Bob Jones to host Fantasy Playhouse summer camps

MADISON – During summer break, young people can engage in top caliber training in the theatre arts while keeping the fun factor with summer camps presented by Fantasy Playhouse Children’s Theater & Academy.

Both Madison and Huntsville will host the summer camps. All new session material and types of camps will be offered as full-day, half-day and performance showcases.

Full-day camps at Fantasy Playhouse will start with themes like “Calling All Heroes . . . and Villains!” on May 30, Education Director Candice Cooper said. “Our camps are led by qualified teaching artists who are professionals in their fields. Our goal is to help students develop their bodies, voices, minds and imaginations to enable them to flourish and grow, both as artists and people,” Cooper said.

“Summer is the best time for forming friendships, exploring plays and growing as an artist,” Cooper said. “Our staff is dedicated to finding the right class for your child.”

At Bob Jones High School, “Broadway Bootcamp” on June 5-9 will welcome Group 1 with five- and six-year-olds; Group 2, ages 7-8; Group 3, ages 9-10; and Group 4, ages 11-15. The young actors will meet from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The youngsters will experience famous plays and songs and become a ‘Fantasy Broadway Star.’ Actors will work on different elements of theatre including acting, voice, movement, dance, musical theatre, improvisation and more.

Other camp themes in Madison include “Twisted Fairy Tales,” “Magical Mysteries,” “Bluey,” “Enola Holmes,” “Harry Potter Abridged,” “Into the Spidey-Verse,” “Magic Treehouse,” “Musical Theatre Dance,” “National Treasure,” “Percy Jackson,” “Pirates and Mermaids,” “Secrets of Sulphur Springs,” “Star Wars On Stage,” “Wednesday” and “Puffs, Teen Acting Showcase.”

For the Advanced Musical Theatre Showcase, campers will perform “Mary Poppins JR.” Camp times at Bob Jones will be July 10-14 and July 17-21 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nine- through 18-year-olds can enroll. Campers will receive their cast assignment at end-of-day July 10.

“Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s ‘Mary Poppins JR.’ is an enchanting mixture of irresistible story, unforgettable songs and breathtaking dance numbers. The jack-of-all trades, Bert, introduces us to England in 1910 and the troubled Banks family,” Cooper said.

“Young Jane and Michael have sent many a nanny packing before Mary Poppins arrives on their doorstep. Using a combination of magic and common sense, she must teach the family members how to value each other again,” Cooper said.

Aspiring actors will gain stage experience by working on a musical. Actors will showcase their talents in a fully developed production in Zompa Auditorium at Bob Jones.

Cast A will perform “Mary Poppins JR.” on July 21 at noon, followed with Cast B at 2 p.m.

Fantasy Playhouse Children’s Theater & Academy’s address is 3312 Long Ave. in Huntsville. For information, call 256-539-6829, email EducationDirector@fantasyplayhouse.com or visit fantasyplayhouse.com.

For camp information including fees, visit fantasyplayhouse.org/summer-camps.