Registration is open for Chicago Street Summer Camps, a diverse group of programs that covers a wide range of age groups and ability levels.
Lisa Formosa-Parmigiano, Chicago Street Theatre Director of Education, said popularity has grown exponentially since camps were first offered in 2009. That year, three camps were available, while this summer 10 will be offered.
“The response has been extremely favorable and, due to many comments, I have added to and altered the curriculum,” Formosa-Parmigiano said. “Last summer, we had over 80 enrollments and several of those were students who attended more than one camp.”
Camps are available for kindergarteners all the way through seniors in high school, covering everything from theatre games to character development to a playwright program to a Shakespeare workshop.
Several new camps will be offered this summer as well, including Introducing Stage Craft, Camp Improv and a Clowning Workshop. An Apprentice Program is also being reinstated, along with Booth Camp and Be Backstage, all of which allow children and teens to learn about the technical aspects of theater.
“These behind-the-scenes programs also set up a tiered evaluation program in which campers can begin by being a lighting and/or sound technician and progress to the level of design intern,” Formosa-Parmigiano said. “It’s a truly wonderful program.”
Along with Formosa-Parmigiano, the camp staff consists of Peyton Daley, who also teaches at Chicago’s Second City, Braden Cleary who began as an intern while still in high school and has progressed to teaching the Shakespeare Workshop on his own, and current intern Auriel Lark Felsecker.
Formosa-Parmigiano explained that many of the campers have returned to continue their theater education during camps throughout the year, as well as coming back each summer.
“Research has shown that studying theatre promotes individual growth, boosts self-confidence and self-esteem, along with teaching professionalism and teamwork,” she said. “It also encourages new friendships with like-minded peers, providing an opportunity to find a place they ‘fit in.’ I believe our instructors and the Children’s Theatre Works programs teaches all of these, along with a love of creative expression, and an appreciation for theatre arts.”
Camps begin June 4 and run through July 27. To see a full list of summer camps, along with descriptions, visit www.chicagostreet.org. Parents and guardians can register their children through the Web site. They can also call 219-464-1636 for more information.
About Chicago Street Theatre
Chicago Street Theatre is a 130-seat theatre located at 154 W. Chicago Street in Valparaiso. It features brand new stadium seating, which makes it an incredible space to enjoy live theatre. For more information about the theatre, visit www.chicagostreet.org or call 219-464-1636.