This information is from 2017. Check out the Family Fun Calgary Summer Camp Guide.
What are your kids getting up to this summer? If you dread that the answer will be “no good” or that they’ll be complaining of being B-O-R-E-D, read on…
Arts Commons offers fun 2-week Musical Theatre day camps for kids aged 7-13! SummerACT is an exciting arts-infused learning experience with dedicated instructors providing hands-on instruction in drama, creative movement, and music. Children get the opportunity to immerse themselves in creative discovery, fun, and learning. Even for kids who do not take to the stage, they will learn that there are so many ways to be involved in the performing arts, as directors, stage managers, or designers. The two-week program concludes with a grand finale: participants perform an original production, that they have created, for friends and family on the Engineered Air Theatre stage at Arts Commons!
We wanted to know more, so we asked the education staff at Arts Commons few questions about the program. Here’s what they had to say!
Q: What does the day-to-day of SummerACT look like?
“The days are a mixture of play writing, theatre, learning how to move on stage, memorizing songs, and singing. There are breaks throughout the day, including creating visual arts and lunch playtime outside, weather permitting.
We give students the tools to create their own story. Then, they get to act and sing it out. We build stories that involve the whole ensemble, so everyone gets to participate.”
Q: What do the kids get out of it?
“Fun filled, action packed creativity, and singing at the top of their lungs!
What I love about SummerACT is that we are giving participants techniques and skills to be able to maximize their artistic selves.
The biggest benefit is self-motivation, self-esteem, and discipline. It takes a lot of guts to say your creative ideas out loud and bring them to life. Once you have the creative juices flowing then we have to rely on discipline to rein in a show with strong plotlines to keep the audience engaged.”
Q: What about social skills?
“The kids learn to work as a collective. We take all these brilliant imaginations, stir them together and TADAA! They rely on one another as the creators and performers of a show, and the round of applause ignites a feeling of true satisfaction.”
Q: What have other parents said?
“My favourite thing that I overheard a parent say was: “I don’t even have to wake her up. She’s ready and always wants to be early. I’ve never seen this side of her.”
One of our former campers has since gone on to New York City and become a professional actor. We’re all watching her career with particular interest and pride.”
Q: What’s new for 2017?
“With Canada’s 150 being celebrated throughout our nation, 2017 SummerACT is all about Canadiana. What better way to explore the land, and the people that are Canada through great Canadian music icons. From classic tunes by Canadian greats like Joni Mitchell, to the awesome Teagan and Sara (the Lego Movie song!), and SummerACT kids will be inventing their own tribute to the countries anniversary.”
The Practical Stuff
July 3-14, 2017: SummerACT Musical Theatre camp for kids aged 7-9 years old.July 17-28, 2017: SummerACT Musical Theatre camp for kids aged 10-13 years old.Cost is $592 for 2 weeks.*Camps run between 9 am and 4 pm, Monday – Friday.Have a busy schedule? Pre-camp care (8-9 am) and post-camp care (4-5 pm) are both available for $40/week each (or $8.50 per drop-in).No previous experience? No problem – everyone is welcome!Head online to register your child for the artistic experience they’ll be talking about for years to come!
* Register by April 1st for early bird pricing of $539 per participant!
So, what are you waiting for? SummerACT Musical Theatre camp is the perfect way for your child to stay active and engaged, improve artistic skills, and experience the thrill of performing on a real stage!
SummerACT Summer Camp Details:
When: weekdays, July 3-14 (ages 7-9) and July 17-28 (ages 10-13), 2017
Time: Daily, 9 am – 4 pm
Where:Â Arts Commons
Address: 205 8th Avenue SE, Calgary AB
Website:Â www.artscommons.ca/education/summerprograms
Register Online: www.artscommons.ca/education/summerprograms/summeract%20registration%20form or call the Arts Commons Box Office at 403-294-9494
