Noozhawk’s Summer Camp Guide is officially here, making it easier than ever to plan an unforgettable summer for your child!
To help parents explore the wide variety of camps available in Santa Barbara, Noozhawk has conducted a series of insightful interviews with representatives from local programs for this year’s comprehensive ParentNooz Summer Camp Guide.
In this interview, Noozhawk spoke with Shana Arthurs, Director at Stage Left Productions, to learn more about the exciting camp opportunities they’re offering this summer.
Stage Left Productions
Question: What is the name of your camp or program, and what is its primary focus?
Answer: Stage Left Productions is a performing arts training program founded by Shana Lynch Arthurs and Steven Lovelace, both of whom have dedicated many years to teaching and performing in the local community.
Our mission is to provide exceptional training in the performing arts while fostering each student’s confidence, self-esteem, respect, emotional growth, and collaborative skills.
The Stage Left team creates an atmosphere of family and fun while maintaining high expectations for learning and growth. We approach all instruction and student interactions with these developmental goals as our guiding principles.
Q: How long have you been running the program? Do you have any professional accreditations or certifications?
A: 2025 marks the 25th summer for Stage Left Productions! Co-founder and theatrical director, Shana Lynch Arthurs, a native Santa Barbaran, is a California Credentialed teacher with a Masters in Education and a BFA (Acting) from UCSB.
For the past 16 years, she has also taught and directed the performing arts at Crane Country Day School. Additionally, she has been an acting instructor for various local and international organizations.
Co-founder and choreographic director Steven Lovelace has worked and choreographed with multiple companies, including Santa Barbara Dance Arts, Lit Moon International Theatre Festival, Dance Warehouse, Repertory-West Dance Company, Santa Barbara Dance Theatre, and Bill Evans Dance Company.
Steven has also served as Artistic Director and President of the Board of Directors of Santa Barbara’s Summer Solstice Celebration. He has taught at multiple Santa Barbara institutions including Peabody Charter School for 10 years. They are excited to share their love of the performing arts with their students.
Q: What specific goals or objectives will participants be working towards during their time at the camp?
A: Stage Left Productions’ performing arts intensive works toward multiple interconnected goals that extend far beyond the final curtain call.
While participants dedicate themselves to creating a polished, full-scale theatrical production, they’re simultaneously embarking on a journey of artistic and personal discovery.
Artistic Excellence: Campers develop performance techniques through daily workshops in acting, singing, and dancing, learning voice projection, stage movement, character development, and choreography.
Those in the tech track work on lighting, sound engineering, set construction, and stage management—the essential behind-the-scenes expertise that brings productions to life. The culminating performance showcases their growth while building confidence in creative risk-taking.
Personal Growth: Many participants discover hidden talents or develop deeper passions that shape future interests. The program builds self-assurance and stage presence that extends beyond theater. Working collaboratively teaches teamwork, compromise, and leadership while maintaining individual excellence.
Community Building: The workshop creates an environment where participants form meaningful friendships with peers who share their artistic interests. Campers learn from experienced instructors and often mentor newer participants, developing both artistic generosity and leadership skills in an inclusive community.
Long-term Impact: Participants leave with skills that serve as a foundation for continued theatrical involvement. The discipline, creativity, and collaboration required translate into valuable life skills for academic and professional success in any field.
Ultimately, Stage Left Productions’ camp nurtures confident, creative individuals who understand the power of storytelling and collaborative artistry.
Q: Can you describe the educational components integrated into your program?
A: The Workshops will include classes in audition technique, scene study, physical comedy, characterization, movement for the theatre, vocal technique, singing, dancing, as well as the option for set design & construction and costume design & construction.
Technical/Backstage Training Track- We also offer a technical emphasis. Interested students will not only participate in camp activities, but also learn about lights, sound, design & construction, and backstage training. Notify Stage Left during registration if interested in the tech track.
For the Junior Camp: Acting, Singing, Dancing, Creative Arts, and Cooking with Elubia Orozco.
Q: What is the daily schedule like, including activities, meals, and rest periods?
A: Daily activities include workshops with directors covering acting, singing, dancing, set building, and costumes.
Each day features a camp-wide snack time, and campers also enjoy improvisation games along with downtime to rest and connect with fellow campers.
For the Junior Camp: Activities rotate throughout each day to include acting, singing, dancing, creative arts, and cooking with Elubia Orozco. The camp culminates with a finale performance, art show and reception.
Q: What is the typical age range of campers who attend your programs?
A: Stage Left Productions presents (performing arts intensive) camp – the age range is 10-17 yr olds. Our one-week JUNIOR camp is for kids ages 5-12.
Q: Do you offer full day and 1/2 day options?
A: Stage Left Productions presents (performing arts intensive) camp is 1pm-6pm. Our Junior one-week JUNIOR camp is 9am – 3pm. (early drop off with request.)
Q: What are your policies regarding staff background checks, training, and the child-to-staff ratio? How do you ensure the safety and well-being of campers?
A: All staff members undergo background checks as part of our hiring process. Between our directors, counselors, and counselors-in-training, we maintain a 4:1 camper-to-staff ratio to ensure personalized attention and safety oversight.
Our training program includes formal instruction and the valuable experience many of our counselors bring from having participated in Stage Left themselves. Each camper is assigned to specific staff members who get to know them individually and guide them through their daily activities.
To ensure camper safety and well-being, we maintain constant supervision, have CPR-trained staff on site at all times, and have established emergency protocols.
Q: What is the cost of attending your camp, and do you offer any financial assistance or scholarships?
A: We’re proud to offer scholarship opportunities. Please reach out to us directly for more information on eligibility and how to apply. For the most up-to-date pricing and package details, please visit our website.
Q: Is there anything you would like to share about your program that was not already mentioned above?
A: It’s our favorite time of the year! We truly love the performing arts and the opportunity to be creative in the summer!
Click here to learn more about Stage Left Productions Summer Camps!