Students Josh Cormany of Knoxville, then 15, and Lauren McCoig of Oak Ridge, then 12, perform a scene at the 2014 Oak Ridge Junior Playhouse Theater Camp showcase.
(Photo by Suzanne McNeil)
By Betsy Abernathy
The Oak Ridge Junior Playhouse is preparing for its annual summer program for young people interested in theater. The Oak Ridge Junior Playhouse Theater Camp will run from June 6 through June 17, from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. each weekday. The camp is open to rising third through rising 12th graders and will be held in the studios of the Dance Centre of Oak Ridge, which is at 108 East Division Road in Oak Ridge. On the last day of camp, the participants will present a workshop showcase on the Oak Ridge Playhouse stage.
Former campers, many of whom continue to be involved in theater at their schools and communities, speak highly of the summer program. Josh Cormany, 17, of Knoxville, who stage managed the recent Junior Playhouse production of “The Snow Queen,” recommends the camp to kids interested in theater.
“My favorite thing about the Playhouse Theater Camp is that you get to have fun and learn about theater in a friendly and nonjudgmental environment,” Cormany said. “The camp is so enjoyable because you can just be yourself.”
Another former participant, 14-year old Maria Hudson of Knoxville, has also continued her involvement in theater.
“I think (the Oak Ridge Playhouse Theater Camp) is a good starting point and a good place to learn more about theater, because you’re working with professionals,” Hudson said. “For someone new to theater, it’s really neat to be on the Oak Ridge Playhouse stage for the final performance.”
The Playhouse stage has also become familiar to Maggie Keener, 14, of Knoxville, who attended the camp two years ago and has been in several of Oak Ridge Playhouse productions since then.
“My favorite things (about the summer camp) were meeting new people and getting to work with them,” Keener said. “I enjoyed it a lot.”
The two-week program costs $225 per student; a $25 discount per family is available for season subscribers. To register or for more information, visit the Oak Ridge Playhouse website at www.orplayhouse.com, call camp registrar Amy Souleyrette at (865) 482-4003, or e-mail juniorplayhouse@orplayhouse.com.
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