Filling the Gaps: BTS with the Education Department

Happy #TechTuesday, Encore fans! Today we’re going behind the scenes of our Education department. We’re checking in with our awesome staff to learn more about how new themes and camp formats find their way into the summer lineup. From age 3 up to 18, we work to create unique and wonderful theatre experiences for every interested camper. Let’s hear what the Education team has to share about their process:

Each year during the summer, we ask students what they most enjoyed about summer camp and which themes they would be most interested in. Once this information is collected, the process begins with the Education team: looking at themes from the previous year and discussing which ones were successful and fun. Then, we look at current themes, popular new movies, and ideas that resonate with younger actors; it’s like putting a fun puzzle together.

For example, a popular theme that stood out this past summer was the Disney movie The Descendants. Collectively we thought a week that explores fun villains, exaggerated characters, and famous cartoons might be exciting and theatrical, so we created a new Scenes for Tweens theme: Villains and Their Descendants. There is always something very fun and thrilling playing the villainous character. “Mwahaha!”

We next asked the question, “Are there any gaps or places for new programming?” We thought the genre of musical theatre and Broadway for our younger actors might be a place to add new programs. So we have added two new weeks at It’s Elementary called Broadway Kids (we have a week for Disney and one for classics)! The focus will be on singing, dancing, and acting.

Our seasoned actors (ages 11-15) have a new two-week program called Spotlight Showcase. We wanted to offer a musical theatre experience for those in this age group who wanted a shorter timeframe than our Stage Door/Tech Camp production offers. These weeks will be filled with Broadway belts and jazz hands that will remind our parents and friends that there is “no business-like show business.”

Finally, our goal is to ensure that each student is having fun while learning new skills. We offer a good mix of gameplay, music, movement, and crafts within the various camps. The Education Department sends a heartfelt “Thank you!” to all of our families for choosing Encore as your summer camp destination.

From musical theatre to Shakespeare, stage combat to comedy, and everything in between, Encore Stage & Studio has a summer camp experience for every student. Early Bird pricing ends February 1st, so act now to lock in your best price and snag a spot in your favorite camps today!

Photos by Aileen Pangan Christian, Connie Polnow, and Cindy Kane Photography.
Blog contribution by Encore’s Education Department.
Edited by Shannon McCarthy.

Filling the Gaps: BTS with the Education Department

Encore Stage & Studio

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