Our curriculum is designed to meet campers at their individual skill levels, working to cultivate confidence and nurture an understanding of the theatre arts through hands-on experience and exploration.
The CTS staff is composed of working theatrical and educational professionals, many with multiple years serving CTS. These dedicated and devoted artists work to develop the same passion in the campers they teach. From Shakespeare to Swan Lake to Sondheim, we strive to instill in our campers a sense of understanding of the theatre arts and all they stand for; a safe and welcoming environment for people of all ages and backgrounds is indeed one of our top objectives.
JUNIOR DIVISION (coed, grades 2-8)The Greek Theatre provides the location for classes, rehearsals and performances with St. Dunstan’s Playhouse offering a second stage, rehearsal space and administrative headquarters for the school. The Junior Division is afforded a variety of curriculum options and offers excellent and competitive programming.
IMPROV & WORKSHOPS
Week 1 of CTS offers Junior Division campers exposure to a variety of theatre arts. Campers have the opportunity to focus on improv basics and theatre games. While utilizing such important concepts and listening, supporting, and teamwork, campers are encouraged to learn verbal and non-verbal expression, build body awareness, and boost self-confidence. Storytelling, acting, and comedy skills are surely enhanced! Campers will also cultivate a deeper understanding in areas such as storytelling, mask work, audition technique, character movement, dance, acting the song, costume design, and more. Attention is paid to camper skill and experience level and workshops are assigned to meet and challenge both newcomers and returning campers.
AND…SCENE!
And…Scene! offers the CTS Junior Division Camper training in classic theater skills as well as immersing campers in all aspects of developing a theatrical performance. Campers are divided by age into class groups that study, in depth, each of the three classic theatre disciplines (acting, dance, and voice). This class work is developed into “works in progress” which are then performed weekly during the evenings of the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th weeks of camp. These evening showcase performances (free admission) have become highlights of the summer for our campers and their families.
PAGE TO STAGE
This program offers the CTS Junior Division Camper focused rehearsals for the final capstone productions, full length pieces from the American Musical Theatre canon, to be performed live on two evenings during week 7 of camp. All campers perform in final shows, and separate shows are chosen for both elementary and middle school age range. Campers also have the opportunity to participate in backstage jobs and scenic design where appropriate. Our final shows are fully costumed with sets and other technical elements and are truly exceptional!
CLASSICS
New for 2020! Week 8 of CTS offers Junior & Senior Division Campers exposure to “the classics;” campers will focus on one of the following: Shakespeare, Choral Singing, or Ballet & Movement. This intensive week gives the camper an opportunity to explore, in depth, one of the classic art forms dating back hundreds of years and helping to shape culture all over the world. This intensive work will be performed during the evening of Thursday, August 6 at 7:00pm for parents and the community.
CLASSICS Shakespeare Intensive: "Good night, good night! Parting is such sweet sorrow, That I shall say good night till it be morrow." Diving into the world of one of the most celebrated playwrights in history: William Shakespeare! Among other great perks, campers will have the opportunity to utilize voice and movement work to transform into Shakespeare’s characters, learn and employ text analysis to unravel the beauty and truth of this text’s meaning, develop fundamental acting skills, and learn basic stage combat. Attention is paid to camper skill and experience level and groups are assigned to meet and challenge both newcomers and returning campers.
CLASSICS Choral Intensive: Happiness is singing in a choir! Campers will receive instruction on proper (healthy!) breathing techniques, melody and rhythm, tone, and choral singing skills. Campers will learn songs and games related to singing. Attention is paid to camper skill and experience level and groups are assigned to meet and challenge both newcomers and returning campers. Repertoire will be tailored to the size and experience of the ensemble(s). Sight reading is encouraged, as is some experience performing in a vocal ensemble.
CLASSICS Ballet & Movement Intensive: It has been said that “dance is the hidden language of the soul.” Campers, while encouraged to explore their own creativity, will learn proper technique and enjoy the expression of dance as an art form. There are few better ways to learn discipline at a young age than by participating in ballet. Fundamentals and terminology will be discussed and employed. CLASSICS Ballet & Movement also serves as a great way to keep current dancers involved in dance over the summer and help prepare them for the fall season. Attention is paid to camper skill and experience level and groups are assigned to meet and challenge both newcomers and returning campers.
While CTS recommends campers participate in the full 8 weeks, half and partial sessions are available. See details on right/bottom.
