ACLO Kids-Summer Theater Camp - Enhancing Life Skills Through Theatre
ACLO Kids Camp is a summer program for children 7-14 years old that enhances life skills through theater while furthering the child’s appreciation, interest and understanding of the performing arts. ACLO will be offering two 2-week sessions which includes a special performance showcasing your child’s accomplishments in a full length mini-musical. Camp hours are 9:00 am to 3:30 pm and after care is available up to 5:30 at additional cost. (On performance days, the children have a regular session day and then return at 5:00 at the performance location.) Tuition: $500 for each two-week session.
Location: Classes will be held at The Immanuel Lutheran Church - 1910 Santa Clara Ave, Alameda. Performances will be held at the Alameda High School Little Theater-2200 Central Avenue, Alameda
(located at Walnut and Central).
Session One June 22-July 3: Cinderella A-Go-Go
(Performance at 6:00 on July 2-The Alameda High School Little Theater)
Session Two July 13-July 24: Parry Hotter and the Wand Of Randomness
(Performance at 6:00pm on July 23- The Alameda High School Little Theater)
Please contact Angela Lazear at ACLOkids@aclo.com or 1-800-321-5297 if have additional questions.
GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT ACLO KIDS CAMP-The primary focus of ACLO’s Kids Camp is to enhance life skills through your child’s love and appreciation of the performing arts.
Through the process of preparing for their performance, each child learns first hand what can be accomplished through team work and collaboration. ACLO Kids Camp does not follow a regimented rehearsal schedule focused solely on the outcome of the performance. Instead, its balanced curriculum allows your child to enhance their important interpersonal, motivational, and concentration skills as well as improving performing arts related skills which they then apply at their performance.
Camp consists of a structured curriculum in which students actively participate in preparing for their production while participating in all areas of theater including acting, dancing, singing, technical and other design related elements.
Students participate in theater games which encourage confidence, team work, language skills, creativity and growth in theater related disciplines.
Students research the historical background of their performance and learn to apply their knowledge towards a better understanding of their performance material.
The instructors will set up an open house meeting for all parents and children enrolled in the summer program. You will be able to meet your instructors, ask questions and see the studio where the camp will be held.
ABOUT THE FINAL PERFORMANCE-ACLO Kids Camp performs original musicals written by Barret Lindsey-Steiner specifically created for children ages 7-14.
The material focuses on subject matter that children can easily relate and understand and is often humorous in nature. ACLO Kids Camp does not perform material that is written for adult performers.
The lyrics and dialogue used in ACLO Kid’s Camp productions challenge your child’s memorization and vocabulary skills while still allowing them to understand and enjoy the material.
Every script is adapted to accommodate the number of students enrolled in each individual session and allows every child to have their “special moment” where they can show off the skills and hard work they have applied during the camp.
Every script has characters that range from lead to supporting roles. The children are cast in the roles using an informal audition process which allows the children to be placed in the roles best suited to their performing. The audition processes is executed in a very friendly and non-threatening atmosphere with much care given to making it a positive and rewarding experience.
Family and friends are welcome to watch the child perform onstage. Each child is given flyers they can pass out, which includes the location, date, time and name of the cast members.
WHAT PAST CAMPERS AND PARENTS HAVE SAID ABOUT ACLO’S KID CAMP
"I've never seen her so enthusiastic about going to any camp, or coming home so thrilled every day. She loved the counselors and getting to see the same people in the Music Man was a big treat for her... We'll be back the next year." - Parent
"I liked the mix of ages and talents. Thought it was nice for the older kids to be role models and younger kids loved working with the older ones." - Parent
"The encouragement and fun in learning the part from the instructor! [He] was great!” - Camper
"I loved the second week - the energy, fun games, preparation and listening to the spooky ghost stories." - Camper
ABOUT OUR INSTRUCTORS AND STAFF-Our accomplished instructors bring a long list of theater and teaching skills and experience to our summer program. All of our instructors are committed to enhancing the development of your child through their love of the performing arts.
Barrett Lindsay-Steiner (Author and Lyricist), our co-founder, has a long history of work in children's drama camps, having run his own version in Contra Costa County for over 15 years. Mr. Steiner writes the hand-tailored scripts provided to the children, which are written to showcase each student's talents and to maximize his or her participation in the show. A long-time musical theater veteran himself, Steiner and his singing group, The Jesters, have toured Europe, and were featured in the film "Getting Even With Dad," starring Ted Danson and Macaulay Culkin.
