Right here in our backyard, we have access to one of the most remarkable Children’s Theatres in the country. They are about to open their doors to kids from all over Charlotte for the most amazing summer camp experiences!
Smarties, here is a little “behind the scenes” information on why we feel their camps stand out from all the rest.
1.) We {heart} how the CTC stays current with their performance choices.
Right now, two of the Children’s Theatre of Charlotte’s Musical Performance camps coincide with recently re-released Disney films: Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins, Jr. and Disney’s Aladdin, Jr. Making it exciting and relatable for their student campers!
2.) We {heart} how the CTC provides an interactive theatre experience!
On the first day, the student campers have a short audition. This helps the camp staff place the student campers in appropriate roles for a production that is performed at the end of the week for family and friends.
The different roles are divided into groups.
Low student to teacher ratio: if 72 students have signed up for camp, each group will still only remain at a maximum of 14 students. This allows students to not feel lost within a large ensemble, and get the 1:1 attention they need as they move through each of the activities.
CTC offers a unique theatre program. Instead of just working with a director, the campers rotate and experience learning from a designated specialist. If it’s a dance rotation, they will meet and work with a dance specialist. If it’s an art rotation, they will work directly with an arts specialist. *Musical performances rotate through music, acting, art and dance activities daily. *Acting camps rotate through acting, movement and art activities daily.
The campers are introduced into EVERY element of theatre and have a part in all that goes into what comes to life on stage!
3.) We {heart} how the CTC prides themselves on making sure the audition process is not intimidating whatsoever!
They divide the parts in each production so that multiple campers within each group plays a role. Minimizing the pressure of having to learn a full-length production, and giving the camper the ability to really connect with all they have learned throughout the week! ( here is a breakdown: say there are 5 groups of 14 students. Each of those groups audition for parts in Aladdin. There are 5 Aladdins cast, and the production is broken into 5 parts)
4.) We {heart} how the CTC builds on community and kindness in their daily activities!
Each camp day starts out with a “tip of the day” encouraging campers the importance of working together and to be kind, focusing on creating a community.
5.) We {heart} hearing about the experience the campers come away with!
“Our summer camps are all about fun. When a parent calls me on the phone, I always make sure I emphasize that the focus of the learning at our camps is ensemble building/teamwork, public speaking skills, and building confidence/self-esteem… We teach our students that casting is NOT the most important part of theatre. Receiving the role of Aladdin or Mary Poppins may seem like the most important thing that matters at a theatre camp in the eyes of a student (or maybe even a parent) and I assure you that this is not true. All roles are necessary to make a production happen, and the whole cast must work together and support one another to make it all happen. Typically Friday leads to tears of joy after creating such a wonderful showcase and then tears of sadness as students must depart from their new friends at camp who understand and accept them just as they are – no questions asked. That is what camp is all about (not the sadness – the new friends ).” ~ Micah Hein, Education Camps & Community Programs Manager
6.) We {heart} the camp counselors!
“They truly embody all-things-camp. They are positive, welcoming, accepting, and hard working. This week’s students adore them, which is wonderful as they are such good role models. These camp counselors definitely deserve a shout out.”~ Micah Hein, Education Camps & Community Programs Manager
7.) We {heart} that the CTC offers camp scholarships and payment plans!
Click here for more information.
8.) We {heart} that the CTC has a variety of camps to choose from!
Camps our offered at several different locations and take place throughout the summer. There is a camp for everyone!
Camp Locations: ImaginOn, UNC-Charlotte, and Charlotte Latin.
Camp Dates: Click here for a listing of all the camps offered.
9.) We think it is amazing that Aftercare Camp is an option!
Aftercare Camp Options at the following locations: Imaginon & Charlotte Latin
More information can be found here: www.ctcharlotte.org/online/article/summer-camps-aftercare
10.) Overall, we {heart} the Children’s Theatre of Charlotte!
The Children’s Theatre of Charlotte holds a special place in the Charlotte community. They not only embrace our children with a sense of awe and wonderment they teach them life lessons! They carefully curate stories that have meaning and teach our children to be the best that they can be.
Children’s Theatre of Charlotte
Located at ImaginOn
300 E. Seventh St.
Charlotte, N.C. 28202
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