Premiere Stages Announces Camps for Young Theatre Artists

Premiere Stages, the professional theatre in residence at Kean University, is delighted to announce that registration will begin on February 1st for Camp Premiere, the exciting annual theatre program for middle and high school students. The camp runs for two two-week sessions, each of which feature a performance-based curriculum, providing students with a vital creative outlet in a nurturing, competition-free environment. Premiere Stages' emphasis on collaboration empowers campers to take risks and experiment with different acting and storytelling techniques, all the while learning firsthand from the highest standard of industry professionals.

Camp Premiere - Session 1 is a fun and exciting introduction to theatre that focuses on acting and playwriting. The camp is uniquely designed for students entering grades 5-8 and runs July 14-25. Students will learn the elements of acting and play development through innovative, active exercises and games that help them translate their creative ideas and impulses into fully conceptualized and mountable original performances for the stage. Working with professional actors, directors and playwrights in a fun, creative and collaborative environment, campers will craft and star in their own play. This camp session culminates in a public performance of the campers' work developed over the two-week period, followed by a certificate presentation and reception for the participants. Camp runs Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., and the final showcase will be performed on Friday, July 25th.

Camp Premiere - Session 2 is an in-depth acting camp for students entering grades 9-12, and runs July 21-August 1. Students focus on the craft of acting, including scene work, audition technique, monologue preparation, movement and voice/speech. Students all have the chance to work closely with professional actors and directors, as well as guest artists in fields such as stage combat, casting and improvisation. Campers perform monologues as well as scenes from original plays that have been developed through the Premiere Stages Play Festival. This camp session culminates in a public performance of the monologues and scenes, followed by a certificate presentation and reception for the participants. Camp runs Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., and the final showcase will be performed on Friday, August 1st.

The cost for each session is $295. Scholarships are available, with preference given to Union County residents. Campers who register before April 1st will receive a $50 discount on camp tuition. For more information or to request an application, please contact Clare Drobot, Premiere's Producing Associate, at cdrobot@kean.edu or (908) 737-4092. Interested students should submit a completed registration form, a brief "Camp Expectations" statement, and a $25 application fee to Premiere Stages at Kean University. The fee ensures inclusion in the camp and serves as the initial tuition payment. Rolling registration will begin February 1st and will continue through June 3rd; space is limited and early registration is encouraged. More information and application forms are available online at www.kean.edu/premierestages.

Camp Premiere is just one of several programs that constitute Premiere's larger educational initiative, the Premiere Play Factory. Premiere Play Factory programming also includes: Premiere School-Time Residencies, playwriting residencies for public school districts and urban after-school programs; the New Jersey Young Playwrights Festival, a statewide contest in partnership with Playwrights Theatre of New Jersey that showcases the work of New Jersey students ages 8 and up; and the Play Factory Performance Series, an annual summer performance series featuring dynamic, professional theatre presentations designed specifically for young audiences.

Premiere Stages is made possible in part through funding from The New Jersey State Council on the Arts, The Shubert Foundation, The Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, The New Jersey Historical Commission, The Provident Bank Foundation, The Hudson City Savings Bank Foundation, The Northfield Bank Foundation, Union County HEART Grants, The Hyde and Watson Foundation, The Union Foundation, Grassmann Trust, The New Jersey Theatre Alliance and through the generous support of individual patrons. Discover Jersey Arts is our marketing partner. Visit www.JerseyArts.com for more information about other arts programming happening around the Garden State.

Premiere Stages offers affordable prices, air-conditioned facilities and free parking close to the theatre. Premiere Stages also provides free or discounted tickets to patrons with disabilities. All Premiere Stages facilities are fully accessible spaces, and companion seating is available for patrons with disabilities. Assistive listening devices and large print programs are available at all times; publications in alternate formats are available with advanced notice. Please call (908) 737-4092 for a list of sign-interpreted, audio-described or open-captioned performances. For more information, visit Premiere Stages online at www.kean.edu/premierestages.

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