Camp Broadway helps kids hit all the right notes

By Kristi Casey Sanders

Set the stage, light the lights and prepare for the heights: It’s time for Camp Broadway. From July 30 to Aug. 3, more than 20 young performers between the ages of 11 and 17 will train with New York professionals to learn what it takes to be a professional triple-threat on Broadway.

The Fox Theatre subsidizes a significant portion of the tuition for all students on the basis of need. Half the students pay $550 for camp, and half the campers are provided a full scholarship to attend. “The actual cost per child is $1,000 a week,” says Fox General Manager Allan Vella. “The Fox subsidizes 45 percent of that for half of the students.” Students interested in attending the camp next summer may begin registering, or applying for the need-based scholarships, in January 2008.

“It’s one of the ways we can give back to the community, and encourage young people to attend Broadway shows and expose them to new art forms,” Vella says.

Camp Broadway is based out of New York, where its instructors are trained, and takes place in several cities nationwide. Throughout the week, kids work with professional Broadway performers who teach them two Broadway musical numbers, and help them create an original scene to tie the music together. The end-of-camp performance is presented on the Fox stage for parents and family friends.

The campers also get the chance to see one of the Fox’s Broadway shows. This year, they will attend a final technical rehearsal for Theater of the Star’s The Wizard of Oz , giving them the chance to see how last-minute kinks are worked out of a show before the audience is invited.

“The camp is designed to develop performing skills, boost self-esteem, encourage creativity, enhance appreciation for the arts and develop some life skills,” Vella says. Some alumni of the camp go on to pursue careers in the performing arts. Graduates of the first Camp Broadway (1999) include Milika Floyd, who toured nationally with The Lion King , and Timonte Hood, who is presently touring the world with Sesame Street Live .

But whether the children decide to pursue a career after camp or not, Vella says getting experience in the performing arts has tangible benefits. “I think it helps build confidence; helps build self-esteem. Kids involved in the performing arts become more outgoing. … Kids that perform in the arts do better in math and science … and it helps children become more well-rounded.”

Vella says reaction to the camp is fantastic. “You can see it on their faces, especially when they’re performing. It’s so exciting for them to have this direct exposure to true professionals and to see their creativity shine.”