Fredonia’s Department of Theatre and Dance will once again host the Playground Drama Day Camp, a fun introduction to theatre and the arts for children ages 7 to 18, between Aug. 3 and Aug. 22.
Established as one of the highlights of Fredonia’s summer season, there will be three one-week long programs to introduce a wide range of opportunities for the Playground Players to explore their interests in the dramatic arts.
Week One, which will take place on Aug. 3 to 8 for children ages 14 to 18, introduces the festivities with the Playground Player’s FilmWorks, an opportunity for participants to engage in on-camera acting, shooting and editing. This program will be held at the Fredonia Technology Incubator.
The last two weeks will be showcased through two full-fledged theatrical productions. Week two, which runs Aug. 10 to 15 for children ages 11 to 18, will showcase their work with the production of “Hairspray Jr.” Week three, which runs Aug. 17 to 22 for children ages 7 to 12, will be topped off with their production of Disney’s “Cinderella Kids.”
Rehearsals are held each morning and are followed by a bag lunch brought from home. Afternoons feature an exciting rotation of music, dance and technical theatre classes, along with fresh air, snacks and fun activities. All children become members of the Playground Players troupe and receive daily snacks, a free t-shirt and two tickets to the show.
The camp’s pre-show drop-off of 8:30 a.m. and the Daily Showcase that runs from 4:55 to 5:15 p.m. provide flexible drop-off and pick-up options.
All camps conclude on their respective Saturdays, which are devoted to preparations for the main stage event on the Marvel Theatre stage. Technical rehearsal begins at 9 a.m. and is followed by a bag lunch brought from home. Technical and dress rehearsals start at 1 p.m. Doors for the production open at 3 p.m., with the show starting at 3:30 p.m. Tickets for FilmWorks are complimentary and tickets for both theatre productions are $7 each.
The cost for each camp is $250, which includes a $100 non-refundable deposit. Checks can be made payable to Venture Productions. A payment plan provides for a $100 non-refundable deposit, followed by the $150 balance due by June. 1.
Playground Drama Day Camp, directed by Fredonia Theatre and Dance Professor Ted Sharon, is produced in cooperation with the Rockefeller Arts Center and the Department of Theatre and Dance. To learn more or to obtain a registration form, contact Mr. Sharon at 716-410-3597 or sharon@fredonia.edu.
Established in 2006 on the back of paper napkins, Playground provides a bridge to theatre, dance, art and other degree programs nationwide.
