The dates for Theater Camp 2025 will be announced
in early spring.
What is Theater Camp?
We are so excited to host Theater Camp again this summer! Theater Camp is a two-week version of what has been happening in Arena Theater for half a century, and we are so excited to share it with young theater makers. Arena Theater's theater ensemble, Workout, has been around for 50 years and practices theater through ensemble-based games and exercises. As an ensemble, we produce three shows each year. We seek to serve Christ and others as we make theatrical stories and are thrilled to be offering this program to the community.
Who will lead it?
Under the supervision of the program director, Andy Mangin, our summer kids camp will be led by recent grad Lilia Smith ('20) who combines a love of theater, kids, and God. Her infectious energy and humor create a wonderful environment for creating and exploring. Lilia will be assisted by undergrads and recent grads from Arena Theater. For more about Lilia, please see below.
Currently, the camp is for students entering 5th grade up to 10th grade. In future years, we hope to expand the program for kids of all ages. Space is limited so please register as soon as you can.
What will the days look like?
Our days will be full! During our 3 hours together, students will learn:
- theater games and exercises
- vocal and physical warm up exercises
- vocal and physical techniques for storytelling and character building
- acting styles using scripted scenes and improvisation
- story-building techniques
Students will collaborate in small and large groups, using their newfound skills, to devise a unique piece of ensemble theater created entirely by the students. On the final day of camp, they will present what they have devised. Family and friends are invited to join us as audience members.
The dates for Theater Camp 2025 will be announced in early 2025. Camp is weekdays from 9am-12pm. Cost for the two weeks is $350.
Payment is due at the time of registration. For more information, please contact Andy Mangin at andy.mangin@wheaton.edu
More on Lilia
"I am a Workout grad from the class of 2020. I have spent three years in different teaching capacities (whether that be teaching K-12th youth theater with React Theater in Indianapolis, teaching a Pre-K class, or multiple youth theater summer camps all over Indiana). I am currently an actress in downtown Chicago. You might have seen me in recent productions of Shakespeare in the Park here in Wheaton! I’ll be there again this year. I am learning how to bake bread (I missed that bandwagon during the quarantine but I’m jumping on now), and I love exploring different ways we can foster the growth of confidence and self-empowerment in youth through theatre."