Westport's Summer In The House Camp Registration Now Open, Runs 7/6-7/24

Registration is underway for Westport Country Playhouse's three-week summer camp called "Summer in the House," for students entering grades two through five, Monday, July 6 through Friday, July 24. Also available is a three-day Improvisation Bootcamp for ages 16 and up, Monday, June 29 through Wednesday, July 1. The programs are offered through the Playhouse's education department. Classes are located on the Playhouse campus.

"Summer is a great time for children to explore the arts and stretch their artistic wings," said Debra Baron, Playhouse director of education. "Through these programs, children will gain both performing and lifelong skills such as teamwork, active listening and creativity."

"Summer in the House" exposes students to the discipline and techniques of theater in a creative environment using an approach which combines music, movement and drama. Through fun and enriching activities, children will learn to use their bodies, voices, minds and imaginations. The program is staffed with artist-educators who are professionals in their field and are dedicated to nurturing creativity in each child.

Grades 2-3 (rising) will meet Monday through Friday, July 6 - 24, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Specifically designed for young actors, students will work with artist-educators on scenes from classic folk and fairy tales for a presentation on the final day of class.

Grades 4-5 (rising) will meet Monday through Friday, July 6 - 24, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Specifically for developing actors, students will work with artist-educators in the preparation of scenes from age-appropriate scripts, including Shakespeare's stories, for a presentation on the final day of class.

Tuition for grades 2-3 and 4-5 is $725. Registration is limited to 20 students per class.

For ages 16 and up, Improvisation Bootcamp is a three-day intensive workshop, June 29 - July 1, from 7 to 10 p.m. Geared towards beginners and experienced performers alike, the students will think faster, make strong choices and increase their confidence through the art of improvisational theater. Tuition is $300.

"Summer in the House" is supported, in part, by the White Barn Program of the Lucille Lortel Foundation.

Need-based scholarships are available. For a complete list of "Summer in the House" class descriptions and registration information, visit www.westportplayhouse.org. To enroll, contact Debra Baron, Westport Country Playhouse director of education. Westport Country Playhouse is located at 25 Powers Court, off Route 1, Westport, 203-227-5137, ext. 116.

Westport Country Playhouse serves as a treasured home for the performing arts for audiences and artists alike, and is a true cultural landmark for Connecticut. Under the artistic direction of Mark Lamos and management direction of Michael Ross, the Playhouse is creating extraordinary, quality productions of new and classic plays to enlighten, enrich and engage a diverse community of theater lovers, artists and students. On its legendary stage are theatrical productions, educational programming and special events, all serving to centralize the theater's place in the Fairfield County entertainment scene. Each year the legendary Playhouse welcomes more than 85,000 audience members. The Playhouse's rich history dates back to 1931, when New York theatre producer Lawrence Langner created a Broadway-quality stage within an 1830s cow barn. Now celebrating its 79th season, Westport Country Playhouse has produced more than 700 plays, 36 of which later transferred to Broadway. Following a multi-million dollar renovation completed in 2005, the Playhouse enhanced its rich history as a summer venue into a year-round, state-of-the-art producing theater, which has preserved its original charm and character. The Playhouse is a 501(c) (3) not-for-profit organization.

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