Categories
Acting

Everyone’s a Star at Summer Acting Camp

For families looking for excellent theater programs, we are proud to offer our Summer 2017 Acting Camp line up – five weeks of exciting camp options for ages 5-18 presented by our theater division, Acting For Young People.

Each of the five weeks of the Summer Acting Camps has a specific theme (see below) and is offered “a la carte” style, so campers can come for just one week or as many as they’d like. Whether you start the very first week, or join in the middle, you will have a great experience. Some students even come for the whole summer!

 

Summer Acting Camp themes 2017

 

The camps are directed by Mary Lechter, founder of Acting for Young People (AFYP) and professor at Mason’s School of Theater. With this year marking AFYP’s 20th anniversary, Ms. Lechter and her team of Teaching Artists and camp staff have a wealth of knowledge and experience to draw from when designing the scope and specifics of the programming.

“Each camp covers skills that include acting, voice for the stage, movement, on-camera, musical theater, and a variety of special workshops to supplement the core curriculum,” explained Ms. Lechter. “With a new theme every week, our actors work with their teachers and fellow campers to create performance pieces that are presented each Friday.”

 

 

Although the age range is wide, on the first day the actors are divided into age-specific groups, so that they are working with their peers and at their appropriate skill levels. In fact, during the registration process friends can even request to be in the same class group together!  Classes, workshops and rehearsals take place in university classrooms in Mason’s School of Theater, with the final Friday presentation located in the TheaterSpace, a professional performance venue.

Here’s a sample of some reviews from past participants:

  • “Every year is a new surprise!” – Kristen, age 15
  • “Fulfilling!” – Amelia, age 5
  • “I like the funny plays and meeting tons of new friends.” – Courtney, age 9
  • “This camp is always the highlight of my summer. I have learned so much in my years here and met some fantastic people. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without this camp.” – Garrett, age 14
  • “SO COOL!” – William, age 7

 

Kids on stage at summer acting camp

 

It’s May, and we know that summer is just around the corner – at least when it comes to camp planning. Take advantage of the flexible scheduling options of the Acting Camps and sign up today!

 

GET FULL DETAILS AND REGISTER

 

Categories
Acting

Behind the Scenes at Technical Theater Bootcamp

Learn what happens behind the scenes of a performing arts venue! Technical Theater Boot Camp returns to the Hylton Performing Arts Center in Manassas this summer with a one-week training program led by the Hylton Center’s own in-house production staff of experts and guest instructors.

The program dates are July 24-28, and it is open to ages 16 through adult. Participants will receive hands-on training in the essential skills of technical production, stage lighting, carpentry, rigging, and sound equipment operation. Students will be trained in the actual working theater spaces in the Hylton.

Former participant Erika Koekkoek gives the camp enthusiastic thumbs up, stating “[the camp is] taught by people who love what they do in a place that will welcome you back to continue exploring theatre.”

 

Merchant Hall at Hylton Center

 

Rick Davis, Dean of Mason’s College of Visual and Performing Arts, shares “One of the best things about the Tech Boot Camp is the hands-on experience the students get under the watchful eyes of our professional staff. There’s nothing like ‘learning by doing’ when you have an excellent real-world mentor standing by.”

Students who successfully  complete Technical Theater Boot Camp  will earn a Certificate of Technical Theater Training. The registration deadline for this program is July 14th, so sign up now!

 

LEARN MORE AND REGISTER

 

Categories
Acting Events

Family Fun Theater Event Sunday May 7th

Acting For Young People presents “Mulan’s Tea Room“, this year’s annual themed family-fun Spotlight on the Arts event at the Sherwood Community Center in Fairfax. Enjoy free student performances, theater games, crafts, facepainting, snacks, and more!

WHAT: Mulan’s Tea Room theater event
WHEN: Sunday, May 7, 2017  1PM-5PM
WHERE: Sherwood Community Center, 3740 Old Lee Highway, Fairfax, VA 22030  See Map
COST: FREE!

