Out of the Classroom, Into the Spotlight
When McClelland Elementary student Ella Ashcraft (pictured above) heard there was a theatre camp she could take part in as a young student, she was all in.
“I thought it would be fun and a good way to make friends,” Ella said.
It has turned out to be that, and much more.
“I would say the benefits she has received from taking part in the camps include a better understanding of working with others and learning to support others who are also trying new things,” said Ella’s mother, Michelle Goodman. “With each camp she takes part in, she becomes more confident and comfortable with learning her parts and participating in the performances.”
Ella is one of hundreds of students who have been part of the Wayne Township Community Theatre (WTCT) camp program since it started more than a decade ago. In 2008, WTCT introduced its Kids’ Summer Theatre Camps program as a way to provide theatre enrichment following a highly successful production of “Honk, Jr.” which featured more than 50 area children. Since then, the program has grown to offer camps during spring, summer and fall breaks. This fall, students will take part in a production of “Once Upon a Shoe,” a one-act play by Joseph Robinette.
“I love getting to know the students and watching them grow throughout the week and from year to year,” said Craig Underwood, who has been WTCT’s artistic director since 2016. He says the theatre camps are indeed a way for students to make friends and create memories. He also says the week-long camps help students build confidence and develop a variety of skills.
“It’s amazing what they do in a week,” said Mr. Underwood. “Just this summer one of our original campers from 2008 came up to me at our summer production of ‘Shrek’ to let me know that they have many fond memories of their time in our camps and now teach theatre camps themselves.”
Past theatre camp productions have included “The Wizard of Oz,” “Charming,” and “Super Happy Awesome News.” Each camp is led by a teaching artist, blending instructional and performance opportunities.
“We try to keep the students engaged during the school breaks,” said Mr. Underwood. “Theatre is all about teamwork and working outside your comfort zone. We do this while putting together a show. It’s also important to us that it is an affordable option for the week.”
WTCT’s 2022 fall break play camp is already sold out, but the campers’ performance of “Once Upon a Shoe” will take place Friday, October 14 at 3:30 p.m. and is open to the public (enter at Door 2, Ben Davis High School). For more information on WTCT camps, please visit tinyurl.com/WTEFcamps.
ABOUT THE WAYNE TOWNSHIP EDUCATION FOUNDATION
The Wayne Township Education Foundation (WTEF) provides community leadership to enrich, engage, and stimulate teaching and learning in the Metropolitan School District of Wayne Township. WTEF accomplishes this by supporting school programs and resources, while recognizing excellence among students and staff. To learn more about WTEF, call 317-988-7966, visit wtef.wayne.k12.in.us, or follow us on Facebook or Twitter @WayneTwpEdFound.
