Led by professional teaching artist, Beth Ryan Troxell, students will work within their age group to explore creatively as an ensemble. Campers will develop skills in movement, creative game playing, concentration, story telling, acting, and playwriting. In one week's time, students will discover how to use their personality to create characters from the world's greatest dramatic literature as well as create their own individual theatrical pieces. On the last day of class, campers will share their final performance on stage with family and friends- the same stage that Cape May Stage's professional Equity actors use in the evening.
Cape May Stage's summer camps provide a supportive, insightful and (most importantly) fun environment that allows students to build new skills, communicate with their peers, and expand their horizons. "What could be better in the heat of Cape May in July, than the cool performances from our young actors," says Troxell. "Over the last 20 years, there has been an enormous regard for what a young actor may bring to the stage and to themselves. I am so excited to continue developing a program in keeping with the finest educational Equity theatre programs throughout the country."
Artistic Director Roy Steinberg is thrilled to have Troxell lead this season's summer camp. "Her dynamic work with young artists, vitality, and understanding of dramatic literature combine to bring a unique and extraordinary performance art to Cape May Stage. She makes me wish I was just starting out again, so I could have that experience before heading out into the world."
Troxell has dedicated her professional life to turning children on to theatre. Teaching full time at The Milton Hershey School since 1996, she previously founded CHAOS Camp Hill Actors on Stage, an after school program dedicated to young children performing the classics. Troxell has a Masters in Theatre Arts from The Pennsylvania State University, has directed numerous productions with children including Julius Caesar, Moby Dick, Cyrano de Bergerac, A Thousand Paper Cranes, Beauty and the Beast, and Taming of the Shrew. Her acting credits include Wings with Charles Dutton and directed by Paul Berman. Beth also appeared in the Barry Levinson film Diner.
Cape May Stage's Discovery Summer Theatre Camp runs July 10-13 and July 17-20. Students ages 9 through 12 will meet from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. and campers ages 13 through 16 will meet from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. All sessions will take place at Cape May Stage's Robert Shackleton Playhouse located at the corner of Bank & Lafayette Streets (405 Lafayette) in downtown Cape May.
The second session differs from the first session. Students may opt to enroll for one week or may choose to build upon their first experience and participate in both sessions.
The cost of enrollment is $185 per week. A 10% discount is available for registering a sibling and/or for the second week of enrollment. Enrollment is limited to 15 campers per each session. For more information about this year's camp, log onto Cape May Stage's Education webpage at http://www.capemaystage.com/education.html, or contact the box office at (609) 884-1341. Space is extremely limited for both sessions—register today!
