. (Musical) while learning about resumes, head shots, auditions, costumes, sets, lighting and so much more. Camp fee is $250 each or $225 for families of 2 or more, plus $25 Admin fee. Applications and Fees can be paid online at https://squareup.com/store/opendoorsproductions or email for more info: opendoorscasting@gmail.com.

The UAB Department of Theatre offers CAPI- College Audition Preparatory Intensive. If you are looking to study theatre in college let the acclaimed UAB Theatre Department help you prepare. With classes in acting, singing and audition techniques, this intensive will prepare high school students for their auditions for elite musical training programs. All students will leave this intensive with one audition-ready song and one audition-ready monologue specifically chosen for them. They will also have a comprehensive understanding of what they will need to compete at a college level audition. Taught by UAB faculty, this workshop will run June 6-10 at the beautiful Alys Stephens Center. Contact Carolyn Violi at cvioli@uab.edu or call 205-975-7227.This is a rare and amazing opportunity for your older high school theatre students!

For an equally professional experience in live theatre for those younger kids, VIRGINIA SAMFORD THEATRE has their STARS program. For ages 7-17, the only week still available is June 27-July 1 from 9am until 4pm. With classes in acting, singing, dancing, stage combat, make-up, Shakespeare and more, your child will be ready to audition to participate in their summer production of Beauty and the Beast, Jr. For more information go to www.virginiasamfordtheatre.org/vststars/ or email stars@virginiasamfordtheatre.org

To be honest, RED MOUNTAIN THEATRE has so many camp opportunities that I don't think I can list them all here. From fun camps for little ones starting at age 4 to more intense workshops for kids up to 18, RMTC has everyone covered. Knowing that many of their productions use theatre camp alumni, and having seen their Christmas Spectacular last year where many of their classes participated, I can attest to the success of this program. Go to www.redmountaintheatre.org/education/workshops/ for all of the information.

BIRMINGHAM CHILDREN'S THEATRE'S Young Artist's Theatre is doing Disney's Aladdin, Jr. as a 4 week musical theatre intensive. The show will run July 8-17. They also have 2 (sold out) camps for ages 4-18 with a lot of surprise guests! For more information go to www.bct123.org or call 205-458-8181.

THE WHOLE BACKSTAGE THEATRE is another group with so many camps and shows, I don't know if I have it all straight. July 13-15 ages 3-6 have an opportunity from 8-12 each day. Then July 18-22 ages 5-15 get their chance from 8-noon. The 8-15 age range will also meet July 18-22 and present Alice in Wonderland, Jr. and the 12-18 range will meet June 25-29 to work on Hairspray, Jr. Please check out their website at www.wholebackstage.com or call 256-582-7469 for exact information.

THEATRE LJCC will hold theatre camps the last two weeks in July that end in a production of Disney Jr.'s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. For information call 205-879-0411 or go to www.bhamjcc.org or check out the Levite JCC of Birmingham Facebook page.

BEVERLY'S DANCE UNLIMITED in Clay will host a theatre camp June 13-17. For information go to www.beverlysdance.com

ACTA in Trussville will have its summer workshop to prepare THE ADVENTURES OF FLAT STANLEY June 15-17, 20-23 from 9-4 and perform June 24 and 25 at 7 pm. This camp is for 3rd through 9th graders. You can go to www.actatheatre.com or call 205-655-3902.

And last, but certainly not least, is SOUTH CITY THEATRE"S musical theatre camp for ages 8-18 which will be held at Riverchase Baptist Church June 20-July 1 from 9:30 -2:30 Monday through Friday. This camp is geared towards teaching confidence, imagination, enthusiasm, theatrical skills, vocal ability and self-esteem. Close to the over the mountain area and beyond, this camp will get your child enthused about theatre and more importantly teach them life skills that they can use in every aspect of their future. Contact camp director Amy Hockinson at amyhockinson@yahoo.com or go to www.southcitytheatre.com

All of these camps promise to add excitement, fun and growth to your child's summer. From professional actors who will leave these camps and go straight to work on movie sets to yours truly, many experienced, educated and enthusiastic instructors are looking forward to making this the best summer ever. Look over this list and find something magical for your child to do this summer. Arrange your schedule just right and take in lots of different theatre experiences. There is no telling who your child might work with and what they might learn!

To post a comment, you must register and login.