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

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

Contra Costa Civic Theater

March 2007

My daughter's (and my) favorite theater camp was the Contra Costa Civic Theater summer camp ... (http://www.ccct.org/summer_camps.html). This camp had a fun, more professional production and counselors that were nice and helpful. All kids, whether they've ever set foot on a stage or not, have fun there and learn a lot. You will not believe what a great production they put on after only 2 weeks. (If they're full get on the waitlist, as spaces do open up.) My daughter learned many acting skills, and went back for three years until she aged out. I would recommend it to someone who wants to learn the basics of theater in an exciting and supportive atmosphere. Good luck! Drama Mama

Feb 2007

Re: Summer Day Camp for 11-year-old
If you haven't found the small community of the Contra Costa Civic Theatre in El Cerrito yet, you should! Their summer drama camps are GREAT! There are sessions for 7-12 year-olds and sessions for 12-16 year-olds. They have lovely instructors who encourage the kids to cooperate and support each other. Contra Costa Civic Theatre, 951 Pomona Avenue (at Moeser), El Cerrito, CA 94530. 510-524-9132. www.ccct.org Cathlin

Re: Any Summer Programs end of August? (March 2003)
The drama camp at the Contra Costa Civic Theater has a session which runs pretty late in August - this is a great camp which fills up fast, but this session often seems to have openings since a lot of kids are back in school then. Their phone number is 524-9132.

Narnia Playhouse Theater Camp

March 2007

I was wondering if anyone has had any experience with the Narnia Playhouse theater camp as I couldn't find any reviews in the archives. How are the days structured? Were you happy with the overall quality of the experience. How much rehearsing/memorizing did you have to do at home? Would you do the camp again? Thanks a lot! Andrea

My daughter went to this camp two summers ago. She is very interested in acting, and has been in several theater summer camps. There was no real acting training, just memorizing the script. Many of the kids did not seem to want to be there and spent much of the day just running around. The director talked on his cell phone during rehersals. I wouldn't send my daughter back to this camp, or recommend it to anyone whose child really wants to learn about theater. My daughter's (and my) favorite theater camp was the Contra Costa Civic Theater summer camp ...

Hi- I am the director of the Narnia Playhouse Drama Camp and noticed your question about my program. I wanted to give you a little more info and I'd be happy to give you some names and numbers of folks to call if you would like some references.

I have a program for kids entering grades 1-2 and a program for kids entering grades 3-6. The younger kids are doing a play this year called ''Lucy and the Magic Drops'' which is based on a story that I wrote. It involves a group of children and animals who go on an quest for some magical drops that will heal them of various injuries they have. There will be some memorization for this group, though I try to gauge how much they can handle. The older kids in this group usually get a bit more to memorize, but it's all kept pretty manageable. We also do theater games, storytelling and work on sets, costumes, props, lighting etc. The 3-6 group is doing a Greek legend called ''Damon and Pythias'' which is a wonderful story and play with lot's of adventure, comedy and fun. p I have been running theater camps for 18 years and I teach theater at a number of elementary schools in Oakland, Alameda and Orinda. I am a former 4th grade teacher at St. Paul's School in Oakland and Black Pine Circle in Berkeley. Feel free to email me or call me if you want to know more (531- 5546) Thanks- Doug Cole narniaph[at]sbcglobal.net

My son and daughter (ages 11 and 9) have attended the Narnia Playhouse Theater Camp for the past two summers, and they have also participated in Doug Cole's after-school drama classes at Redwood Heights School for numerous sessions. They have always enjoyed the camps, classes, and plays and have asked me to make sure to sign them up again (except my son is now over the upper age limit). My impression has been quite the opposite of the previous reviewer -- my kids and their friends have had a lot of fun in the classes and plays. The emphasis is on everyone having a good time and participating, so parents looking for lots of professional actor training and super-polished productions may not find it their cup of tea, but I am certainly planning to sign my daughter up again this summer -- and I know she'll keep reminding me until I do so. kjohlson

My son has gone to the Narnia Playhouse Drama Camp twice and has loved it. He also takes classes from Doug Cole during the school year and enjoys these a lot. The plays Doug does are wonderful- funny, creative and meaningful. The bottom line is the kids seem to really have fun and the productions are quite together.

I noticed one posting from a dissatisfied parent. Doesn't even sound like the same camp my son attended! After the performance, I heard many parents saying how much they enjoyed the production and how much their child enjoyed the camp. dre89

Mr. Cole, the director of the camp, is a wonderful, creative, gifted, and very kind teacher. We only have wonderful things to say about him and his camp. Over the years my step-children have attended his camp or taken after school classes. They rave about him and his camp. They've also developed passion for both theater and story telling, thanks to Mr. C, as the children call him. We highly recommend it. rivovo

San Francisco Shakespeare Festival Theater Camp

Website for SF Shakes: http://www.sfshakes.org/

April 2004

Has anyone had experience with the SF Shakespeare Camp (for teens, at John Hinkel Park)?

