James Clemens Theatre plans for summer camp

MADISON – Students will experience the broad range of factors that combine to deliver a live stage production by attending the 2019 JCTheatre Summer Spotlight Camp.

Drama teachers Amy Patel and Clint Merritt will guide the fourth annual camp at James Clemens High School on May 28-31. The camp is open to students who will be in grades 2-9 in the 2019-2020 school year.

“Put your child in the spotlight (or backstage),” Patel said in encouraging parents to enroll their children who are interested in plays and musical theatre.

Camp sessions will run from 9 a.m. to noon on the James Clemens campus. The camp “is a fun, creative opportunity to learn acting, musical or technical skills ­­ and put on a show,” Patel said.

Campers will have a choice of the sessions and topics that they attend:

* Acting — In a small group setting of four to eight people, students will rehearse and perform a short scene.

* Musical theatre — In a medium sized group of 15-plus people, campers will rehearse and perform a song from a Broadway musical.

* Technical theatre — In a small group, campers will design, build and run the technical elements of a stage show, including the tools and procedures associated with building sets; designing costumes and props; handling lighting and sound; and understanding components of hair and makeup for the stage.

In completing the registration form, a camper can indicate his or her preference on topics of the greatest interest.  

For the last day of camp on May 31, campers will present a final performance at noon. “Everyone will perform, onstage or backstage, in our Spotlight Showcase for family and friends to showcase what they have learned,” Patel said.

The show will last approximately one hour. Following the performance, campers and their families can enjoy a pizza party in the auditorium lobby.

Registration and payment deadline is May 3. Camp fee is $75. Campers will receive a camp Summer Spotlight Camp T-shirt and a daily snack.

Parents should mail a personal check for payment to James Clemens High School, in care of M. Clinton Merritt, JCHS Theatre Summer Camp 2019, 11306 County Line Road, Madison AL 35756.

For more information, email mcmerritt@madisoncity.k12.al.us.