The Performing Arts School at BergenPAC Cultivates Students' Love for Live Performing Arts

Since its inception in 2003, The Performing Arts School at bergenPAC in Englewood, NJ has been offering top quality performing arts education in dance, music, and theater. Three years ago, the school added the excitement of a summer camp program, providing a fun and unique platform to students ranging in age from five to twelve. The program involves a rigorous and rewarding range of fun and interactive activities that culminate in a final showcase on the bergenPAC main stage at the conclusion of each session. The final performance for this year's July session will be held on Friday, July 22, 2016 at 6:30 pm. The final performance for this year's August session will be held on Friday, August 19, 2016 at 6:30pm.

Featuring theater games, dance combinations, lessons in choreography, music appreciation, singing, acting through song, and participation in visual arts among a number of other activities, the summer camp provides an outlet for students to explore the artistic pursuits that are so critical to childhood development. Between core classes and a host of electives available to campers, the program provides instruction and activities for virtually anyone.

Becky Hinkle, Managing Director at The Performing Arts School at bergenPAC and new addition to the team, spoke of the success of the summer camp program. She explained, "The school is bustling with activity and energy as students spend every day with us learning and developing skills in the performing arts. The final performances each have a theme and showcase material written by the students, and provide a one-of-a-kind experience for young people to perform in a professional theater." The school's mission of providing a complete and all-inclusive education for youths in the area is realized through the diverse set of course offerings in conjunction with the enthusiasm of teachers, staff, and students involved in the learning process.

In the mornings, the students are separated into three age groups which rotate between an acting, dance, and music class. During the afternoons, either the groups rotate for electives or for a special program being held on that day (Be True To You recently wowed the students with an interactive musical anti-bullying workshop). Yoga activities, lessons in stage makeup, improvisation instruction, and tutorials on set design are just a handful of the many elective course offerings at the summer camp that occur simultaneously with rehearsals for the end of summer showcase performance. Ultimately, the camp has been designed to provide comprehensive exposure to both the arts and to a communal and social framework for all campers.

This year's group of performers has proven to be extremely enthusiastic and talented. Dominic Roncace, bergenPAC CEO touted, "at bergenPAC our incredibly talented professional teachers and mentors have had the opportunity to impact the lives of so many children who have participated in our summer programs. Students have gone on to pursue studies in the arts and achieve truly great things."

One student, new to The Performing Arts School this past school year and participating in the summer camp for the first time this summer, is five-year-old Veronica Guadalupe. Hermother Maria Santana has taken note of the value of her daughter's participation in the summer camp and in the enthusiasm that Veronica has shown for the arts since enrolling in the camp and has shared that she is incredibly impressed with the work being done. "My little star is getting great training at the bergenPAC summer camp," said Santana.

Through the work of instructors such as Madeleine Calandrillo, Katherine Delorenza, and Erica Butler, who teach acting, dance, and music respectively to students enrolled in the camp, campers are provided the opportunity to work with some of the most skilled professionals in the region. DeLorenzo, one of bergenPAC's outreach dance teachers during the school year, is thrilled to be part of the summer camp teaching team, explaining "It has been such a pleasure to work with these children. Their excitement and joy in the classroom has reflected on me and has made this an incredible summer."

Students and parents alike have consistently displayed appreciation for the program offered at bergenPAC and the retention rate is incredibly indicative of that impression. The camp has been successful in providing an activity-filled day to students that is not only enjoyable but is also educational and didactic. Students learn a range of artistic pursuits that they genuinely cherish and that will impact them in all other areas of their lives. "I can't wait to come back again next year," Veronica said. "I like everything - the singing, acting, dancing and coloring. I'm so excited for my show next Friday. I'm singing "Walking on Sunshine" and "Seasons of Love."

Summer sessions run through August 19. For more information, email education@bergenpac.org or visit www.bergenpac.org/summer.