Miramar Beach, Fla. —This summer, you want to be in the “room where it happens!” Emerald Coast Theatre Company (ECTC) presents 10 different Summer Camp programs including popular musicals like “Hamilton,” “Puffs (Harry Potter), “Sponge Bob,” “Seussical” the staging of a full-length musical, “Matilda,” plus hands-on workshops for theater “techies” and film buffs.
Altogether there are 16 ECTC program sessions ranging from one-, two- or three-week camps that will be held during the summer (May 31 to August 1). ECTC Summer Camps will be offered in three locations along the Northwest Florida Gulf Coast: Miramar Beach (ECTC performance space), Seaside (Seaside Neighborhood School) and Panama City (Gulf Coast State College). Theater camps are offered for all ages—from rising kindergarteners to rising high school seniors.
“Summer camps are the perfect time for children to expend that extra energy creatively and ECTC has a whole line up of creative ways to have fun,” says ECTC co-founder and producing artistic director Nathanael Fisher.
For the first time, ECTC will stage a full-length musical production as part of its summer educational program. Roald Dahl’s “Matilda the Musical.”
Another first is the recruitment of 10 performing arts “experts”—including theater professors and professional Broadway actors, singers and producers —who will join ECTC’s artist/teacher production team to offer a wide range of performing art lessons and workshops including vocal, song and monologue coaching; audition and acting techniques; Laban efforts, movement, dance, choreography and even stage combat.
“The Musical Theatre Intensive is our response to our students’ growing desire to be challenged in the craft of theater,” Fisher says. “This opportunity to work alongside ECTC professionals and professional guest artists is a special and unique experience.”
The lineup of expert performing arts experts includes: Broadway producer Bruce Long, Broadway performers Michelle Dowdy and Jordan Wolfe (song coaching), theater professor/actor/comedian Jason Hedden (Laban effort/movement), Shakespearean actor/combat trainer James “Clint” Mahle (stage combat), and professional performers Ritchie Jackson (auditioning techniques/improve), Lauren Kolmetz (movement/musical theater dance), Hillary Marshall (finding character through singing), Hank Rion (acting techniques) and Skylar Smith (vocal health/breathing).
Select ECTC staff also will participate including Nathanael Fisher (monologue workshop) and Rebeca Lake (stage makeup). Including the ECTC staff, there will be a total of 12 “expert” artist presenters.
For more information on the ECTC Musical Intensive “experts” visit www.emeraldcoasttheatre.org/musical-theatre-intensive.
Summer Camp locations are ECTC, 560 Grand Boulevard (upstairs) in Grand Boulevard at Sandestin in Miramar Beach; Seaside Neighborhood School in Seaside the Amelia Center Theatre Lab at Gulf Coast State College in Panama City.
ECTC’s 2021 Summer Camp line up follows:
Mini Player Camp (ages 5-7, rising kindergarteners)
Designed specifically for our youngest players, our Mini Player camps focus on activities that allow students to explore acting, singing, and movement in an energetic, nurturing environment that fosters creativity and collaboration. Mini Player Camp sessions are May 31-June 4 (“Adventures in Candyland”); June 7-11 (“Disney Dreams”); June 14-18 (“Princes & Princesses”); July 12-16 (“Pirates & Mermaids”); July 19-23 (“Frozen Dreams”). Rehearsals are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to noon at ECTC with a final performance on the last day of camp. Tuition $160 (per weekly session).
“Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” (grades 2-8)
The faithful telling of the beloved fairy tale with roles for both boys and girls. Join us as we bring to life the enchanting tale of the beautiful, gentle Snow White and her jealous stepmother, the Queen. Sent on a perilous journey into the woods, Snow White befriends the forest animals and the delightful seven dwarfs in this classic tale adapted by Kathryn Schultz Miller. Two week-long sessions offered May 31-June 4 and July 5-9 at ECTC. Rehearsals are Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (extended drop off/pick up available) with a final performance on the last day of camp. Tuition $225.
“SpongeBob: The Musical” and “Hamilton”–Musical Teen Cabaret Intensive (grades 6-12)
Musical theater actors improve their craft through training in acting, voice, and movement/dance. This week-long workshop will have master classes in all three skills: activating songs using acting techniques, study of vocal techniques that enhance singing, choreography and movement for the stage. This fun, high-energy workshop will culminate in a fantastic cabaret performance for friends and family. “SpongeBob: The Musical” is May 31-June 4 and Hamilton is July 5-9. Rehearsals are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at ECTC with a final performance on the last day of camp. Tuition $195.
