BENNINGTON — Monument Arts and Cultural Center (MACC) will be hosting a number of youth camps this summer, and space is limited. Because of this, MACC Executive Director Kristine Lewis is urging parents and youth to get sign-ups in the works as soon as possible.
The first of the three camps, Monument Music Camp, will be held during the week of July 7-12 and is open to youth in grades 6-12.
The Monument Music Camp provides youth with the opportunity to “perform a varied and exciting repertoire under the guidance of seasoned and passionate faculty.” In addition to making music in traditional ensembles, students will get the opportunity to dive into percussion ensembles and musical theater production.
Under the leadership of faculty member Patrick O’Connell, with assistance from Rebecca Mills, Jimmy Bergin, and Lynn Sweet, the Monument Music Camp has space for up to 40 individuals. A concluding concert is scheduled for Saturday, July 12 at 1:30 p.m. at Monument Arts and Cultural Center.
The second of the three camps, Musical Theater Workshop, will be held the week of July 21-25 and is also open to youth in grades 6-12.
Directed by Lynn Sweet and Jennifer Jessen, Musical Theater Workshop has space for up to 30 individuals. The camp will focus on song and scene study, vocal technique, audition prep, choreography, set and costume design, theatre technique, and more. Additional classes with Broadway Star Jelani Remy of “Back to the Future” are also a highlight of the camp.
At the conclusion of the Musical Theater Workshop camp, a July 25 cabaret performance will showcase what was learned.
The third of the three camps, the “Into the Woods” Production, is perhaps the largest undertaking of them all. Open to youth ages 10-17, the production will culminate in a full performance.
While the dates of the camp are August 4-17, the sign-ups – and the work – will begin immediately.
According to Lewis, last year’s summer production had a cast of 35. This year’s production of “Into the Woods” will only have a cast of 25. Therefore, it is essential that the sign-up process begin immediately. In addition, the young thespians will begin the audition process and be sent the script well in advance – and this is necessary to ensure the quality of the camp experience.
“What happens is they sign up,” said Lewis, “and then, I will email them tracks to learn the song. They will videotape themselves, and send it to me. Then, I will call them in to read from the script. And, we’ll cast the show before they start.”
The full production of “Into the Woods” will be showcased in three performances at the conclusion of the two week camp – Friday, August 15 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, August 16 at 2 p.m.; and Saturday, August 17 at 6 p.m.
Lewis is excited with all of the camps, especially to once again witness how the students really engage with music, theater, performance, and dance – and she is excited about the opportunity the MACC programming offers to local youth.
“It’s always exciting to see the kids grow from year to year,” said Lewis, adding that the first year of camps took on the production of “The Little Mermaid,” which was followed by “Aladdin” the following year. This year, it’s “Into the Woods.”
Lewis feels that the camps offer a great introduction to what MACC offers throughout the year, and to a life that is filled with the arts. She enjoyed seeing the kids come back to participate in MACC performances throughout the year, like “Annie,” “Sound of Music,” and “Fiddler on the Roof.”
“They’ve learned so much, and there’s just great enthusiasm,” added Lewis. “Learning musical theater isn’t just to performing on stage, really. It gives you a great presence. Children learn how to speak to people. They know how to be interviewed, and they get great confidence from that. And, even the shyest kids will just shine on stage sometimes – and, lots of times, you’d be so surprised. Those are the kids that shine. They can be somebody else, and it’s a great stress reliever.”
“Our day for “Into the Woods” begins at 9 o’clock,” added Lewis, detailing what a typical camp day might look like. “And, we do music warm up and physical warm up, and vocal. Then, we’ll go into a class. So, we’ll have either a dance class or a juggling class – or we’ll have a class in lighting and sound. And, for part of the day in the morning, they’ll learn with the musical director how to sing the songs. The first day we’ll do that, and then the next day we’ll sit down and read the script together. And, in the afternoon, we’ll do an improv class, another acting class, or a dance class – or, rehearsals on stage.”
Each day of every camp is packed with fun and learning. Campers are expected to bring a bagged lunch and a snack on the full day camps.
The cost for enrollment to the youth summer lineup is as follows: $350 for the one week Monument Music Camp, $250 for the one week Musical Theater Workshop, and $450 for the two week Into the Woods Production. However, Lewis added that scholarships are available – and those interested should reach out to the organization’s main number at (802) 318-4444 or email [email protected].
Monument Arts and Cultural Center is located at 44 Gypsy Lane in Bennington. More information on the camps can be found at monumentcentervt.org/.