Summer WILL come. Right? And with summer comes ‘camp’. And what could be more fun than to ‘camp’ out with Grand Rapids Players for 3 weeks in June to immerse oneself in the magical world of theatre! Registration is officially open! This popular summer theatre camp program returns for its 19 th year. With 26 productions under their belt, this summer’s program promises to be equally as good and fun as the past. In keeping with tradition, this year’s program includes 2 options. Kids who love to sing and dance will have a blast performing in Disney’s Finding Nemo, JR., from Music Theatre International, with the afternoon session designed for kids who want to focus on character development. Knock, Knock! from Stage Partners, Stamford, CT, is a rapid-fire comedy that delivers hilarity and surprises behind every door!
Marlin, an anxious and over-protective clownfish, lives in the Great Barrier Reef with his kid Nemo, who longs to explore the world beyond their anemone home. But when Nemo is captured and taken to Sydney, Marlin faces his fears and sets off on an epic adventure across the ocean. With the help of optimistic Dory, laid-back sea turtle Crush, and the supportive Tank Gang, Marlin and Nemo both overcome challenges on their journey to find each other and themselves. Finding Nemo JR. brings a vibrant underwater world to life on stage in a story full of family, friendship, and adventure and includes memorable songs such as “Just Keep Swimming”, Fish are Friends Not Food,” and “Go With the Flow.”
The afternoon session, “Knock, Knock!” from Stage Partners, Stamford, CT, invites you into the life of a courier. What could happen when you deliver packages? Anyone might be behind your next door, from your elementary school teacher to a burglar on the job. Jaded veteran Logan thinks she’s seen it all, while newbie Sam is convinced attitude is everything. The only sure thing in this job? They’re both going to be surprised! This play is written by Jason Pizzarello and Kathryn Funkhouser, the same 2 authors who wrote last year’s production When Bad Things Happen to Good Actors and promises to be equally as funny!
Theatre education is woven into every day’s class, including character development, stage presence, vocal dynamics, improv, stage directions/blocking, and many more! “And to make this program more enticing,” Marty informed, “We’ve even got something for those who want to work behind the scenes!!
Sharon Marty, program coordinator and one of the directors, will be joined, once again, by veteran director Jean Goad, director of Beauty and the Beast for Grand Rapids Community Theatre in 2017, has been a summer camp director since 2013. She noted, “I am so excited for this summer’s camp. There are so many delightful characters, many vocal solos, and great opportunities for all of us to help with sets, props and costumes. I look forward to seeing our veteran performers return and welcoming the newcomers. It’s always so much fun!”
New to the team is GRHS graduate, Anna Kopacek who will be the vocal director. “I’m thrilled to be part of the team. As someone with 7 years of experience in the Players’ program, I’m confident that this year will be another great experience. It’s a great program for building confidence, engaging in the arts, and creating lasting friendships, memories and more!”
According to program coordinator, and one of the directors, Sharon Marty, “In our first 10 years, we offered just 1 option and that was always a musical. As our program grew in popularity and enrollment and our stakeholders expressed an interest, we expanded our program to offer 2 options with the second selection being a straight play. This option, introduced 9 years ago, opened the door for those kiddos who wanted to focus more on character development. Each year we get more and more who pack a lunch, register for both sessions and stay all day!” “But hold on!”, Marty added. “There’s more. Not interested in performing but interested in working behind-the-scenes? We’ve even got something for you, too!! This camp offers opportunities for kids to experience backstage management that includes organizing props, working the fly system, stage setting, and wardrobe design!” Marty concluded, “Grand Rapids Players’ summer camp is dedicated to ensuring that all participants are actively involved throughout the 3-week time frame. Everyone receives a speaking assignment and will be involved in wardrobe development, props procurement, set design, and more. Our program builds character through character-building.”
Finding Nemo,JR is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI) with music and lyrics by Kristen Anderson Lopez and Robert Lopez, book adapted by Lindsay Anderson, music and orchestrations adapted/arranged by Myrna Conn and based on the 2003 Disney/Pixar film Finding Nemo that was written by Andrew Stanton, Bob Peterson, David Reynolds and directed by Andrew Stanton.
The 19 th edition of Grand Rapids Players Summer Theatre Kids Camp runs from June 10-29, Monday through Friday and concludes with 2 public performances (June 28,29) and is underwritten by Northview Bank, Oak Hill Assisted Living, Park State Bank, and a generous contribution from an anonymous donor. Visit grplayers.com, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for updates, vocal tracks, registration, scholarship information, and more.
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