Denver Summer Camps

Older Company (ages 8-16)

Thank you for your interest in our 2008 Denver Summer Camps. Now in our fifth year in Denver, we look forward to another exciting summer.

GREAT BREAKING NEWS!
Oliver, Peter Pan, and Broadway sessions will perform at the state of the art Eugenia Rawls Theatre at the Kenneth King Center on the Auraria Campus!
This is a unique and amazing performing opportunity for the young theater artist to perform in one of Colorado's best performing arts venues

Our preferred easiest method of registration is online. Register online now.
If you prefer, you may also call 303-245-8150 during regular business hours.
Register by May 10 (Oliver) & May 17 (Peter Pan) in order to audition!
(Audition deadlines not applicable to sessions 2 & 3).

New This Year! Full Registration Convenience!
Parent Online Accounts!
Print invoices, make payments, complete follow up forms, manage student information, and more. For more information, see parent accounts.

Denver Summer Camp 2008 Schedule

Older Company (ages 8-16)
Monday-Friday 9am-4pm (extended care available)

Denver Camp Session 1: Oliver
Ages 8-16
June 2– 27 (4 weeks)
Performances: June 26– 28 (Thurs – Sat)
“Consider Yourself at Home” with this well loved musical packed with award winning music by Lionel Bart and based on the classic Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens. This show has it all: challenging acting roles, extraordinary music, dynamic choreography and a bittersweet story which will both warm your heart and your mind as you witness the struggles of Oliver and his friends as they push to survive in a hard and difficult world.

Denver Camp Session 2: Broadway in Denver!
The Smash Hit Musical Revue!
Ages 8-12
June 30 - July 11 (2 weeks)
Performances: July 11 & 12 (Fri & Sat)
Music from “The Little Mermaid”, “Lion King”, “Cats”, “Wicked” and “Peter Pan” will be drawn upon to put together our own original Musical Revue complete with a myriad of singing, dancing, and acting opportunities. We will write in scenes to accompany each musical piece to come up with a dynamic and diverse final performance complete with costumes and all! Students will be cast according to age and level so as to keep the more experienced students challenged while still meeting the needs of the beginner performer. Dance genres could include: jazz, tap and modern and students of all experience levels are welcome.

Denver Camp Session 3: Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing & Twelfth Night: A Medley of Scenes for a Summer Evening
Ages 11-17
June 30 - July 11 (2 weeks)
Performances: July 10 & 11 (Thurs & Fri)
We’ve brought two of Shakespeare's most enduring romantic comedies to our stage in the unique form of a theatrical montage. Taking the most striking scenes from each play we will create an interplay between the two works thus creating a dynamic opportunity for our students to all play challenging roles which in turn meet their experience level as well as the chance to explore the comedic genre in more depth. This session is the perfect opportunity for the mature student seeking a challenging and professional performing experience. Daily rehearsals will include an in depth analysis of the works, character study and comparison, physical theater, and stage combat.

Denver Camp Session 4: Peter Pan - A Musical
Ages 8-16
July 14– August 8 (4 weeks)
Performances: August 7-9 (Thurs-Sat)
Fly with us to Neverland where Michael, John and Wendy fight alongside Peter Pan and his lost boys to overcome the evil Captain Hook. This musical captures all the charm of the original story with some new twists. Our diverse cast of characters including mermaids, Indians, and fairies provides delightful opportunities for unique choreography and some true mystical scenes.

How WE'RE DIFFERENT from other camps!!

• We don’t try to do it all! We offer quality youth theater programs and we do it well because that’s all that we do! Our teachers are first and foremost teachers trained by us with a passion for the performing arts.

• We are an equal opportunity program and there are no student “stars”! Each student has an equal shot at the part of their choice.

• Our shows are unique! We train our students to think outside the box by encouraging them to think beyond what they see. We introduce the concepts of magical realism, surrealism, play, and pantomime.

• Low student-teacher ratio of 10:1! We achieve a lot in a short time and do so by keeping our programs well-staffed with a low student-teacher ratio.

• Building a strong non-competitive community is our priority. Sharing circles, trust activities, ensemble work and a sense of ritual accompany all the work we do and the students thrive on it!

