At Summer Stage visual and performing arts camp, hundreds of children from throughout South Jersey embark on a magical adventure – sharing smiles while they sing, gaining confidence as they learn their lines, and making friends while they perfect a dance, or even build scenery together. Discover more about this adventure at Summer Stage Open House Performance Preview, Wednesday, May 9, 6:30 pm, Dennis Flyer Theatre, Lincoln Hall, Camden County College, Blackwood.

Summer Stage is recognized as one of South Jersey’s longest running, most affordable visual and performing arts camps. It offers exciting acting, singing, and dancing programs for youth entering second grade through age 25. Eighth graders and above may also take advantage of the behind-the-scenes programs, Technical Theatre (set design, lighting, and sound) and Video Film Production.

The open house begins with a short performance, which will preview production numbers from this year’s Children’s Musical Theatre Season including: Winnie the Pooh, sponsored by Techniques Salon and Day Spa; Honk, Jr; Mulan, Jr.; and Disney Heroes, sponsored by Bowman Company. Members of the Summer Stage staff will be available to answer questions about all nine Summer Stage camps, which progress in a fun way to help build skills and confidence among each age group.

The youngest campers, entering second and third grade, participate in Kid’s Stuff. This morning program provides a great introduction for those curious about theatre. Next, the program progresses to Apprentice, where mornings fly by for fourth and fifth graders as they learn the basics of stage performance in a relaxed, enjoyable environment. Both Kid’s Stuff and Apprentice culminate with a musical revue. Children that can’t get enough of these programs can stay for the afternoon through Storytelling Through the Arts, where campers enter the world of storytelling through ensemble play, crafts, and music. These programs run June 25 through July 27.

“Last year was my daughter, Emma’s, first year of Summer Stage. I have to say it was the best summer she’s ever had. I really like how the staff interact with the kids and how the children’s minds are continually learning, even though for them, it’s just fun. I love how secure it is on campus and that the children are well supervised. Emma just can’t wait to come back this year, and now that her little sister is old enough, we signed them both up as soon as we could,” said Anne Finnegan of Stratford.

As the children get older, there’s Children’s Theatre. In this program, sixth through twelfth graders enjoy days filled with rehearsals and classes preparing for fully staged productions. This age group can also participate in Technical Theater or Video Film camps. Then, there’s Mainstage, an evening program where ninth graders and above will present the Broadway Musical, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.. For students 11 and above who love to dance, there is also the Dance Explosion program, which runs from 3:30 to 5:15 p.m., three days per week. In this program, students recreate Broadway classics and produce their own masterpieces.

Finally, there is the Intern Touring Company, where a small group of young adults receive the

Please click here to see and/or purchase pictures from the Young American’s Show

http://www.shutterfly.com/pro/mainstage/YoungAmericans

Click on the picture (“M” ) below to see and/or purchase the pictures:

http://www.shutterfly.com/pro/mainstage/summerstage2011