Acting is a collaborative art. It’s something people do together. If kids are interested in it, they should ask their friends and siblings to play along. The more the merrier in most cases.
That’s one of the reasons why the Egyptian Theatre holds its University of Utah Youth Theatre Summer Sessions workshops that will open June 20, said the Egyptian Theatre manager Randy Barton.
“(Acting) is about teamwork,” he said during an interview. “It’s about relying on others while under pressure, in the lights and on stage.”
Another reason for the camps is to give the young actors a sense of belonging.
“When I was a kid, there were only school and church plays you could audition for and act in,” Barton said. “There was never a program that you could always feel a part of that felt like home.
“Dance companies are like that, where the kids grow up in a program,” he said. “That’s what makes a difference, because the kids have something to be a part of year after year. Whether they end up going into theater or other performing arts, it gives them a real sense of community and confidence, and it feels like having a home.”
The sessions, directed by Penny Caywood, are comprised of three programs in which young performers can be comfortable within their own ability and age group. All the workshops will culminate with a live performance at the end of the sessions.
Preteen Session, for ages 8 through 12 and held June 20 through July 1, is aimed at building character both on and off the stage. All students become members of a performance company and rehearse a production piece that is either a creative drama or a musical. The piece will be presented at the Egyptian Theatre and at Kingsbury Hall. Classes are held Mondays through Fridays from 10 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. Cost is $360.
Dramatic Discoveries, for ages 5 through 8 and held July 11 through July 22, focuses on self-expression and imagination. The class offers an engaging, free-spirited introduction to theater through drama, music and movement. Students will develop cooperation and problem-solving skills by working together to create a performance piece at the Egyptian Theatre. Classes are held Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Cost is $240.
Teen Session, for ages 13 through 18 and held July 25 through Aug. 5, is an intensive program for talented young actors. All students become part of a performance company, and throughout the session they rehearse a production to be performed at both the Egyptian Theatre and Kingsbury Hall. Classes are held Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. Cost is $360
Dana Durbano, Victoria Mallory and Wendy Gourely started the youth theatre program in the mid-1990s, Barton said.
“They really worked and put their heart and soul into it,” he said. “They all had children of the youth-theater age. In fact, Ramona Mallory (Victoria’s daughter) starred on Broadway last year, reprising her mom’s role as Anne Egerman in ‘A Little Night Music.'”
Last year, three Egyptian Theatre University of Utah Youth Theatre alumni made their Broadway debut, Barton said.
“We have produced some high-quality performers over the years,” he said. “We would love to see the summer camps build into a nationally known, theater-camp destination.”
Another benefit of enrolling into the youth theater sessions is the opportunity to audition for the Egyptian Theatre’s other summer shows.
“We’re going to present ‘Gypsy’ and ‘The Unsinkable Molly Brown,’ that require some children in roles,” Barton said. “We are also going to do another yet to be announced show in early December, which they can audition for as well.
“We continue to build on our excellence. And turn out confident, well-trained youth actors,” Barton said. “We try to give them a well-rounded experience acting, singing and dancing stage presence.”
Visit www.egyptiantheatrecompany.org/Youtheatre/2011/youtheatre_info.html for more information.