Dan's Papers - June 19, 2009 - This Summer, Kids Act Out

Children and young adults interested in the performing arts will have a wide range of activities and camps to choose from this summer. Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center (WHBPAC) and Bay Street Theatre are offering programs in everything from performance to production to sonnet studies.

WHBPAC begins its series of musical theatre camps on July 6 with Pinocchio. These weeklong camps involve kids in every aspect of theatre production - lighting, set and costume design, prop choice, and of course, performing. Thanks to the magic that tends to accompany most theater productions, a show miraculously materializes by the end of the week and friends and family are invited to attend. These camps are a great way for kids to learn about how much goes into a theater production and how many different types of expression theatre arts offers. Kids can choose from Treasure Island (7/20-7/24), King Arthur's Quest (8/3-8/7), and Beauty Lou & the Country Beast (8/10-8/14), a country western version of the classic tale. All programs are for kids ages 6 to 16 and cost $325.

WHBPAC also offers programs that allow kids to explore the works of one of the greats without the pressure of a performance. "Shakespeare: Fencing & Flowers," for kids ages 8 to 11, is a rehearsal-based camp that delves into the world of Hamlet through games, improvisation, and stage combat. This class runs from 7/13 to 7/16 and costs $350. For young adults, WHBPAC offers "From Page to Stage: Shakespeare for Teens," a passionate investigation of the master's words, phrases, and structure. This intensive program lasts two days (7/16 and 7/17) and costs $275. Approaching Shakespeare in this fun and creative way allows kids to realize how relevant his works still are today.

WHBPAC's studio art program, "HiArt! Culture Bugs," offers kids a chance to work with New York visual artists to produce the sci-fi opera, Sadko. In the production of this magical tale, kids make art every day and learn about the power to transform in theatre design. Also during this camp, kids will participate in afternoon manga drawing workshops with a professional manga artist. This program is for kids ages 6 to 12, lasts from 8/17 to 8/21 and costs $1250, plus $125 for supplies.

WHBPAC ends its series on a more traditional note, with a ballet production of Cinderella. This weeklong camp (8/24-8/28) offers kids, ages 5 to 16, the opportunity to work with a professional dancer and choreographer and ends with an evening performance. The cost is $225. To register for any WHBPAC programs, visit whbpac.org.

Bay Street Theater offers summer theatre programs with an emphasis on writing, as well as production. Beginning with its improv class, C.A.S.T. (Cool Actors Stay True), students will get a chance to write and perform in their own skits. Meeting Wednesdays in July, students have the option of attending the entire series for $185 or dropping into a class for $40.

For a more intensive writing and producing experience, Bay Street is offering a two-week performance art camp from 8/24 to 9/4. Kids will have the chance to write and perform in their own mini-musical, under the guidance of Broadway performer and musician, Debra Barsha. The cost of this program is $900. Call 516-953-5171 to register for Bay Street summer programs.