What We Do:
We offer intensive summer programs, two 4 week sessions which focus on the work shopping and rehearsal of a full length musical production, which is then performed for the public for several consecutive days. Our two week sessions culminate in more casual performances. To ensure a well rounded and diverse performing arts experience we offer daily “minor” classes as well as extended arts classes (sessions 1 & 4) which may include dance, singing, speech, stage combat, circus skills, technical arts, makeup, or improvisation.

Sessions 1 & 4
(Oliver and Peter Pan)

Camp Infrastructure:
Peer Groups- "Ensuring Intimacy"
On the first day of camp, students will be split into age-based peer groups. Each peer group will meet at the beginning and end of each camp day for check-in, group warm-ups, and basic drama exercises. Peer groups foster an intimacy and camaraderie between students within the larger group. Furthermore, students have a dedicated peer group teacher to whom they can communicate as needed.

Minors - "Diversifying Skills"
Minors are an important component of our program. Each student will choose two "minors" and spend one hour per day in minors during the first three weeks of camp. Choices may include: dance, stage combat, singing, scene study, speech, and improvisation.

Extended Arts Classes- "Staying Active"
Extended arts classes are part of our committment to create an environment in which students stay active every day. We have staff to provide stimulating performing arts classes throughout the day such as creative movement, improvisation, scene study, mask work, storytelling and more.

Camp Daily Schedule:
Below is the daily camp schedule for the first three weeks of the four week camp sessions. The last week of camp is production week and is spent primarily on tech and dress rehearsals.

9:00 - 9:25 - Peer Groups
9:30 - 9:45 - Entire Camp Check In (q&a, announcements, ensemble warm up)
9:45 -10:45 - Minors
10:50 -11:15 - Snack
11:15 - 1:00 - Rehearsal 1
1:00 - 1:45 - Lunch
1:50 - 2:05 - Ensemble Relaxation Activity
2:10 - 3:40 - Rehearsal 2
3:40 - 3:45 - Cleanup
3:45 - 4:00 - Peer Groups (check in, group closing)

Rehearsal 1 and 2 Breakdown:
1. Acting Rehearsal with director - blocking, character development, show rehearsal
2. Dance Choreography
3. Music Rehearsal - learning vocal parts, voice training
4. Extended Arts Curriculum - activities in scene study, acting skills, creative movement, improvisation, masks, and more; activity will rotate from day to day.

Sessions 2 & 3
(Broadway in Denver & Shakespeare)

Camp Infrastructure:
Peer Groups- "Ensuring Intimacy"
On the first day of camp, students will be split into age-based peer groups. Each peer group will meet at the beginning and end of each camp day for check-in, group warm-ups, and basic drama exercises. Peer groups foster an intimacy and camaraderie between students within the larger group. Furthermore, students have a dedicated peer group teacher to whom they can communicate as needed.

Minors - "Diversifying Skills"
Minors are an important component of our program. Each student will choose two "minors" and spend one hour per day in minors during the first three weeks of camp. Choices may include: dance, stage combat, singing, scene study, speech, and improvisation.

Due to the condensed rehearsal time frame of our two week camps, extended arts classes are not offered during sessions 2 & 3.

Camp Daily Schedule:
Below is the daily camp schedule for the first week of the two week camp sessions. The last week of camp is production week and is spent primarily on tech and dress rehearsals.

9:00 - 9:30 - Group Warm-up, Check In, & Announcements
9:30 - 10:30 - Minors
10:30 -11:00 - Snack
11:00 - 12:30 - Rehearsal 1
12:30 - 1:15 - Lunch
1:15 - 1:30- Relaxation Exercise
1:30 - 2:30 - Integrating Process & Technique Class
2:30 - 3:50 - Rehearsal 2
3:50 - 4:00 - Group Closing

Rehearsal 1 and 2 Breakdown:
1. Acting Rehearsal with director - blocking, character development, show rehearsal
2. Dance Choreography
3. Music Rehearsal - learning vocal parts, voice training

Relevant for all sessions:

What Students Learn:
The focus of all our sessions is on work shopping and performing a production. This means the primary focus is on enhancing the performer’s creativity and skill which may include the following:

      • Creating active stage presence
      • Examining character motivation
      • Using stage direction and blocking
      • Enhancing the connection to the body
      • Vocal technique- ear training and expanding vocal range
      • Speech- articulation and projection
      • Dance technique training
      • Using emotional memory as a tool
      • Taking creative risks
 
