Adaire Theatre kick-starting 2021 season with summer camps
You’ve seen it and experienced it. The pandemic put a lot of things in a pickle, including the arts. Adaire Theatre, just like all businesses, felt the effects but with COVID restrictions lifted, Adaire Theatre is excited to once again connect the community with live theatre. And they’re kicking their new season off with two summer camps for kids.
Keith McCoy, associate artistic director, said last year Adaire Theatre had to shift its summer camps online. But with that, Adaire Theatre made the most out of the situation and was able to offer three camp sessions instead of one.
This year, the camp sessions will return to in-person, are two weeks long, and will end with a performance for everyone to come out and see.
“I think it’s important that when our campers perform, the whole community gets a chance to see the talent that’s right in their hometown,” Payne, producing artistic director, said.
The first camp session is July 5 – 16. Students will be learning the music and choreography to perform “Moana JR,” based off the 2016 Disney movie. “Moana” is about a girl who sails across the Pacific Ocean to save her village and learn about her heritage.
“This is a great show because it puts an emphasis on being brave and courageous, which are things we want to instill in our students,” Payne said.
The second camp is July 19 – 30. In this camp, students will be preparing to perform, “Peter Pan.”
“It’s such a timeless, classic story. How can you not love a good adventure with pirates, battles, and fairies? No matter how old you get, it’s just one of those stories you still love, “ McCoy said.
The camps are for kids in second – 12th grade. The cost is $275. They will be held at the Pulaski Elks Lodge on 8 West Main Street, Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Campers should bring lunch with them every day, wear tennis shoes, clothes appropriate to play in, and bring a water bottle.
“For the most part, kids haven’t been able to get out as much, so this will get them up and active and socializing; and let’s be honest, give parents a bit of a break during the day, too,” Payne said.
The “Moana JR” performance will take place Saturday, July 17, at 7 p.m.
“Peter Pan” will be performed, Saturday, July 31 at 7 p.m.
Both performances will take place at the Elks Lodge.
“There are many kids who are already signed up, but we still have room for more. We want to make sure every kid has an opportunity to shine on the stage and be a part of something that’s going to be really fun,” McCoy said.
To register for either camp, visit adairetheatre.org/camps.
By Neesey Payne for Adair Theatre