Our theater students will present musical numbers from our upcoming Spring Showcases: DISNEY’S MULAN JR, Imperial Adventures, and The Little Dragons. Along with the musical presentations and fun activities, we will also have a very special visit from our favorite warrior princess, portrayed by Miss Pacific Asian American 2015, Kira Omans!

Mulan’s Tea Room is FREE fun for the whole family, so why not head on over after Sunday lunch? We look forward to seeing you there!

 

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OUR EVENTS

 

The Academy and Acting For Young People would like to thank the City of Fairfax Commission on the Arts for providing the venue for this program.

City of Fairfax Commission on the Arts logo

 

Categories
Acting Music

Musical Theater Bootcamp Takes the Stage

At Musical Theater Bootcamp, participants are immersed in Broadway and popular songs, learning healthy vocal technique and getting introduced to stage movement and choreography, with an energetic performance in Harris Theatre completing the week.

This extraordinary summer camp will be directed by Emi Eiting, who as a former Fairfax County high school choral director led 4 choirs and directed the school musicals. Before her career in education, she worked consistently as an actor, music director, pianist, and stage manager at a number of regional theatres around the country, spent some time singing on a cruise ship, and toured the country with a familiar children’s show before moving to Boston where she found a theatrical home with Speakeasy Stage Company.

“Let’s face it – there are a lot of different opportunities to sing over the summer: camps, churches, private lessons and so on. It can be tough to decide which option is best for you,” said Ms. Eiting. “So I’m here to tell you that if you love to sing and you love musical theater, then the Musical Theatre Bootcamp at Mason is perfect for you!”

 

Musical Theater students rehearsing

 

The Bootcamp entails a full week of rehearsals focusing on healthy singing using some of the greatest musical theater songs of all time. Acting coaches and choreographers from Acting For Young People will instruct students on stage movement and basic acting skills. A professional piano accompanist will also keep the rehearsals lively. Solid skill-building is the main goal of this program, along with providing participants an extremely enjoyable summer arts experience.

“We’ll spend the week preparing a high quality musical theater performance that’s fun for everyone,” explained Ms. Eiting. “Kids- you’ll get to learn awesome music while learning to sing with more confidence and skill! Parents– your kids will enjoy a fun week of focused vocal training, staging and movement in a supportive environment that centers around story telling and collaboration.”

 

 

Young singers ages 7-14 of any experience level are invited to join, whether you’re just starting to learn to sing or you have been in musical productions already. There is a place for everyone at this Bootcamp.

“I’m so excited to bring my dual skill set as a former high school choral director and a musical theater director/actor to Mason for this one week intensive,” exclaimed Ms. Eiting. “I hope you’ll join me and our great team of creative teaching artists for a week of fun and artistic development!”

 

GET DETAILS AND REGISTER

 

Categories
Acting

Cure Spring Break Boredom With Our Acting Camp!

Looking for something for your kids to do during the Fairfax County (FCPS) Spring Break? Our arts-based camps are a fantastic opportunity to keep your kids’ minds engaged while still enjoying a nice break from classes. This year, put their free time to good use with our Spring Break Acting Camp, April 10-14, 2017!

Acting For Young People (AFYP), the theater division of Potomac Arts Academy, is excited to present this fun-filled week. “This camp is the perfect introduction to a variety of theatre topics,” exclaims instructor Rebecca Wahls. “Students/ parents can pick and choose which days to attend or sign up for the whole week!”

DAILY TOPICS:

  • Monday 4/10 – Acting
  • Tuesday 4/11 – Musical Theater
  • Wednesday 4/12 – Playwriting
  • Thursday 4/13 – Acting (ages 5-11) | Directing (ages 12-18)
  • Friday 4/14 – Improv and Comedy

 

Group photo of acting camp students

 

Students will be separated into age-appropriate groups and will spend the day doing theater-based games, activities and learning exercises. The award-winning AFYP “Red Shirt” staff will keep participants engaged and entertained, while  facilitating team-building and confidence-building experiences. Each day will culminate with a short, informal presentation for families.

There’s no excuse for being bored during FCPS Spring Break this year! Register and reserve your spot today.

 

FULL DETAILS & REGISTRATION