Berkeley Parents Network: Drama and Theater Camps

Berkeley Parents Network

Drama and Theater Camps

Berkeley Parents Network > Reviews > Summer Camps & School Breaks > Drama and Theater Camps

Questions

Theater camp for kindergartener and 2nd grader
Theater Camp for 6-year-old
Drama camp for 11 year old?
Drama camp for 12-year-old
Other Theater Camps

Theater Camps with Reviews

Theater camp for kindergartener and 2nd grader

Feb 2007

Last year my daughter attended a theater camp at the Julia Morgan Center for the Arts which she really loved. Now the theater camps at the Julia Morgan are run by a group called Glitter and Razz. Does anyone have any experience with this group and their camps in particular? Alternatively, does anyone have any recommendations for theater camps for a kindergartner and a second grader? Drama Mama Wanna Be

No info about Glitter and Razz, but my daughter has had great drama camp experiences with Bay Area Shakespeare Camp, Contra Costa Civic Theater, and Stage Door Conservatory. All have 2- week summer programs of very high quality. Unfortunately, all begin at age 7 or so (summer before 3rd grade I believe); I think you may have some trouble find a drama program that will take your little one. Mama of a drama queen

Theater Camp for 6-year-old

April 2006

Looks like Julia Morgan isn't offering summer theater classes. My child is 6, will be between 1st and 2nd grade this summer. Any other suggestions? I'm looking for a 2-week session.

I heard about the following theatre camp, but do not know anything about it. http://www.kidstakethestage.com/index.html Also, Children's Fairyland in Oakland has a children's theatre program in the summer. Hope this helps anonymous

Last summer, my 2 sons (ages 5 and 9 last year) went to the Drama camp (theme) at Monkey Business Camp. My older son did not want to go to Drama camp at all, but the timing of the session was right for us. I emailed the director of the program to ask her what might work out for my son. She said there are children who attend drama camp and decide to do behind-the-scenes stuff or who find a way that they are comfortable performing. So my son agreed to go to camp, and there was no pressure, and he ended up in a few skits and had a great time. My younger son was even less interested in performing, but was very active with creating the sets and being on stage crew, and did end up being in one skit. The excitement around having a performance was very fun for the kids, and brought a nice sense of community to the camp, with everyone working toward a common goal. jc

Drama camp for 11 year old?

Feb 2000

Does anyone have a recommendation for a dramatic arts camp for a 11 year old? She is tired of Shakespeare camp, and I don't think the JCC is offering theatre camp this summer... East Bay locations only... Thanks, Judy

Last summer my son (8) was enrolled in a three week theatre camp through the East Bay Regional Parks. He really enjoyed it. I do not see it listed on the park's web site, but I am hoping they offer it again. Kim

For the person asking about summer camp - try Black Pine circle in Berkeley. They have a very extensive summer program including drama. For information call 845-0876

Two suggestions: Theatre Bay Area in SF publishes a monthly magazine called Callboard and they list dozens of opportunities for theatre classes and camps for all levels, from kids to community players to professionally-oriented performers. They also publish a youth theatre directory biannually and I believe the next one is due out soon (you'd think I know because I'm currently the Executive Director over there, but I'm home on maternity leave and have forgotten everything that happens in the "other world". ) Also, I am about to become the new Executive Director at the Julia Morgan Center for the Arts in Berkeley (I guess if I'm making one major transition I can make two at the same time!) and we're completing revamping their summer "Theatre Rats" program and and hiring some of the best Bay Area kid youth teachers for drama. Kids will enroll in 2 week sessions that meet all day and take workshops in improvisation, core acting skills, dance and/or musical theatre, mask, clowning and other classes, depending upon the expertise of the teacher (some workshops will be required of all participants and some will be elective depending upon your child's interests). The focus is on process, so although there will be public presentations at the end, there won't be the undue stresses of production per se. Our curriculum is still being developed and our faculty being hired, but we hope to roll out the new program by the end of March. If you're interested in being on our mailing list for Theatre Rats, send me your name and address and I'll make sure you receive a new brochure hot off the presses. Sabrina

Drama camp for 12-year-old

Jan 2004

Could someone recommend a summer camp for a twelve years old girl? Her interests are jazz dancing, and also drama and singing. Tikva

Contra Costa Civic Theater offers great drama camps each summer. You can call them at (510) 524-9132 for information. Also check out the resource http://tlent.home.igc.org/Day_Camp.html R.K.

