Drama and Theater Camps
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May 2010
Hi,
Does anyone know about a summer camp in the Santa Cruz mountains that
offers theater activities for teens? I've heard of one but can't seem
to find information about it on-line.
Does anyone know of any teen-accessible classes in screenplay writing?
Gotta get this kid some structured activities!
Hi! I don't know anything in the S.C. Mountains, but I would like to
suggest an amazing camp that my daughter did the summer after 8th
grade and after 10th grade. Look up CSSSA (California State Summer
School for the Arts). They have drama, creative writing, and other
arts. However, you only go into one category of focus. It is
subsidized by the State for Calif. residents. It was a great
experience and extremely affordable. It is a sleep away camp in So.
Cal----held at the Cal Arts campus north of L.A. She loved it! This
would be for the following summer, though. You usually have to
apply/audition by the end of February. I highly suggest that you
check it out, though, if he is interested in theater. She also did an
amazing program at Northwestern U outside of Chicago. It was very
intense and a LOT more money, but she absolutely was ecstatic about
it! That one is only for kids between Jr. and Sr. year of H.S.
Best of luck! I hope you find something for this summer, as well.
(My daughter is totally ''ga-ga'' over theater. She is not 20 yr.s old!
Leah
March 2010
My 12 y.o.daughter has some interest in attending a camp
that focuses on drama and acting, but is not interested in
the many summer musical camps in the Bay Area that focus
on singing and dancing. Any suggestions? We live in
Berkeley and she will be entering 8th grade in the fall.
Thanks!
Seaching for Camps
You should try the
California Shakespeare Theatre summer
camps. They have a two week conservatory in the Oakland
Hills (Holy Names highschool campus) and a five week
conservatory in Lafayette (Bentley highschool campus). They
are fun, yet rigorous drama camps for all types of kids!
Campers who start here end up returning year after year and
loving it. Students study acting, voice, movement,improv.
and text in the morning and then have rehearsals for the
play in the afternoon. This is a great camp for serious
actors as well as those who just want an exciting,
interesting and educative summer experience.
Contact: calshakes.org/camps or phone 510-809-3293
kate
You should look into Cal Shakes'
Summer Shakespeare
Conservatories. They offer a really wonderful conservatory-
style program (i.e. intensive training by professional
teaching artists), designed for kids of all levels of
experience, with the day split between classes and
rehearsal for a performance. They have locations around
the Bay Area, including Oakland. More info at
www.calshakes.org/camps.
Cal Shakes fan
Definitely check out the Cal Shakes summer programs. They
have classes in the mornings (acting, stage combat,
improvisation, etc) and rehearse a shortened version of a
Shakespeare play in the afternoons. I've seen the
performances several years in a row, and they are just
fantastic.
There's a 5-week program in Lafayette, and 2-week programs
in Lafayette and Rockridge. www.calshakes.org/camps
jessica
Feb 2010
hi, my 8-yr-old daughter loves to be dramatic. she's never taken acting classes
but loves to perform. we're looking for advice on a solid drama summer camp,
one that's challenging but not too rigid. and if we can get around musicals, that
would be great, as they're not her cup of tea! any advice? thanks!
mama of a sweet drama queen
My precocious 8 (going on 9) year old drama queen has really
enjoyed the summer theater camp at the
Contra Costa
Civic Theater up in El Cerrito.
It's a two week, all day camp and they put on a complete
play with costumes and everything. My daughter has done it
for the last two years and it was a different play each
year. They've had a small dance number in them, but they
certainly weren't musicals. The program is intense, like-
don't schedule any other activities during that time. But,
my daughter has truly enjoyed the challenge of trying out,
learning lines, blocking, dance number etc...
Their website is www.ccct.org/classes-summercamp.html
andrea
I am happy to recommend to you the
California Shakespeare
Theatre summer camps. They are fun, yet rigorous drama
camps for all types of kids! Campers who start here end up
returning year after year and loving it. Students study
acting, voice, movement, improv. and text - for my 8 year
old boy, the stage combat is the most exciting! This is a
great camp for serious actors as well as those who just want
an exciting, interesting and educative summer experience.
Contact: calshakes.org/camps or phone 510-809-3293
kate
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
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
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
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)
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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