DRAYTON – For the first time, the Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy is thrilled to announce two weeks of summer camps at the Drayton Festival Theatre.
“These camps offer youth ages six to 13 a chance to have fun, make lasting friendships, and develop life skills while exploring the world of live theatre in a safe and welcoming environment,” officials state.
Performing Arts training is provided by passionate industry professionals and will feature virtual mentors including Broadway star Kerry Butler and Disney casting director, Dave Bennett.
These week-long enriching experiences will be offered July 22 to July 26 and July 29 to Aug. 2 in Drayton.
The Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy director of education and associate artistic director is David Connolly.
Connolly is the first amputee to perform on Broadway and the director/choreographer of Drayton Entertainment productions of Priscilla, The Prom, Mamma Mia!, Newsies and many more.
“The aim of our Youth Academy summer camps is to encourage kids to put their phones down and enjoy ‘real life’ emotional, intellectual and social growth through creativity and imagination,” Connolly states.
“We’ve designed these weeks to not just build better theatre-makers, but more empathetic, brave and socially aware citizens … all while having a ton of fun.”
“By studying material from age-appropriate musicals, performing arts participants gain fundamental training in singing, movement, improv, and scene work,” officials sate.
“They’ll become familiar with reading sheet music, creating character and learn how to enhance their sense of focus and stage presence.”
Other specialty workshops will include on-camera acting technique, stage combat, puppetry, and audition skills plus virtual mentor Q&A’s.
The summer camps will run from 9am to 4pm with complimentary early drop off available at 8:30am and late pick-up until 4:30pm.
The Drayton Festival Theatre is located at 33 Wellington St. S.
Tuition is $395/week with multi-week and multi-family member discounts available.
“We strive to ensure that all young people, regardless of financial circumstances, are able to participate,” officials state.
“Inquire about our flexible payment plans and financial assistance programs.”
For faculty bios and registration visit draytonentertainmentyouthacademy.com.
