WPAC offering three theater camps in July

While the Broadway Advantage camp will not be taking place at the Wilson Performing Arts Center this summer, area thespians will still get an opportunity to participate in camps that will broaden their theater horizons.
From July 10-14, a teen camp will be held from 9 to 4 p.m. each day for seventh-12th graders, and a ’tween camp will be held for students in second through sixth grade.
WPAC executive director Val Zane said the camps will be directed by Laura LaPrell and Becca Jackson-York, who recently directed “Crazy For You” and “Jekyll & Hyde,” respectively.
“It will teach the kids all of the ins and outs of theater. They can be on-stage, backstage, and everywhere in between,” Zane said. “It will teach them all the things they want to learn. If they want to learn about costume design, acting, singing, dancing, lighting, or sound, they will learn it in this camp.”
Zane said the camps were timed to take advantage of the lull between the seasons, as well as prior to the Montgomery County Fair.
“While kids are so busy all the time, we tried to find a time and window of opportunity that wouldn’t conflict with other camps or summer events. We felt that the times we picked for the camps would work the best for most people,” stated Zane.
The ’tween camp for the younger actors will be directed by “Crazy For You” director Laura LaPrell, and she will be joined in directing duties with Holly Jackson.
“It’s going to be the same format and ideas as the teen camp, but it’s going to be geared more towards younger kids. It’ll probably be a little more playful, and they’ll be able to graduate from this camp into the teen camp,” commented Zane.
At the completion of each camp, rather than a performance, Zane said the graduating campers will do an “informance.”
“We’ll be inviting their friends and family to watch them perform. We won’t be selling tickets to the kids, it will be strictly limited to family or friends,” Zane said.
Cost for each camp is $200. A t–shirt will be provided, as well as a snack, but the campers are requested to bring a lunch and a water bottle, but no one will go hungry if they don’t bring a lunch.
Zane added if the $200 if that amount is too expensive for some families, there are options.
“If someone is in need of financial assistance, they just need to simply reach out to us. We have scholarships available for anyone who needs them. That’s a big part of our mission. Also, SWITA is offering rides for $1 each way that will take the kids to and from camp in our town and the surrounding towns,” explained Zane.
Zane said she approached LaPrell, Jackson-York, and Jackson about doing the camps to cater to all aspects of theater.
“There are camps that cater to different elements, like acting, or directing, or backstage, but I wanted this camp to have all those elements at one camp. How do you know you want to do something until you do it or see someone else do it? My daughter loves to be behind the scenes, but  when she’s signed up for other camps, she’s on stage, which isn’t exactly where she wants to be,” advised Jane. “Sometimes these camps put people on the spot, and have them act, which is cool, but they don’t do much for the kids that want to learn to run the fly system or write something.”
Zane believes after the camps are complete, it will boost kids’ confidence in potentially auditioning or doing behind-the-scenes work at the Wilson, while also making friends.
“Going to these camps is not all about the learning. It’s about meeting new people. They’ll also be ideal for kids who may not be super interested in theater, but want to do something over the summer besides sit at home all day. They can come out, meet new people, and find out if they’re interested in theater, and in what way,” Zane commented.
Zane said Parker-Hannifin of Red Oak has graciously agreed to be a corporate sponsor for the teen and tween camps.
Also, for the first time, the Wilson Performing Arts Center is presenting its first summer theatre camp for individuals with disabilities.
The camp for ages 13 and up will take place July 31 through Aug. 4  from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. with an informance on August 5 at 2 p.m.
“It is designed to provide a fun, positive, non-competitive performing arts experience for individuals who typically lack access to traditional theatre camps due to disabilities or special needs. Campers will focus on role playing, social skills, improvisation, music, and movement through theatre games, acting, singing, and dancing,” explained Zane.
Zane said the Wilson Performing Arts Center’s guiding belief is that the performing arts are for everyone. Organized by professionals and volunteers, the camp is a collaborative community effort designed to increase self-confidence, creativity, and joy through the performing arts and to bridge barriers to performing arts education for individuals who do not usually get the opportunity to participate in traditional theatre programs due to learning or access needs.
“Trained professionals will assist camp directors and community volunteers in planning and implementing appropriate curricular adaptations to meet each camper’s individual needs,” Zane stated.
The theme for this year’s camp is “Underdogs Get Their Day.” Participants will get the chance to become a character from their favorite book, movie, or TV show. The weeklong camp will culminate with a performance showcase during which participants will show off their newly acquired skills for friends and family on The Wilson stage.
The camp is funded by donations and run primarily by volunteers, and Zane said they are also still accepting donations. Volunteers wishing to volunteer for the teen and ‘tween camps will also be accepted.
“We are raising funds to cover the remaining costs and seeking an additional corporate sponsor. You can help make a difference. If you or your organization would like to sponsor the camp, donate money, snacks, water or supplies, or if you would like to volunteer your time and energy to help, we would love to hear from you. The special needs camp will be heavy on volunteers, but an any time anyone wants to volunteer for the Wilson, we’ll be happy to put them to work. Any volunteer situation would be fantastic,” Zane said.
The camp will be directed by Shelby Hindman, who is co-directing the show with her mother, Joanne Hindman. Hindman said she’s looking forward to bringing the camp to the Wilson.
“The camp is designed to promote inclusion. It’s not just about teaching performing arts; it’s also about building self-esteem and social interaction. We want to help campers make friends, express emotions, and use their imaginations. Most importantly, we want them to have fun.”
Although the camp is free, campers must register in advance. For more information, or to register, call 623-3135, or email info@wilsonartscenter.org.
Lastly, WPAC director of operations Candy Garey, said the WPAC music park is open 24 hours a day for everyone to enjoy.
“We want people to know that it is available. Sometimes people can forget it’s there, and we want them to enjoy it any time they feel like it,” said Garey.