Performing Arts Camps: The Show Must Go On

According to University of Rochester Medical Center, the brain does most of its developing from the ages of 3 to 25 years old, a time when most children are attending school, summer camps, and learning to grow together. The development of life skills like problem-solving and creative thinking are some of the important skills children learn during this period of growth. While traditional schooling provides a variety of life skills and fosters critical thinking, and traditional summer camps allow for fun and necessary social skills, performing arts camps help foster skills like creativity, self-confi dence, and selfexpression, skills equally important in the development process. Performing arts camps provide some of these life skills through hands-on lessons that ask children to engage and come up with creative solutions on their own. Many times, children will be asked to improvise and create with minimal resources at hand. This can be challenging for anyone to do, but with help and guidance, children who attend these camps can learn these skills and grow. Because these camps provide a space for children to use their imaginations and problem solve, other areas of life for these children are improved. In a study by the American Alliance for Theatre Education, it was discovered that children who attended performing arts camps recorded higher standardized test scores, improved reading comprehension, and maintained better attendance records than their counterparts. Every summer camp strives to aid in the child development process and has its strong points. Performing arts camps help focus on necessary life skills that often only they can provide, and many parents believe the same. A Harris Poll found that 93% of Americans consider the arts to be vital to providing a wellrounded education, and a critical link to learning and success. Gallatin Valley is fortunate to offer a number of performing arts camps this summer to children ages 5 to 18. If your child is looking for a summer full of hands-on learning, creative thinking, and meeting children with similar interests, a performing arts camp could be the best option for a summer camp. Check out some of the camps being offered below!

Camp Equinox

For those ready to refi ne their acting and improvisation skills, Camp Equinox is offering four-week camps for students entering grades three through eight in two separate sessions this summer. Session one will take place June 14 through July 8, and session two July 19 through Aug. 12. For those interested in two entire months of learning from award-winning playwright’s and camp directors Katie Goodman and Soren Kisiel, there is also an option to attend both sessions for a discounted price. The camp consists of jam-packed days, lasting from 8:30 a.m.- 3:30 p.m., full of activities for aspiring actors to work on their craft. Most days start with a morning meeting where the entire group gets together to enjoy short skits presented by other campers and begin the day with some laughs. After that, the work begins, with campers breaking into different groups by grade and beginning their morning workshops, taught by the talented Camp Equinox staff. After taking some time to enjoy their PB&J and Sun Chips for lunch, campers will get “directed free time” to work on a skit, join in a team sport, or work on a creative project. Most days will come to an end with organized rehearsals or special performances by guest artists.

Camp Equinox offers a range of topics for those eager to learn, including everything from Shakespeare to puppetry. Camp Equinox states on their website that, “Our goal is to give our students the opportunity to meet challenges, explore their creativity, build self-confidence, and see their success in final performances, all in the environment of a supportive community. The positive growth that takes place through the performing arts is thrilling. You may not recognize your kids after four weeks at Camp Equinox!” For kiddos entering grades one and two, opportunities await as well. The camp for this age group is called the “Minispots,” on theme with Camp Equinox’s groups named after theatrical lighting instruments, and lasts from 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m. for each available session.

If you are interested in exploring your creativity and acting it out this summer, you can find more information on Camp Equinox at https://www.campequinox.com/ about , or by calling 406-522-7623. Registration is open now!

Young Actors Workshop

The Young Actors Workshop takes place in Livingston, Montana at the Shane Lalani Center for the Arts’. The two-week program offers intensive training in theatre skills for students in grades K-12. The program normally begins around the first week of August, with registration beginning in May for the Lalani Center’s most popular program. What should you expect? Nothing less than two weeks of rigorous training taught by theatre professionals and college students, that ends with a full-scale music production preformed to the public three times! While the workshop does include auditions on the first day for various roles in the production, the Lanai Center’s Executive Director Russell Lewis states this is nothing to be nervous about:

“Everyone who’s enrolled in the camp will participate in the performance but were really trying to hone in on where everyone is in their personal development, and also see which talents are starting to shine through.” Being a part of a full-scale music production will help each actor learn the ropes of all the different aspects of a production, from how to memorize their lines and read with fluidity to costume design and lighting. The type of knowledge a total experience like this will provide is invaluable.

For those looking to learn more about the Young Actors Workshop and the Shane Lalani Center for the Arts’, you can find more information at https://www.theshanecenter.org/ education/ , or by calling 406-222-1420.

TATE ACADEMY SUMMER 2021 OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS

Summer is fast-approaching and TATE Academy will once again be offering our popular workshops at the beautiful Ellen Theatre. We are pleased to continue providing students with solid, technique-based theatre arts training taught by professional instructors. In response to COVID-19, class sizes will be limited, and policies will be implemented to ensure everyone’s health and safety. Information about our June workshops is currently posted on the TATE Academy website, and we will be adding many more summer classes very soon! If you have not done so, be sure to visit our website and sign up for the mailing list to be notified of upcoming opportunities. Registration is currently open for the Actor’s Toolkit workshops which are designed to explore the various theatrical skills that every performer needs. JUNE 21st – 25th The Actor’s Toolkit for those entering Grades 4 & 5 Choose either the morning or afternoon session:

Monday through Friday - 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM or 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM Cost: $120 This class focuses on techniques and exercises to stretch the voice, body, and mind. Scripted material and improvisation will be used to encourage student’s development as actors, and individual coaching will help them to gain confidence as performers.

JUNE 28th – JULY 2nd The Actor’s Toolkit for those entering Grades 6 through 12 Monday through Friday - 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM Cost: $245 With a focus on developing a solid acting technique, students will explore character development, voice and diction, movement, and script analysis. Each student will receive individual feedback and coaching to build on his or her skills.

To register, please visit our website at www.tateacademy.com For more information, Call (406) 585-6918 or Email tate.academy@ outlook.com

Those in need of financial assistance are encouraged to apply for Scholarships. Sign up today! TATE Academy: Where hard work and joy collide. It’s serious fun.