Sierra Repertory Theatre Jr. to Host Summer Camps in July & August

Sierra Repertory Theatre Jr. will offer summer camps this July and August for children ages 4-6; 6-9; and 10 and older. Kids don't have to have theater experience to enroll. Sierra Rep Education Director Ralph Krumins will lead the week-long sessions, created with all children in mind, from the outgoing family clown to the shy child who may just be waiting to unleash his inner actor.

"Our summer workshops are for anyone who just wants to play," Krumins said.

And play they will. Students in the youngest age groups will have fun with games that utilize their natural gift of imagination, then move on to learn lines and dance steps that prepare them for the stage. Older children can look forward to honing skills like character-driven motivation, advanced movement, and creative choices.

"When the kids advance with age, it's all about how we can take their abilities to the next level to make them more accomplished actors," Krumins said.

Carter Peterson, a 10-year-old from Sonora who attended two theater workshops with Krumins earlier this year, plans to attend the summer workshop. Carter, in the fourth grade at Soulsbyville Elementary, had limited theater experience before he came to his first workshop: He recited a poem at a talent show.

"But I wanted to try it," said Carter, whose mother Sue read about SRT Jr.'s winter break workshop in the newspaper.

"I usually play board games when I'm off school on vacation," he said. "I'd rather spend my time acting and singing and dancing."

Up to 15 students will attend each workshop, and remaining space is limited. Krumins and his summer workshop counselors from Sierra Rep will write a show specifically for the children in that session to perform at the end of the week.

"Maybe we'll have six shy kids," he said. "In that case, we'll have a narrator. Maybe we have some great dancers. Then we'll put in some more songs, have some more dancing."

Sierra Rep's summer workshops are part of SRT Jr., which started last year with after-school theater workshops. The program also includes a "trunk show" with professional actors that present original productions for students on campuses in Tuolumne County and beyond. Krumins hopes all this will foster an appreciation of the arts in youngsters.

"What we really want them to do is say, 'Let's go watch a show,'" he said.

Summer workshops take place in July and August, organized by age group, with the final workshop for ages 10 and up lasting two weeks instead of one. Cost is $75-$200, depending on age. Season ticket holders receive a discount. For more information on Sierra Rep's summer workshops contact Ralph Krumins at education@sierrarep.org or 209-532-0502, ext. 123. An enrollment form can be downloaded from the Education page at www.sierrarep.org.

credit Harmony Wheeler

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