“Join us–leave your field to flower…”

The opening number of Pippin invites us to “leave our field to flower…come and waste an hour or two…” We are beguiled to suspend disbelief and dwell in Pippin’s soaring songs and blatant, inspiring theatrics. What a glorious way to spend an evening–or matinee! Our investment for all Pippin’s joyful, dramatic bounty are our own ignited imaginations and…some time.

In a world where the internet is a treasure trove of possibilities and, sometimes, outrageous promises, it begs the question: where should we commit our time this summer…or our teen’s or child’s time? A plethora of one week programs abound…The Summer Theatre Camp of Montclair offers two one week programs, as well, that are fast-paced and fun and dynamic and, yes, confidence and skill-building.

But our four week Main Stage Program is where participants walk out with a transformational experience grounded in self-knowledge and a strong sense of theatrical protocol that will serve them in their further theatrical ventures and in their lives. All of this true bounty reaped in four weeks of fun, camaraderie and mentorship by master instructors who are invested in their development.

If you have a teen or tween who loves theatre, perhaps joining us for our Main Stage Program would be an exciting and fruitful way to spend some of their precious summer’s time…we invite you to join us!

Call Artistic Director, Mary Ann Riel, for more information: 973-746-8686.

Has your teen or child been bullied?

It’s awful, isn’t it? Your kind, smart, creative teen or child comes home devastated…others are being mean to him or her, sometimes egregiously so.

No doubt: we live in a world where bullying, now weaponized by social media, can scar a young person’s psyche, sometimes profoundly so.

While we don’t have the magic potion to stop bullying (we wish we did!), we do know that activities that shore up a teen’s or child’s true sense of him or herself can make all the difference in their school and social life.

Our Acting Program fosters self-empowerment both onstage and offstage. We witness every summer how young people thrive, grow and become comfortable in their uniqueness when they are in a safe environment where every single participant is valued, nurtured and mentored appropriately. The skills our camp participants build with us resonate in their future and positively affect many aspects of their lives…and that comes close to being a magic potion to deal with the slings and arrows of bullying. Awareness, self-empowerment and humor are great tools to deflect unkindness! So is a supportive group of friends in an acting camp that is creative and fun…so:

If your teen or child loves performing and could benefit from the support of a dynamic, challenging, respectful and artistic, theatrical environment, contact Mary Ann at 973-746-8686. This is the summer to positively impact your child’s or teen’s self-esteem.

Acting Camp Scholarships Available!

We very much seek to support young people who are interested in Acting and the Performing Arts.

This year, we are offering a variety of different scholarships for our Acting Camp Programs to encourage young people to follow their dreams of performing.

To apply, go to the link ACTING CAMP SCHOLARSHIPS on our home page at stagekids.us. Follow the instructions and apply before April 30.

If you have any questions, please feel free to email Artistic Director, Mary Ann Riel at maryann@stagekids.us or call 973-746-8686.

See you On Stage!

Acting Camp Summer 2017

You can accomplish by kindness what you cannot by force. Publilius Syrus

https://centerhealthyminds.org/news/at-the-intersection-of-kindness-and-science-center-team-gets-to-sesame-street

As our staff prepares for a summer of Theatre Games, Play Rehearsal, Acting, Singing, Dancing, Movement and Improv, we take moments in our day to reflect upon the goals we want to achieve here at The Summer Theatre Camp of Montclair.

It goes without saying that skill-building in the areas of Performance is a main goal. We want all our camp participants to gain Performing Skill and Confidence…and in our experience spanning 30 years of summer programs, they do!

Another goal is friendship. Because we are now dealing with the wonders of technology and its darker side of disconnecting us from each other, we want our participants to revel in the real time, real life sweetness of connecting with each other. Oh, the friendships that are made here and that span the years. Our staff is awed and pleased that these friendships remain so faithful and meaningful throughout our past participants’ lives.

Last, but not least: We are true believers in the healing power of Theatre Work! Understanding and compassion are the natural outgrowths of our work. We believe that is why theatre artists can be so sensitive, intuitive and caring. What say you?

Registration for The Summer Theatre Camp of Montclair is going on now for Ages 12-16 and 8-11 and for our very youngest Little  Summer Stars, ages 5-7.

