What To Expect From A Musical Theater Camp

By George Wright


It is usually a joy for parents to see that their kids have talent. Perhaps your child serenades you or does a dance to entertain. If they want to hone their talents and pursue acting on the stage in the future, then it is not enough just to send them to lessons. You should really consider sending them to a Musical Theater Camp so they can meet other kids with their interest.

These camps are for many different ages, and also many varied skill levels, so it is perfectly fine if your child is merely a beginner. They will learn new skills with every passing day during camp, and also learn to hone the ones they already have so they get better and better. They do this with teachers who have years of experience on the stage, with some even being former Broadway stars who can teach your kids what they need to know to make it.

Beyond just singing, they will also learn what is know as song interpretation. This is the singing of classic tunes, but in different ways that are unexpected and fun. They also get plenty of daily exercising through specialized dance classes such as jazz, ballet and especially tap dancing, which is popular on the stage.

One of the skills that is often overlooked when it comes to musical theater is the ability to audition. Auditioning is as much about skills and knowledge as it is actual performance. If you present yourself professionally, you are more likely to get hired. So these skills are taught during the camp as well.

Many camps are held out in the wilderness, so there may be a body of water nearby. When not practicing, the campers can have some fun and let loose by swimming or canoeing. Other activities may be focused on musical instruments, arts and crafts and whatever else your particular camp has to offer.

Most camps are held remotely, and require overnight stays for several weeks. If you or your child worries about being away overnight for so long, you can find a day camp near you instead. These are almost like daycare, where you drop the child off in the morning and go back to pick them up sometime after work. They are usually held indoors in larger cities or suburbs, so there may be one convenient to you.

Many camps have sessions that are three weeks, but others may go up to four weeks. This may seem like a long time, but it is just enough time to instill the students with lessons, then give them lots of time to practice. If you want what they learned to stick with them for a lifetime, then they really do need the constant repetition that comes with practice.

The big finale at the end of the three or four weeks is a musical number put on by the campers. They get to sing, dance and show their parents what they have been doing at the camp this entire time. They also get some practice with the pressures and joys of performing live, an experience they are sure to carry with them in their future musical endeavors.




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