SENIOR DIVISION (coed, grades 9-12)
While the CTS Senior Division indeed utilizes The Greek Theatre to provide a location for classes, rehearsals and performances, we also refer to the Kingswood Auditorium as “home base.” This excellent space nestled in the heart of the CEC campus has proven to be an exceptional place to explore and learn. CTS Senior Division Campers are afforded intensive one-on-one work with staff. Any specific requests for study are given priority whenever possible. The Senior Division is afforded a variety of curriculum options and offers excellent and competitive programming.
IMPROV & WORKSHOPS with AUDITION & PORTFOLIO
Like the Junior Division, Week 1 of CTS offers Senior Division campers exposure to a variety of theatre arts. Campers have the opportunity to focus on improv basics and utilize such important concepts as listening, supporting, and teamwork. Campers are encouraged to learn verbal and non-verbal expression, build body awareness, and boost self-confidence. Storytelling, acting, and comedy skills are surely enhanced! Campers will also cultivate a deeper understanding in areas such as storytelling, character movement, dance, acting the song, and more. Attention is paid to camper skill and experience level and workshops are assigned to meet and challenge both newcomers and returning campers.
In addition, Week 1 of CTS offers Senior Division campers exposure to training in audition techniques. Campers learn performance readiness skills, practice the process and understanding of the art of the audition, and strengthen techniques in acting, dancing, and singing. Campers are encouraged explore and select at least one of each of the following for their portfolio:
- Contemporary Monologue
- Dramatic Monologue
- Contemporary Musical Theatre Vocal Audition Cut
- Classical Musical Theatre Vocal Audition Cut
- Audition Dance Sequence
- Professional Headshot
AND…SCENE!
And…Scene! offers the CTS Senior Division Camper training in classic theater skills as well as immersing campers in all aspects of developing a theatrical performance. Campers study, in depth, each of the three classic theatre disciplines (acting, dance, and voice). This class work is developed into “works in progress” which are then performed weekly during the evenings of the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th weeks of camp. These evening showcase performances (free admission) have become highlights of the summer for our campers and their families. Campers also have the opportunity to refine and perform their selections from “Audition/Portfolio” session during this time.
PAGE TO STAGE
This program offers the CTS Senior Division Camper focused rehearsals for the final capstone productions, full length pieces from the American Musical Theatre canon, to be performed live on two evenings during week 7 of camp. All campers perform in final shows. Campers also have the opportunity to participate in backstage jobs and scenic design where appropriate, and are given stage management duties for the Junior Division productions. Our final shows are fully costumed with sets and other technical elements and are truly exceptional!
CLASSICS
New for 2020! Week 8 of CTS offers Junior & Senior Division Campers exposure to “the classics;” campers will focus on one of the following: Shakespeare, Choral Singing, or Ballet & Movement. This intensive week gives the camper an opportunity to explore, in depth, one of the classic art forms dating back hundreds of years and helping to shape culture all over the world. This intensive work will be performed during the evening of Thursday, August 6 at 7:00pm for parents/family and the community.
CLASSICS Shakespeare Intensive: "Good night, good night! Parting is such sweet sorrow, That I shall say good night till it be morrow." Diving into the world of one of the most celebrated playwrights in history: William Shakespeare! Among other great perks, campers will have the opportunity to utilize voice and movement work to transform into Shakespeare’s characters, learn and employ text analysis to unravel the beauty and truth of this text’s meaning, develop fundamental acting skills, and learn basic stage combat. Attention is paid to camper skill and experience level and groups are assigned to meet and challenge both newcomers and returning campers.
CLASSICS Choral Intensive: Happiness is singing in a choir! Campers will receive instruction on proper (healthy!) breathing techniques, melody and rhythm, tone, and choral singing skills. Campers will learn songs and games related to singing. Attention is paid to camper skill and experience level and groups are assigned to meet and challenge both newcomers and returning campers. Repertoire will be tailored to the size and experience of the ensemble(s). Sight reading is encouraged, as is some experience performing in a vocal ensemble.
CLASSICS Ballet & Movement Intensive: It has been said that “dance is the hidden language of the soul.” Campers, while encouraged to explore their own creativity, will learn proper technique and enjoy the expression of dance as an art form. There are few better ways to learn discipline at a young age than by participating in ballet. Fundamentals and terminology will be discussed and employed. CLASSICS Ballet & Movement also serves as a great way to keep current dancers involved in dance over the summer and help prepare them for the fall season. Attention is paid to camper skill and experience level and groups are assigned to meet and challenge both newcomers and returning campers.
While CTS recommends campers participate in the full 8 weeks, half and partial sessions are available. See details on right/bottom.