Premiere Stages Announces Camps for Young Theatre Artists

Premiere Stages, the professional theatre in residence at Kean University, has announced that registration will begin on February 15th for Camp Premiere, its annual theatre program for middle and high school students.

This summer's camp will offer two sessions: "Let's Put on a Show" (tailored for middle school students) and "Taking the Stage" (tailored for high school students). Both sessions 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.

"Let's Put on a Show" (Session 1) is a performance and storytelling camp for ages 11 - 14, and runs July 15th through July 26th. 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 showcase. 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 a final showcase will be performed on Friday, July 26th.

"Taking the Stage" (Session 2) is an acting camp for ages 15-18, and runs July 22nd - August 2nd. 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 a final showcase will be performed on Friday, August 2nd.

The cost for each session is $295; campers registering by March 15th receive an additional 10% discount. Scholarships are available, with preference given to Union County residents. 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 15th 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.