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 the summer programs they are offering this year.
Ensemble Theatre Company
Question: What is the name of your camp or program?
Answer: The Young Actors Conservatory program consists of three summer performance workshops. Camp Broadway for ages 8-12, The Acting Intensive for ages 13-19 and the Musical Theater Performance Workshop for ages 13-19.
Q: What is the focus of your camp or program?
A: TETC’s Young Actors Conservatory is a rigorous summer program designed to offer participants the experience of working in a professional setting alongside 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.
Q: How many years has the camp been running?
A: This program was first developed in 2018.
Q: What protocols does your camp have in place due to COVID-19?
A: All students must be vaccinated or be subject to frequent testing. Mask wearing may be required while indoors. All teachers and staff are fully vaccinated and boosted.
Q: What goals do you have for kids participating in your camp or program?
A: We want our students to complete the program with a real sense of personal accomplishment and a deep appreciation and understanding of the world of professional theater.
Q: Describe a typical day for a child attending your camp or program.
A: Camp Broadway focus is on acting, singing, dancing and performance.
The Acting Intensive is strictly focus on acting, voice, movement, scene study and performance.
A typical day for these students begins with a warmup routine followed by a rotation of activities that include one-on-one coaching as well as ensemble building. In each program students work from material provided by the instructors which is refined into a showcase that is presented for family and friends on stage at the New Vic Theater.
Students participating in the Musical Theatre Performance workshop are cast in a fully produced musical that is rehearsed daily and presented for the public on stage at The New Vic. Daily activities begin with a physical and vocal warmup, followed by staging, scene work, character building, choreography and vocal training.
All camps complete their day with a mental check-in and evaluation of the daily activities and progress. Various rest periods are scheduled throughout the day and includes a 30-minute lunch break.
Q: What is the staff to child ratio? Do you require training or background checks for your employees?
A: Our staff to student ratio is about 1 director/instructor to every 5 students. Staff members are finger-printed, vaccinated and subject to background checks. Training is also provided and teachers are evaluated throughout the process.
Q: What is the best part, in your opinion, about your camp or program?
A: We are so proud of the team of instructors we employ. Teachers are either working professionals or have worked extensively in the business.
Additionally, Ensemble Theatre Company is Santa Barbara’s sole professional theater company with over 44 years of experience. Our programs are presented in a state-of-the-art performance venue.
We feel that working in a professional setting sets the Young Actors Conservatory apart from other youth programs in the Santa Barbara community.
Q: In what ways is your camp or program educational?
A: These workshops offer aspiring young performers 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.
Q: What is the age and price range of your camp? Do you offer any scholarships?
A: Camp Broadway (2-weeks) is for ages 8-12 with a tuition price of $650. The Acting Intensive (2-weeks) is for ages 13-19 with a tuition price of $650. The Musical Theatre Performance Workshop (3-weeks) is for ages 13-19 with a tuition price of $850.
All students may request financial assistance through our scholarship program. Applications can be found on our website here.
Click here to learn more about Ensemble Theatre Company’s Camps and Programs!