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|| High Country Press Newswire

May 29, 2008 issue

Watauga Arts Council Summer Arts Camp June 23 through June 28

Story by Celeste von Mangan

Registrations for the Watauga County Arts Council Summer Arts Camp are still being accepted for the 2008 camp program from Monday, June 23, through Saturday, June 28. The camp, partnering the Watauga Arts Council and the Missoula Children’s Theatre, holds classes at the Watauga High School from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, on Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and on Saturday from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m. Following the Friday and Saturday classes, the students who participated in the camp will stage a musical production of Robin Hood.

During the week, rising first through tenth grade students will learn storytelling, creative art, visuals and dramatics. The tour directors of the theater group are actors Katelyn Vawter and Kerri Heidkamp, and they will also teach workshops in acting, improv, creative dramatics and mime.

“We are accepting rising first through tenth graders, though the slots are filled for rising first and second graders,” said Christy Chenausky, community arts education coordinator. “They were just filled, but we can put children on the waiting list. Spaces are available for rising third through tenth grade students. The camp is really an overview of all different creative disciplines. They do the play in one week—I think it will be lots of fun.”

The Summer Arts Camp started in 1993, and local businesses sponsor the camp program.

“The camp has evolved since the beginning,” said Chenausky. “The children used to just show up and do the play; now we offer the workshops as well.”

The Missoula Children’s Theatre tours internationally. In the United States, two actor/directors travel together in a little red pickup truck that holds all the items necessary to stage a theater production—sets, costumes and scripts.

“They carry everything they need with them to do theater,” said Chenausky.
On the first day of camp, the directors hold auditions with the campers and assigns each participant his/her role after group interaction and group play.
“The directors make choices as to which child will get which role,” said Chenausky. “A lot of the choices are age dependent.”

Participants have to bring lunch, snack and a drink to each camp session.
“Dress rehearsal is at the end of the week on Friday up until the time of the show,” said Chenausky. “This is a good introduction to theater and everyone should have a fun, positive experience and hopefully will want to try more. I’m excited about seeing how it all comes together.”

The weeklong camp costs $110, and tickets to the Robin Hood production cost $8 for adults and $5 for students. Purchase tickets at the door prior to the performances.