Call 973-746-8686 for more information. stagekids.us and stageteens.us

 

DRAMA STUDENTS OUTPERFORM NON-ARTS PEERS ON SAT TESTS!

As if Fun, Camaraderie, Boosted Self-Esteem are not reasons enough for Young People to  strut their stuff, add enhanced S.A.T. scores to the list of many benefits awaiting your Teen or Child, when she or he gets involved in a great theatre program.

What follows below is an excerpt from the article describing the S.A.T. findings . For those interested in how this information could benefit your Teen or Child, here is the link to the entire article: http://www.aate.com/benefits-of-theatre-ed

DRAMA STUDENTS OUTPERFORM NON-ARTS PEERS ON SAT TESTS
The College Entrance Examination Board reported student scores from 2001, 2002, 2004, and 2005 using data from the Student Description Questionnaire indicating student involvement in various activities, including the arts. As compared to their peers with no arts coursework or involvement:

  • Students involved in drama performance scored an average of 65.5 points higher on the verbal component and 35.5 points higher in the math component of the SAT
  • Students who took courses in drama study or appreciation scored, on average, 55 points higher on verbal and 26 points higher on math than their non-arts classmates.
  • In 2005, students involved in drama performance outscored the national average SAT score by 35 points on the verbal portion and 24 points on the math section.
  • Registration for The Summer Theatre Camp of Montclair is in full swing. Sign up at www.stageteens.us or www.stagekids.us Call Artistic Director, Mary Ann Riel at 973-746-8686 for more information.

“No matter how cliché it may sound, you will never truly be successful and to you learn to get beyond your self. Empathy and kindness are the true signs of emotional intelligence.” ~ Will Ferrell

What predicts future success more than any other part of your child’s or teen’s life? High test scores? Great athletic prowess? Model good looks? Surprisingly, these traits, in and of themselves, don’t guarantee a successful life.

It is Emotional Intelligence that, by far, a greater predictor of success.

Emotional Intelligence encompasses four abilities:

1.To Perceive Emotion

2. Use Emotion

3. Understand Emotion

4. Manage one’s emotions.

The studies tell us that Theatre Work exponentially enhances these abilities.

Whether it is a school play, after school workshop or summer camp program, young people who immerse themselves in theatre work gain both life and work skills that predict future success.

Stagework, developing a character and interacting with others in a supportive, personal manner creates understanding and compassion that is experienced profoundly by a young person in the collaborative process of a cherished and shared artistic goal: The Play!

So, while sports, beauty, brains and brawn don’t hurt, a young person is very greatly served by spending some time onstage. A great reason for a parent to consider Acting Camp? We think so!

http://education.unimelb.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0019/1105822/rauker.pdf

Acting Methods informed the development of our Emotional Intelligence workshops – Ralf Rauker

 

 

 

 

 

Acting Camp 2017

Camp Season 2017 is up and ready for Registration!

We are now in our 30th year and our Theatre Season is full of drama, comedy, music and dance.

Call Artistic Director Mary Ann Riel to schedule a tour of the camp site.

Early Bird Registration now until February 28th! Don’t miss out!

What’s Great About Fall? Scene Study Class 2015!

It’s ba-ack! Rustling leaves kicked beneath children’s new school shoes, blazing Mums, portly pumpkins perched on porches beckoning to the warmth within: FALL!

Can’t you feel the racing anticipation in the brisk air? Shakespeare calls this “teeming Autumn, big with rich increase…”

Everything about Fall is grand and Showy, her theatricality peaking in a chaos of scarlet, orange and yellow to rival neon’s boldest palette!

Beautiful and evocative, Fall is the perfect time to be a part of our joyful and challenging Scene Study Class.

Culminating in a New York City Performance, our Fall and Spring Scene Study Classes have a long and distinguished reputation for turning out fine performances and inspiring young actors to their personal best.

If one is preparing for College Auditions, Scene Study Class provides the strong perspective and focus to compete for a spot in a worthy B.F.A. Acting Program.

Yes, now is the time to commit boldly to one’s own inner drama whilst working with friends to create a warm bonfire of creativity and friendship! Dramatic? You betcha!

Don’t miss out–register today! 973-746-8686