Unleashing the Theatrical Magic: Kids' Summer Camps Bring Classic Stories to Life
Transforming children's creative energy into a captivating live performance is no easy feat, especially when the timeline is as tight as five days. Yet, that's precisely the challenge embraced by the ActLiveNow summer theater camps in Point Loma, where young actors aged 7-13 have the opportunity to star in beloved musical productions, most recently a special adaptation of Disney's "Beauty and the Beast".
Empowering Young Performers to Shine on Stage
Cultivating Confidence and Collaboration
The week-long camps at ActLiveNow focus on the four core elements of musical theater: music, dance, storytelling, and ensemble building. Under the guidance of experienced directors Nancy Ross and Meranda Long, the young performers not only learn their lines and choreography but also actively participate in creating the props and setting the stage. This hands-on approach fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility, as the children work together as a team to bring the story to life."I've found that the more you have the kids involved in the parts besides acting, like making the props and setting up the stage, the more it makes the story realistic," said camp director Nancy Ross. "It's just a matter of putting it in their hands and working as a team. We have to put on a show on Friday, there's 10 of us in the room, so how are we going to make it happen? And everyone takes responsibility for it, so it's been really, really sweet."This collaborative process not only builds confidence in the participants but also teaches them valuable life skills, such as goal-setting, leadership, and teamwork. As the week progresses, the individual performers transform into a cohesive ensemble, united in their shared passion for the art of storytelling.
Embracing Authenticity and Imagination
For the camp directors, the most rewarding aspect is witnessing the authentic expression of the young actors' creativity and imagination. They encourage the participants to fully embody their characters, to "throw their arms out and be larger than life," as Ross describes it. This emphasis on authenticity and emotional investment is crucial in creating a captivating and believable performance."We talk so much about the imagination coming through the body and coming through the voice," Ross said. "It's hard to convince younger actors to keep the stakes high and throw your arms out and be larger than life. That's so special for me to see."The camp's approach to nurturing this imaginative spirit is particularly valuable as the young performers navigate the transition into their preteen years, a time when self-awareness can sometimes hinder their expressive abilities. By providing a safe and supportive environment for them to explore their creativity, the camp aims to help the participants develop the confidence and skills they'll need to thrive in their teenage years and beyond.
Bringing Classic Stories to Life
The musical productions at the ActLiveNow summer camps are carefully selected to engage and challenge the young performers. In the recent "Beauty and the Beast" camp, the cast took on iconic roles such as Belle, the Beast, and LeFou, each bringing their unique interpretation and energy to the beloved characters.For 12-year-old Charlie Lawrence, who played the role of Belle, the opportunity to embody a beloved Disney heroine was a dream come true. "I like the character because she is very nice and loving, and I kind of just wanted the main part," she said. "I chose this as my summer camp because I love acting and singing. It's just part of my life. It makes me feel happy."Similarly, 8-year-old Calvin Scheller, who portrayed the fearsome Beast, embraced the challenge of his role with enthusiasm. "I have a strategy where I get my script backstage and practice it so when I get up onstage, I don't make any mistakes or forget any lines," he explained. "The best part is the end, when I'm just like, 'Whoo, I did that!'"The camp's ability to nurture the young performers' passion for storytelling and their willingness to take on challenging roles is a testament to the directors' dedication and the transformative power of the performing arts.
Expanding Horizons and Inspiring Future Performers
The ActLiveNow summer theater camps not only provide a platform for young performers to showcase their talents but also serve as a springboard for their future aspirations. Many of the participants, like 12-year-old Charlie Lawrence and 8-year-old Calvin Scheller, have already set their sights on careers in the performing arts, dreaming of one day gracing the stages of Broadway or the silver screen."I want to perform on Broadway when I get older," said Charlie, her eyes shining with determination.Calvin echoed this sentiment, expressing his desire to become an actor on television. "The best part is the end, when I'm just like, 'Whoo, I did that!'" he exclaimed, a testament to the sense of accomplishment and pride that the camp experience instills in its young participants.By nurturing the creative spark and fostering a love for the performing arts, the ActLiveNow summer theater camps are not only providing a transformative experience for the children involved but also laying the groundwork for a new generation of talented and passionate performers.