I think that this is the first year that the Shakespeare Camp is holding a teen program in Berkeley, so I cannot give any specific feedback about the teen program. However, my son did participate in the program for the younger children and loved it. He went for 3 summers (4th, 5th, and 6th grades, I think). I confess that initally I was most worried that there were too many girls and not enough boys. The numbers were rather lopsided, but somehow it never really turned out to be a problem. The boys learned sword-fighting and all sorts of ''stage combat.'' (So did the girls, but I was the mother of a boy, so that was where my worries lay at the time...) They actually learned quite a bit about Shakespeare, but they were having too much fun to realze it. The end-of-camp production was quite wonderful. The counselors were all very ''cool'' young adults, and my son loved them. He made friends, got to wear great costumes, made scenery, learned some memorable lines, and all-in-all had a wonderful time. Even though I cannot say how these experiences will translate into the teen camp, I suspect that it would be just as good!

March 2004

Re: Summer drama for teens
Check out San Francisco Shakespeare Festival. They have a separate camp for teens. Both my daughters have enjoyed these camps, at all ages. Rosalie

Young Actor's Summer Theatre Overnight Camp

April 2006

Re: Art Camp or Workshop for my 14 year old
A GREAT Camp for Young Artists Interested in the Performing Arts is www.youngactorstheatrecamp.com A berkeley founded company 8 years ago, they boast amazing teachers and a 90% return rate. Summer is usually full by the end of April. (925)858-3548 is their registration number and the camp is 80% High School Students and 20% middle...good older ratio. recommend

Re: Looking for suggestions for summer camps (April 2004)
This is the info for the camp that my 15 year old daughter has attended for the last five years. We absolutely love it and the people who run it are AMAZING! -Marian

The Young Actor's Summer Theatre Overnight Camp
June 26 - June 30, 2004

This 5 day, 4 night intensive summer training congress
is specially designed for young actors between the ages
of 10-17 who are interested in the performing arts. An
accomplished group of staff, remarkable guest teachers,
and some of the brightest Bay Area students all come
together for an unforgettable theatre experience.

On the evening of Saturday, June 26th we will commence
at the beautiful Camp Arroyo in Livermore, California
where for the next few days students will be take part
in intensive workshops with some of the Industry's top
talent! Classes to include:

-Cold Reading Technique                                 
-Actor's Scene Study
-Dance (Hip Hop, Jazz, and Theatre)                     
-Singing for
the Actor
-Musical Theatre Auditioning                            
-Monologue Workshops
-Headshots, Resumes, and all That Jazz!                 
-Master Classes (TBA)
-Nightly Talent Showcases for Fellow Students (Indoor
and Outdoor Stages)

In addition to Daily Classes students will also have
the opportunity to participate in  Outdoor Camp
Activities such as:

-Swimming in the 7500 sq.ft. Pool with large wading
areas.
-Nature Hikes/ Walks
-Arts and Crafts Center
-Basketball, Volleyball, baseball, and touch football.
-Relaxation, Meditation, and morning Yoga/ Stretching
classes.

2004 Camp Staff

Shawn Ryan, Program Director will lead an All Star
Staff of 10 Teachers, 12 Counselors, and The Camp
Arroyo Staff to create an amazing learning experience
in the performing arts for each and every student.
Along with the Bay Area's leading theatre
professionals, we will also be including our Master
Class Series this year (Speakers TBA)

For additional information please call YATC (925) 858-3548 Marian

Youth Musical Theater Commons Workshops

April 2004

YMTC Announces its Summer Musical Theater Workshops. Youth Musical Theater Company, which recently produced "WEST SIDE STORY", is holding musical theater workshops this summer for students entering grades 7-12. During these one week intensives, WSS director, JENNIFER BOESING, will help students develop their skills as singer/actors through improvisation, exercises, theater games, and scenes from a variety of musicals. From vocal technique and movement for actors, to character development and relationship-building onstage, the very particular challenges that face a performer when acting through the medium of song will be addressed. There will be an informal performance for family and friends on the last day of each workshop (Saturday).

Accompaniment will be provided by pianist, Skye Atman. Workshops will be held at a private home in north Berkeley; sessions are limited to 15 students.

Session I: June 14 - June 19
Session II: July 12 - July 17
Session III: July 26 - July 31

Tuition: $300; limited scholarships available; inquire with registration. For more information, call 525-3012, or download a copy of the application from the YMTC website: www.busduse.org Pam

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 Festival 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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