Group to hold first show camp

By Mark A. Nobles/special to the times-review

July 09, 2008 09:07 am

— Plaza Theatre announced plans for its first ever show camp for students ages 12 to 18.
The camp is designed to enhance students’ theater skills through choir, drama, dance, improvisation and technical theater classes.
“This is a unique opportunity for young actors to produce and perform in a high energy musical in front of the Plaza’s regular audiences,” said Tina Barrus, Plaza Theatre’s director of education.
The musical will be “Footloose,” based on the 1984 Kevin Bacon, John Lithgow movie.
“Footloose” is a coming of age story about a big-city boy, forced to move to a rural community, who fights to bring dancing back to the high school prom.
The camp will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Performances of “Footloose” will take place on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. from July 25 to Aug. 9, with Saturday matinees at 3 p.m.
Students who participate must realize the camp is part of a regular Plaza production, and all class, rehearsal and performance commitments must be met.
Enrollment for the show camp is $150, with a $25 registration fee. Plaza offers a $20 second-student discount for families with more than one interested student.
A few scholarships have been made available through the generosity of Plaza patrons.
To apply for the scholarship students must complete an application and compose an essay about why they would like to attend the camp.
A parent or guardian must submit a letter explaining the basic circumstances requiring a scholarship. The application, essay and letters must be delivered to Barrus as soon as possible.
The core cast of the production has begun rehearsals. Michael Sylvester, who choreographed the Plaza’s production of “Beauty and the Beast,” is choreographing “Footloose.” He also plays the lead role of Ren.
“This is going to be a great experience for the students,” said Barrus. The experience will build confidence, responsibility and teamwork, she said.
For information call Barrus at 817-202-0600.