American Stage Summer Camp Offers Creative Outlet For Kids

There are a ton of summer camp options in Pinellas this year. Here's why parents can count on the American Stage Summer Camp to bring the magic of the stage into their lives.

"While a theatre summer camp can be a wildly fun time, there are fundamental skills to be learned in a theatre arts education environment; such as teamwork, communication, critical thinking, and literary comprehension," said American Stage teacher, education associate and local actor John Perez.

Camp groups are separated into groups of kids age groups of 5-7, 8-12, and 13-18. Each week tackles a different theme, ranging from musical theatre, to puppets, to improv.

The camp runs June 5 - August 4 on a weekly basis out of First Presbyterian Church [701 Beach Dr. NE, St. Petersburg] Teaching artists are hands on with students 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Pre-care is available an hour before camp starts (8 a.m.), and aftercare is available for two hours after (5 p.m.).

"Typically everyone's a little "shy" the first day, but we thrive on creating safe educational spaces. To learn we must all take a chance, try something new, or maybe do something we've never done. Taking chances builds confidence no matter the outcome; it's a learning experience. It doesn't take long for "The Shy Kid" to be taking Center-Stage," said American Stage Drama School teacher Jemier Jenkins.

These kids bloom, and they also learn valuable life lessons.

Kids who are enrolled in theatre extracurriculars are more empathetic people, because they are constantly learning to react to their peers and muse emotions that aren't always accessed in day to day life.

It's also true that kids involved in the arts and theatre community are great readers. Reading and comprehending a script is no easy task, but when our groups are having fun, on-the-page comprehension skills

Another thing that some kids aren't always challenged to do in day to day life? Taking risks.

American Stage development fellow, actor, and current drama school student Marygrace McManus was a part of a theatre group for children when she attended middle school in Las Vegas, Nevada.

"Theatre camp is my first memory of a welcoming and safe space. I learned to connect with other kids, and be bold in an encouraging space. Even if you don't follow theatre down that career path, you get a better understanding (without even realizing it) of emotional intelligence, public speaking, and what it means to play," McManus said.

Even young people who don't go on to pursue the arts in their career - the emotional risks and artistic expression that they'll naturally fall into are impactful.

"I don't think I would be who I am today without doing theatre as a kid," McManus said.

After all, behind every talented drama kid, there is an adult who believes in them.

American Stage offers weekly financial aid for summer camp in increments of 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% off. Applications are accepted up to the week before, and American Stage reserves 20% of its summer camp class space for financial aid students.

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