“Camp Showtime: Disney” (grades 2-5)
Let the rhythm get you! Act, sing, and dance your heart out to popular Broadway Disney show tunes as we learn simple choreography to some of the most popular musical numbers; play theater games and screen some classic musicals on film. “Camp Showtime: Disney” is June 7-11 at ECTC and July 5-9 at Seaside Neighborhood School. Rehearsals are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (extended drop off/pick up available) with a final performance on the last day of camp. Tuition $195.
“Puffs: The Play” (grades 7-12)
For Potterphiliacs who grew up alongside Harry Potter and are eager to revisit that world, “Puffs” exudes a jovial, winking fondness for all things Harry. Adventure from the perspective of three potential heroes just trying to make it through a magic school that proves to be very dangerous for children. Teen actors will play many roles while this epic journey takes the classic story to new places and reimagines what a boy wizard hero can be. “Puffs” is June 7-11 at ECTC. Rehearsals are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (extended drop off/pick up available) with a final performance on the last day of camp at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tuition $225.
“Seussical the Musical Jr.” (grades 2-8)
Horton the Elephant, the Cat in the Hat, and all your favorite Dr. Seuss characters spring to life onstage in “Seussical Jr.” Ultimately, the powers of friendship, loyalty, family, and community are challenged and emerge triumphant. “Seussical” is offered June 14-25 at ECTC and June 21-July 2 at Gulf Coast State College. Rehearsals are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (extended drop off/pick up available) for two weeks (skipping Saturday and Sunday) with final performances at 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. the last Friday of camp. Tuition $425 (payments available).
Techies Rule (grades 5-12)
Get hands-on experience with set building, set painting, prop making, stage management and costume construction. This camp is a great introduction to all the behind-the-scenes magic that goes into producing a show. Work alongside ECTC’s technical director, stage manager and costume designer as you learn about everything that happens backstage. Campers will assist with the technical elements of “Seussical Jr.” camp. Techies Rule is June 14-18 from10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at ECTC. Tuition $160.
Space is limited and some camps have already sold out. For the most up to date Summer Camp and public performance schedule and to register, visit the website at www.emeraldcoasttheatre.org.
Film Camp (grades 5-12)
Students learn to write, direct, and act during the process of creating a one-minute film. This is a fun, fast-paced class for any aspiring filmmakers out there—or anyone who loves a good movie. The week ends with an Oscars-style ceremony and screening of everyone’s masterpieces. Film camp is June 28-July 2 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (extended drop off/pick up available) at ECTC. Tuition is $225.
Matilda The Musical (grades 6-12)
Matilda has courage and cleverness in equal amounts, and she could be the school children’s saving grace. This three-week camp will stretch students’ theater skills and grow them as performers. With unforgettable masterclasses in acting, voice, makeup, and dance, students will have the opportunity to work with ECTC’s theater professionals as well as guest artists in this amazing two-act, full-length show. Rehearsals will July 12-30 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with final performances July 30 at 7:30 p.m., July 31 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and August 1 at 2 p.m. Tuition is $750.
Private Vocal Lessons with Peter Lake (grades 5-8)
Peter Lake is an internationally performing opera and musical theater performer and holds a doctorate in vocal performance and pedagogy. Lake welcomes all levels of vocal experience and tailors his lessons and style of teaching to the needs and goals of his students. Schedule individual 4-hour sessions between May 31-July 30. Tuition $240.
Scholarships are available for select summer camps, apply online at www.emeraldcoasttheatre.org/scholarship. Discounts offered for multiple registrations. To register for an ECTC Summer Camp offering, visit www.emeraldcoasttheatre.org or call (850) 684-0323.
ECTC’s 2020-2021 season is made possible with support from Grand Boulevard at Sandestin, St. Joe Community Foundation, Howard Hospitality, and the South Walton Tourist Development Council. The Education Program is made possible with generous support from the Cultural Arts Alliance.
To make a tax-deductible donation, volunteer or learn more about Emerald Coast Theatre Company, find them on Facebook, call (850) 684-0323 and visit www.emeraldcoasttheatre.org.