Mixed Age Groups:
Outside of peer groups, much of the camp day is spent in mixed age groups (ages 8-16). We have found during our experience that when children are taken out of their exclusive peer group they often thrive and make huge creative leaps. This is why: when a younger child of seven or eight is around children a little older than she, she is far less likely to be caught up in the chaotic energy that often comes with exclusive groups of young children. Rather, she is more likely to be interested in what the older students are doing and wanting to model them. The same goes for our older students who are often likely to be caught up in the social model of what it is to look and act "cool". This can sometimes become a huge obstacle in their ability to let go, improvise and really enter a character. When the age group is mixed there is a far less likelihood of this happening. The older students will often take on a mentoring role with many of the younger students and thus the group dynamic becomes balanced and thrives! However, we do make sure that we have several students within each age group to ensure camaraderie, play, and challenge! Please feel free to refer a friend!

Auditions and Casting: (applies to sessions 1 & 4)
Rocky Mountain Theater for Kids is proud of its audition and casting policy. We follow the professional audition model where each student auditions independently for our creative teaching team. Each student has an equal shot at the part of their choice. No student in our program is simply cast in the “Chorus”. Furthermore, we do not cast students based on a “vibe” or seniority with the company nor do we cast in a large group audition format. We are an equal opportunity program. We believe that the audition process literally sets the stage for the entire camp experience

When you register, your child will be assigned an audition slot in order of available times. Note: Auditions are only to determine acting parts in our show and not acceptance into the program; all committed students, beginner and experienced alike, may be in any of our shows. Auditions are 10-15 minutes in length and are mandatory. In the case of a long distance registration, a videotape or DVD of your child should be mailed to us at 5311 Western Ave, Ste D, Boulder, CO 80301. You will receive explicit audition instructions in your registration packet.

A Note on Camp Hours:
Students must be onsite for call time, two hours before each show.

Fees:
Session 1 - Oliver (4 weeks): $1225 (Just $306/week!)
Session 2 - Broadway in Denver (2 weeks): $650(Just $325/week!)
Session 3 - Shakespeare Medley (2 weeks): $650(Just $325/week!)
Session 4 - Peter Pan (4 weeks): $1225 (Just $306/week!)

Fees include:

•   Camp t-shirt
•   Script
•   Musical score (if applicable)
•   Individually fitted costume
•   Daily materials

Camp session 3 (Shakespeare) takes place at Calvary Temple at 200 South University Blvd (Alameda/University) in Denver.

Extended hours are available:
We offer three options. A one week commitment is required.
1. Pre-Care (8:30 - 9:00 am) and After-Care (4:00-5:30 PM) Mon - Fri for a fee of $60 per week.
2. Just After-Care $45 per week.
3. Just Pre-Care - $15 per week

Registration:
Our preferred method of registration is online. You may register online now.
If you prefer, you may also call 303-245-8150 during regular business hours. A non-refundable deposit of 40% of session total fee is due upon registration. All fees are due by April 1. After April 1, we no longer take deposits but full payment only. Payment plans are available as well. Just call the front office at 303-245-8150 and ask for Stuart.


Cancellation Policy: If a cancellation is made before April 1st, we will refund fees paid minus your 40% non-refundable deposit. After April 1, all fees are non-refundable, although partial credit toward future programming may be issued.

Discounts: (one discount per student in addition to early bird)
Register For 2 Sessions: Save $100!
Register For 3 Sessions: Save $200!
Sibling Discount: Save $50 off entire combined tuition!
Early Bird: Save $50/session before February 15 (available online only)

Scholarships / Work Exchange:
We have several RMTK sponsored scholarship and work/exchange opportunities. Scholarships are based on financial need, talent, and committment; they require a student audition. Work exchange opportunities are based on value of work to our production activities. Please feel free to call and request a Scholarship or Work Exchange Packet.

Internships:
We provide internships for students ages 16 & up who are interested in teaching and are dedicated to the performing arts. These are unpaid apprenticeships and require a full session committment. Please forward a letter of interest to Michelle Romeo, our artistic director at info@theaterforkids.net. Intern focuses could include: dance, acting, music, and stage management. Interviews are required.


Thank you for your interest in our programs! We hope to see you on stage this summer! To view other camps return to our summer camp home page.