Theatre Camp 2016

The last week of August held excitement and multi-layered skill building for anyone aged ten and older at the Southeast Steuben County Library.  Partnering with the local theater group, Centre Stage Community Theatre, we hosted a week of Theatre Camp for five fun-filled days.  

Kimerly Canale is a terrific actress!

This workshop was offered in 2015 and was such a great success, we had to offer it in 2016.  Kimberly Canale lead the week once again with the help of the forever-funny, Eduvigis Vazquez>>> lovingly known as Eddie or Abuelo. 

Everyone loved Eddie for his goofy traits and all inclusive personality.  He was quickly seen as a mentor.  Keeping the action and excitement was key to entertaining and educating this large class.  The chant "Boom Chicka Boom" was the favorite practice game for the whole crowd, especially so with Eddie's antics!

Pick up to 5 pieces

To begin, Kimberly instructed each actor to pick up to 5 pieces from this bucket.  No one knew these items would equate to details about themselves.  This ice-breaker game was handy with opening up conversation between students and breaking their shells of shyness.  

You can't take me...

With games like "You can't take me," each student had a chance to act like a household object.  Roles were given while the main actor waited outside the room.  When the "scene" began, the main actor tried removing an "item" (aka, actor) out of the scene.  The "item" would reply, "you can't take me" and give a reason.  In this image, Eddie can't take Kimberly, because "How would you tell the time?" Look at her pose.  Can you guess she's a Grandfather Clock?!

Practice makes perfect

From games like "Mirror, Mirror," where actors pair up to play off of each others' movements to tongue twisters to say out loud, like "Cinnamon Aluminum Linolem" (say it out loud!) or "Unique New York," (go on- try it!--you'll get the giggles) the group moved on to acting out plays from readers' theater script books like Cinderella Outgrows the Glass Slipper and Other Fractured Fairy Tale Plays.  Repeating the same play over and over again was not something anyone complained about!  They had the insight that repetition is the foundation to mastery.

Parent Performance

Our actors requested to perform for their parents and families on the last day, so we set up a theater for final performances.  Parents got to gush over the skills each actor gained and tons of video was shot.

If unsure, check with the director

Performances were undoubtedly wonderful.  Kimberly's guidance gave students confidence.  If anyone was unsure of a detail, they were told to "check with the director."  During performances, Kimberly announced each process and the value or purpose for each activity.  This gave everyone insight to the methodology.

Big smiles and treats

The week long workshop ended with treats for our hard working actors and some group shots.  This program was well attended, with almost 20 actors ready to play each day. Summer vacation was nearly over, but they never wanted the fun to end.  Even after 5 days and ten hours of hard work, the group groaned when we declared the end had arrived.

Groans are good after a five day program.  Aside from attendance retention, the students actions showed their appreciation for the class.  We kept it low-key.  No rehearsing, no filming, no costumes needed.  Simple repetitive fun and skill building.  Reading aloud and public speaking skills soared in this class and will be utilized for a lifetime.  Bravo actors!