By REBEKAH FINN
Olympia Family Theater has been inspiring young minds for over a decade. This summer that legacy continues with camps and workshops for every age, ranging from 5-year-olds to teenagers, first-time campers to seasoned theater veterans.
“One of the things that always excites us is the mix of returning students and new kids coming in,” explains Alexis Sarah, OFT’s operations and marketing manager. “We see kids coming back year after year, and now they’re on the older end and can mentor the younger ones.”
A great option for some of the more experienced thespians is the Teen Improv program. Held between 4 and 6 p.m., it’s a chance for kids aged 13 and up to flex their creative muscles. Each week includes confidence-building activities, culminating in performances for family and friends. Attendance qualifies students to be part of OFT’s improvisational, school-year troupe.
A fun new offering this year for musically inclined students 10 and up is the OFGlee program. It’s exactly what it sounds like: a summer glee club complete with “choralography.” Young singers and dancers practice and perform popular tunes to build their skills and repertoire. OFT has also expanded the number of Stagecraft camps for those who prefer to be behind the curtain. Each week, nine students will learn firsthand about technical theater, meaning lights, prop and costume design, scenic design and sound.
All camp and workshop groups are kept small so students get focused attention and build productive group dynamics. Full-day performance camps for ages 7 to 13 are capped at 24 students, and half-day camps for ages 5 and 6 at 16.
WHAT
Olympia Family Theater camps and workshops
WHEN
Monday – Friday, June 18 – Aug. 31
WHERE
Olympia Family Theater,
612 Fourth Ave. E, Olympia
HOW MUCH
$45-$195
LEARN MORE
360-570-1638