This summer, youth will have the opportunity to be inspired by local talent to explore their creativity and surround themselves with fellow thespians. Oak Ridge Junior Playhouse is pleased to connect the theater community by offering this experience to learn in a workshop setting with its summer theater camp for youth from rising third grade through rising 12th.

Adra Cooper, camp director, said her experience with theater with young people has led her to value its positive effects.

“I have seen introverted students, who barely speak or look you in the eye, become talkative and confident young adults after finding confidence on stage,” Cooper said, adding that she thoroughly enjoyed the Oak Ridge Junior Playhouse theater camp last year. “I especially enjoyed watching the kids grow in their confidence.”

Cooper brings a wealth of experience from working with youth as a drama teacher, director, and past camp director, a press release said. Campers will also benefit from the creative talent and love of theater from camp assistants Adam Moreno and Josh Farner. Both young men grew up doing theater in Oak Ridge and Knoxville and are excited to share their enthusiasm with the Playhouse campers, the press release said.

Moreno, assistant camp instructor, was very involved in Oak Ridge High School’s drama group, the Masquers. Adam continued his education and graduated with a degree in theater (specializing in acting) in 2016 from Middle Tennessee State University.

“Theater gives you a number of skills you can’t get in any other one platform,” Moreno said. “It teaches you to work with others (even if you don’t get along), to speak in front of a crowd, to listen to others, to take constructive criticism, and much more.”

Farner, also an assistant camp instructor, was a frequent participant at the Oak Ridge Junior Playhouse growing up both as an actor and as a crew member. Warner currently attends the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, and he is majoring in producing, directing, and playwriting. Farner attended the Oak Ridge Junior Playhouse summer camps himself, so he’s especially excited to return as an instructor. [Read more…]