The Kaleidoscope Program of the Julia Morgan Center for the Arts offers three 2-week camps for students up to grade 6 who are interested in drama and dance. This summer's camps run from July 5-August 13 and feature acting, improv, stage combat, dance, music, playmaking and more. This might be just the fun arts experience that your child is looking for. I'd love to chat with you more about our programs, I can be reached at (510) 845-8542 x378. Beth

Re: Summer camps for 12-13 year old
If the daughter is interested in theatre AT ALL, look into the Young Actors' Workshop (YAW) at Contra Costa College. It is an excellent program and very inexpensive. She is a perfect age for it.

My daughter is enrolled in the Elementary School of Arts and Sciences on Broadway. Although it is an Elementary School K-3, they do have a summer program for musical theater and an after school which starts in mid April for musical theater as well. I know Carol Smith (the director of the school) for five years now and I believe that it is the best program in theater, singing, performing for very young age. Also, you make want to consider the school itself for your daughter since their curiculum includes at least three theatrical performances per year. Their phone number is: 658-5443

California Shakespeare Theater offers training and performance opportunities for youth ages 8 to 18. See Young Performers Workshop

Last summer my son (8) was enrolled in a three week theatre camp through the East Bay Regional Parks. He really enjoyed it. I do not see it listed on the park's web site, but I am hoping they offer it again. --Kim (2/00)

For the person asking about summer camp - try Black Pine Circle in Berkeley. They have a very extensive summer program including drama. For information call 845-0876 (2/00)

Two suggestions: Theatre Bay Area in SF publishes a monthly magazine called Callboard and they list dozens of opportunities for theatre classes and camps for all levels, from kids to community players to professionally-oriented performers. They also publish a youth theatre directory biannually and I believe the next one is due out soon (you'd think I know because I'm currently the Executive Director over there, but I'm home on maternity leave and have forgotten everything that happens in the "other world". )

Also, I am about to become the new Executive Director at the Julia Morgan Center for the Arts in Berkeley (I guess if I'm making one major transition I can make two at the same time!) and we're completing revamping their summer Theatre Rats program and and hiring some of the best Bay Area kid youth teachers for drama. Kids will enroll in 2 week sessions that meet all day and take workshops in improvisation, core acting skills, dance and/or musical theatre, mask, clowning and other classes, depending upon the expertise of the teacher (some workshops will be required of all participants and some will be elective depending upon your child's interests). The focus is on process, so although there will be public presentations at the end, there won't be the undue stresses of production per se. Our curriculum is still being developed and our faculty being hired, but we hope to roll out the new program by the end of March. If you're interested in being on our mailing list for Theatre Rats, send me your name and address and I'll make sure you receive a new brochure hot off the presses.
Sabrina

My daughter attended the California Acting Workshop during the summer of 1999. This was following her freshman year. She had a great time, and the drama instruction was quite intense and serious. What I found pretty remarkable about the camp was that the entire group, which included high school and junior high school kids, became very close over the few weeks they were together. It is expensive, but you can enroll as a "commuter," which sacrifices some of the fun for substantial savings. Nancy

This is to recommend JCC Theater Camp for kids in grades 3-5. Sessions are 2 weeks each, starting June 28th, $325/session ($260 for JCC members). Theater director Simon Kaplan is terrific. He's funny, energetic, and directs wonderful plays (last year my kids did "How to Eat Like a Child" by Delia Ephron) with choreography, lines, costumes, backdrops. Kids are boys & girls, some ethnic mix, all shapes & sizes. My kids (now 8 & 11) have had a great time in theater workshop. For more info call Simon Kaplan at 848-0237. -- Merry (5/99)

If your child has any interest in performing, I have heard other parents rave about the Young People's Theatre Group program held at the Julia Morgan Center in Berkeley-it runs from 7-19/8-22 for ages 10-16, and they put on a full musical play at the end of the session. They also do field trips, swimming, sports, crafts and a camping overnight. -- Dianne (5/99)

Other Theater Camps

Feb 2005

There is a wonderful program that takes place in a small town (Pontlevoy) 2 hours from Paris. Check out the web site at www.loiretheatre.com. My daughter went there last summer and had a magical time. She did ''A Midsummer's Night Dream'' in French and English. Your teen doesn't need to know French, but will have the chance to be with students from France and England. Miranda Barry is the producer, and is a wonderful person who loves acting and teens, and treats all with respect and kindness . My husband and I went to see the play, and were thrilled to see the quality of work and the beauty of the town and the people. Rona

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