OSTC Expands Musical Theatre Camp

Does your child like to sing, dance and use their imagination? If so, Camp OSTC is the perfect place for them to utilize their musical theatre talent and have fun at the same time! This year, in addition to Ocean State Theatre Company's award-winning musical theatre camp for students ages 9-14, the company is adding a junior camp for children ages 5-8, who have completed kindergarten.

"We are so excited to be expanding our offerings for summer 2015," said Producing Artistic Director, Amiee Turner. "We have had numerous inquiries over the years for a camp for younger children, but simply didn't have the classroom space in order to accommodate two camps running simultaneously. Over the past several months, we have been reorganizing our office space and now have classroom space for up to 20 children for each session of Camp OSTC, Jr."

Camp OSTC will be offered for two separate three-week sessions - the first from July 6 - 24 and the second from July 27 - August 14. Campers may attend either or both sessions. Not only will campers have fun, but they'll also have the opportunity to work with top quality theatre professionals while they learn performance techniques including acting, voice and dance, as well as technical skills including the design and creation of costumes, sets, and props, to be utilized for a full-scale musical production, which will be performed by the campers on stage at OSTC's state-of-the-art theatre located at 1245 Jefferson Boulevard in Warwick. A selection of master classes, taught by guest artists, will also be included during each three-week session. Dr. Frederic Scheff, who won rave reviews for his performance as Valjean in Ocean State Theatre Company's critically acclaimed production of LES MISERABLES, returns as Camp Director for both sessions of this year's Camp OSTC.

Camp OSTC, Jr. will be offered for two separate two-week sessions - the first from July 13 - 24 and the second from August 3 - August 14. Campers may attend either or both sessions. The basics of theatre will be learned through games and songs. Each session will focus on a theme (first session - "It's All About Seuss;" second session - "Fractured Fairytales"), which will be used throughout the camp. Campers will get a script and be able to share what they have learned at the end of the session with a "Sharetime" open to family and friends. Camp OSTC, Jr. participants will see and experience many of the elements used to create professional theatre and allow them to discover, learn, and be part of the magic. Ocean State Theatre Company is happy to welcome Melanie Miller, an arts educator and director, who has run programs in North Carolina, Florida and locally, as the Camp Director for both sessions of the new Camp OSTC, Jr.

"We are also thrilled to announce that one of this year's campers participating in Camp OSTC and one camper participating in Camp OSTC, Jr. will be chosen to receive scholarships provided by The Keri Anne O'Donnell Memorial Fund," said Ms. Turner. "In addition, Ocean State Theatre Company will be able to subsidize a select number of campers thanks to the generosity of several anonymous donors."

The Keri Anne O'Donnell Memorial Fund was established to honor the memory of Keri Anne O'Donnell, who loved everything about performing - singing, dancing and acting. In theatrical terms, she was a triple threat. Keri was just 15 years old when she was killed in a car accident. The O'Donnell family feels it is their mission to keep Keri's dreams alive by assisting other youngsters like her - performers who have a passion for a performing art.

Camp OSTC will be held at Ocean State Theatre located at 1245 Jefferson Boulevard in Warwick, RI from July 8 - 26 and July 29 - August 16 and is limited to 30 students ages 9-14 per session. Camp OSTC, Jr. will be held at One Echo Drive in Warwick, RI (adjacent to the theatre) from July 13 - 24 and August 3 - August 14 and is limited to 20 children ages 5-8 per session. (Please note: children applying to participate in Camp OSTC, Jr., must be entering the first grade in September 2015.) Spots for both camps will be filled on a first come/first served basis.

Applications are available online by visiting www.OceanStateTheatre.org. For registration information call (401) 921-6800, stop by the box office Tuesday through Friday from 12 noon - 6:00 pm or Saturday from 12 noon - 4:00 pm, or visit www.OceanStateTheatre.org.