Camp OSTC Debuts at Theatre By The Sea July 18-29

Ocean State Theatre Company (OSTC), the not-for-profit producing entity at the historic Theatre By The Sea, is excited to introduce their new summer camp for musical theatre kids! Camp OSTC will be in residence at Sam's Studio (Theatre By The Sea's rehearsal space) in Wakefield, RI from July 18-29, 2011.

"We are delighted to be able to offer this unique camp experience this summer. Since OSTC was incorporated, it has been our goal to add an educational component," said Producing Artistic Director, Amiee Turner. "With arts education dwindling in our public schools, we have always felt it was our responsibility to offer meaningful arts programs that teach life skills, help children discover creativity and assist in the further development of their imaginations. And, thanks to the generosity of several anonymous donors, we are happy to be able to subsidize a select number of campers."

Applications are currently being accepted for the two-week musical theatre camp, which will include both fun and learning with top quality theatre professionals culminating in a full scale musical production to be performed by the campers on the Theatre By The Sea stage.

Each day campers will participate in a group warm up, as well as sessions in acting, vocal technique, and dance. A selection of master classes chosen from a wide variety of topics including Character Development, Stage Combat, Musical Theatre Dance, Audition Technique, The Art of Directing, Mime, and others, will be taught by guest artists and OSTC staff.

Campers will also have the opportunity to collaborate with professional OSTC technical staff members to create and design the costumes, sets and props for the musical, Twinderella, which will be performed as part of Theatre By The Sea's 2011 Children's Festival on Friday, July 29 at 10:00 am and 12 noon.

Camp OSTC will be directed by Jean-Pierre Ferragamo, a familiar face to Theatre By The Sea audiences. His first appearance was as Pseudolos in the 2007 Sneak Preview production of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. Since then, Jean-Pierre has appeared in Evita, The Producers, and last summer's highly acclaimed production of The Full Monty. Having relocated from New York to Rhode Island several years ago, Jean-Pierre has been busy producing shows for numerous private schools, as well as offering private coaching, music and voice lessons to children throughout the state.

Camp OSTC is limited to 30 students entering grades 4-8. Spots will be filled on a first come/first served basis. Applications are available online by visiting www.theatrebythesea.com. Registration deadline is June 17. Partial scholarships are available for those in need. Call (401) 782-3800 x18 for scholarship information.

For registration information call (401) 782-TKTS (8587), stop by the box office Monday - Saturday from 10 am - 4 pm, or visit www.theatrebythesea.com