Running Your Theater: Summer theater kids camps

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Summer theater kids camps

Printed From: Community Theater Green Room
Category: Theater Administration
Forum Name: Running Your Theater
Forum Discription: General questions about how to make it work
URL: http://www.communitytheater.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5328
Printed Date: 11/21/24 at 5:46pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 8.05 - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: Summer theater kids camps

Posted By: stgmngrKim
Subject: Summer theater kids camps
Date Posted: 6/23/12 at 9:42am

I've been volunteering at my local community theater for over 10 years and they have finally agreed to start a summer children's theater camp. I need to submit a proposal to them within the next few months to have it approved and ready to go by next summer. I just don't know where to begin.

I thought I'd start small, two weeks of camp with a limit of 10 to 15 kids. I was thinking one week of production and one week of acting. The theater already has a youth summer production with evening rehearsals but that is just for the kids to perform in a show run by adults. I'm looking at having a camp where the kids learn how to put on a show from start to finish.

I need advice of where to begin and any advice is welcome.

Thanks, Kim

P.S. This is my first post but I've been reading the forums for about 2 weeks and I've already found so much useful information, I'm really happy to have found this forum.

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I have never let my schooling interfere with my education. --Mark Twain

Replies:

Posted By: vickifrank
Date Posted: 8/15/12 at 6:31pm

Your proposal should include scope of program; number of volunteers; what those volunteers do; show to be produced; locations to be used; money and promotion plans. It should also talk about benefits to the kids, community and sponsoring organizations. Talk about educational goals if possible.

To Promote: Start with what is already a success. You have a bunch of kids already in the show run by the adults (the summer production). Pass around a flier there advertising your camp. Specifically ask for kids, friends, and also siblings. See if you can sign up at least your ten. Then post fliers at Parks & Rec and other organizations that offer summer camps and lessons, include churches, boys & girls clubs, swimming pools, gyms, scouts and schools.

Sponsorship: Line up a few sponsors, or set up a required fee to cover costs. Also consider whether this program qualifies for a grant.

Budget: You don't need a high budget, but you need a budget. If you want to keep it very low, consider putting on the rehearsals and shows in a park shelter house/picnic area. Consider just simple costume notes like hats and props. Consider whether set is made, just small pieces like chairs, or rented.

Warning: Never have only one volunteer present to supervise kids--even you. In today's world we need to protect kids from predators and adults from accusations. So have volunteers scheduled by you and present in pairs.

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