Noozhawk’s ParentNooz Camp Guide is officially here and we made sure to make things easy when planning your child’s summer!
To give parents the tools to help make informed decisions about Summer Camps for their kids in Santa Barbara, Noozhawk has conducted a series of interviews with representatives of local programs for this year’s Summer Camp Guide.
In this interview, Noozhawk spoke with Brian McDonald, Director of Education and Outreach at Ensemble Theatre Company to learn more about their summer camps here in Santa Barbara.
Ensemble Theatre Company
Question: What is the name of your Summer Camp or Program?
Answer: The Young Actors Conservatory.
Q: Describe the activities involved in your camp or program.
A: ETC’s Young Actors Conservatory offers various summer performance workshops designed to offer participants the experience of working in a professional setting under the tutelage of professional theater artists. Students receive challenging and innovative arts education similar to that of a collegiate arts program, supported by a comprehensive curriculum that balances performance and technique.
SUMMER 2021 PROGRAMS:
CAMP BROADWAY
This two-week workshop offers aspiring young performers ages 8-12 the chance to expand their skills by exposing them to the fundamentals of acting, singing, and dancing. Perfect for students new to the stage or those looking for a challenge, this training program encourages risk-taking and growth with nurturing guidance from theater professionals. Individual attention, ensemble building, character development and improvisation exercises are used to enhance creative expression, positive self-image and confidence. The camp runs Monday through Friday and culminates with a showcase for family and friends.
Tuition: $550
Dates: July 5th – 17th, 2021
Times: Monday through Friday 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Final Performance: July 17, 2021
REGISTRATION OPENS MAY 1, 2021
THE MUSICAL THEATER PERFORMANCE WORKSHOP
Aspiring young performers, ages 13-19, are selected by audition for this four-week intensive training and performance program. Under the direction of Education Director Brian McDonald and a professional faculty, participants study vocal technique, dance and acting, and apply what they have learned in rehearsal for a musical which is mounted on the New Vic stage. This summer’s musical production will be ZOMBIE PROM.
Tuition: $950
Video Audition Deadline: May 15, 2021
Dates: Jully 19 – August 15, 2021
Rehearsal Times: Monday through Friday 10am-4pm
Performances Dates: August 13-15, 2021
VIDEO AUDITION SUBMISSION BEGIN: APRIL 8, 2021
Q: What is the age range for children in your camp or program?
A: CAMP BROADWAY for ages 8-12 (No audition or previous experience required)
THE MUSICAL THEATER PERFORMANCE WORKSHOP for age 13-19 (Acceptance by video audition. Previous performance experience a plus but not required)
Q: How many years has the camp been running? Do you get a lot of return campers?
A: Ensemble Theatre Company of Santa Barbara (ETC) began as the Ensemble Theatre Project in 1978 and became a professional Equity theatre in 1989. During these years the company has provided various educational and outreach programs that include student matinees, after-school classes, young playwrights festivals, master classes and summer programs. The Young Actors Conservatory (YAC) was developed in 2017 and attracts students from various cities in the surrounding area with many returning each year.
Q: What protocols does your camp have in place due to COVID-19? What is different about your camp this year?
A: ETC has developed comprehensive heath and safety protocols to address the COVID-19 pandemic which are continually modified to comply with the most recent CDC, State, and Local guidelines. Additionally, our facility air filtration systems have been upgrade, cleaning frequency and protocols have been implemented and PPE is provided to all participants and faculty. We have also added health and safety supervisor to train staff and monitor compliance.
Q: What goals do you have for kids participating in your camp or program?
A: In a nurturing and creative environment we hope to celebrate the uniqueness of each individual and inspire them to reach beyond their perceived personal limits. We seek to instill an appreciation, understanding and value of the performing arts. And finally, it is our goal to lift each student to a higher level of self-worth, confidence and social empathy as they leave the program and apply what they have learned to any life path they choose.
Q: What makes your camp or program unique?
A: The ETC Young Actors Conservatory is a rigorous program designed to offer participants the experience of working in a state-of-the-art facility and alongside professional theater artists.
Q: What is the price range of your camp and do you offer scholarships?
A: Ensemble Theatre Company is committed to providing access to professional theater productions and educational programs for all students regardless of their socioeconomic status. Tuition prices for our summer YAC programs range from $550-$950.
Thanks to the support of many individuals, foundations and other funding sources, every student can find a home at ETC through The Jack Oakie Scholarship Awards.
Merit Scholarships are awarded on the basis of artistic ability and accomplishment. Need-Based Scholarships are awarded on the bases of financial hardship.
In both cases, the students who apply should have a strong inclination to the performing arts and a deep desire to learn.
Click here for more information about Ensemble Theatre Company summer camps!