Theater camps aplenty for kids
By Bob Craig Post-Tribune correspondent
A few roles are still open in "A Midsummer Night's Dream."
The Chicago Street Theatre in Valparaiso is offering theater camps this summer for children of all ages.
Camps include Introducing the Theatre, Creative Characters, Audition Workshops, Theater Games, a Puppet Workshop, and the exciting Be Backstage!
A few spots remain for the popular Shakespeare Workshop, which focuses on Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” In this workshop, students will be cast in roles and learn all aspects of production, including iambic pentameter, use of language, historical references to clothing, style and behavior.
A “Yard Show” also will be a part of the production, giving students the opportunity to recreate the atmosphere of The Globe Theatre of Shakespeare’s time by performing as jugglers, clowns and vendors. Performances at Central Park Plaza are planned.
The intensive six-week workshop is geared toward 14- to 18-year-olds, but consideration will be given to middle school students with theater experience.
Registration forms are available at the theater or online at www.chicagostreet.org by clicking the Education link followed by the Summer Camps tabs. For more information, email Lisa Formosa-Parmigiano at lisafp@chicagostreet.org.
The Chicago Street Theatre is at 154 W. Chicago St.
Broadway Bootcamp
In Chesterton, the 4th Street Theater is offering Broadway Bootcamp for children ages 6-12.
Instructors Keri and Daniel Castro will lead the camp in a musical adaptation of Frank L. Baum’s “The Wizard of Oz.”
This is a one-week intensive musical theater camp where youngsters will learn the fundamentals of acting, singing and dancing. There will be two sessions available: July 30-Aug. 3 and Aug. 6-10. The students will perform the show for their parents and family members.
The camp will be held at the theater, 125 N. 4th St. For more information, call 331-4028 or go to bootcamp.kerianddanny.com .
‘Triumph of Love’
The Memorial Opera House has changed its season lineup to include a production of the musical “Triumph of Love.” Jeff DeBoer will direct the show and Mary Herrod will be the vocal director.
Auditions for the show, which will run Aug. 3-12, will be held at 7 p.m. June 18 and 20 at the Opera House. Those auditioning are asked to bring a prepared 16-bar selection.
Written by James Magruder, with music by Jeffrey Stock and lyrics by Susan Birkenhead, “Triumph of Love” is based on a play by Marivaux.
Love can make a woman do strange things: lie about her past, give up her career, cast off her crown and disguise herself as a young man to go after the young prince she’s admired from afar and who is secretly plotting to steal her throne. The tongue-in-cheek musical is set in 18th century France.
The cast calls for four men and three women. The Memorial Opera House is at 104 Indiana Ave., Valparaiso. Call 548-9137 for information.
The musical originally scheduled to run in the August slot, “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” will be presented in December.