Emily Garcia (Lead Instructor Session 2) began performing at the age of 7. Since earning her degree in Theater at UCLA, she has continued to pursue her passion for performance. She has studied acting with such companies as ACT, TVI’s Actor’s Studio, The Actor’s Collaborative and 3 of Us School for Film and Television. Her dance training includes Steps, Anne Garvin, Joe Tremaine, and West Coast Dance Theater. She has worked on numerous productions as a performer, director and choreographer. Past roles have included Sally Bowles in Cabaret, Reno in Anything Goes, Bebe in A Chorus Line, Adelaide in Guys & Dolls, and Gabrielle in Camile, an original musical performed at the New York Musical Theater Festival. She has been nominated for two Shellie Awards for Best Actress and received a Best Supporting Actress award for her work in Godspell. Emily has worked in education for over 12 years, earning a certificate in Early Childhood Education. Previous positions have included her role as Program Coordinator, helping to rebuild an existing educational program, and as an Associate Director, developing a new school-age enrichment program. She’s taught classes in dance, acting and improvisation for young performers. During the year, Emily works as a Director and Choreographer for the Town Hall Kid’s program as well as Production Manager for their main stage productions.
Romina Ronquillo (Lead Instructor Session 1) brings an extensive teaching and performing experience to ACLO Kids Camp. Romina holds a BA in Liberal Studies with a minor in Children's Theater and Dance from Cal State, Hayward. She received her teaching credential from Holy Names University and has been working in the education field for the past 15 years. She is currently teaching kindergarten at Black Pine Circle School in Berkeley where she also teaches Creative Dance for K-3rd grade as well as Theater and Dance for the after school program. Romina has also headed Black Pine Circle's summer performing arts camp for the past 3 years. She has also choreographed for the Pied Piper Players (a non-profit children's theater program) in San Mateo. Romina has also performed in over 20 shows since starting her theater and dance career in junior high. She was a part of ACLO's first season in 1997 and has been on stage with them ever since.
Cary Litchford (Instructor Session 1 and 2) Cary Litchford has more than 15 years experience in Children’s Educational Programs. Growing up in Texas, Cary began teaching youth groups in the North Texas area churches. Since 1993, Cary has worked with multiple theatrical groups in the area. In 2000-02, Cary worked as Camp Music Director for Hayward Area Recreational District Summer Theater Camps and the Pleasanton Playhouse Summer Musical Theater Camps. In addition, Cary has worked on Teen Musical Theater with Tennyson High School in Hayward and Christensen Middle School in Livermore. Special recognitions include an ACLO 2002 Award for “Best Children’s Ensemble” with Alameda Civic Light Opera for his work on “The King and I”. Cary most recently completed his coursework with the Texas Teachers Alternative Certification program and is a Texas State Board certified teacher for grades 8-12.
Mia Sagan (Instructor Session 1 and 2) After serving in the United States Naval Reserve, Mia returned to Holy Names University where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Studies and a minor in music. She also holds a California Teaching Credential from Holy Names. As a singer, Mia has recorded two CD’s and has been a featured soloist with the Bay Area Community Chorus. As a director, composer, and guitarist, her junior high school choir and four-part recorder ensemble have performed annually for the Care Through Touch Institute in San Francisco and at the Lillian Black Festival of the Arts in Oakland. As an actor, she performs regularly with Alameda Civic Light Opera. Her favorite roles include Alma Hicks in The Music Man, and Annas in Jesus Christ Superstar. She was also seen the Bay Area’s only performance of Dead Man Walking as Hilton Barber. Currently, Mia is the Lead Teacher for the Huntington Learning Center and a member of the St. Joseph Basilica Choir. She also plays French horn with the Alameda Community Band.
WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THE COST OF ENROLLMENT-Your initial enrollment cost includes everything your child will need to participate in the program except for daily lunches. There are no hidden fees or additional charges to purchase trinkets, memorabilia or costumes. (Your child maybe asked to bring in certain clothing items from home as part of their performance costume, but they will be everyday clothes that you already own). Parents are not required to put in work hours or assist with labor related tasks.
Enrollment in a 2 week session to ACLO Kids Camp.
2 complimentary tickets for your child’s Kids Camp performance.
Each child will receive 2 complimentary tickets to their Kids Camp performance.
Additional tickets available on the night of the performance at the theater venue for $5.00.
One free ACLO Kids Camp T-Shirt.
Additional t-shirts can be ordered for $20.00.
Daily snacks provided.
A Pizza Party on the final day of camp.
Camp completion certificates awarded after your child’s performance
One free DVD of your child’s performance. (Additional DVD’s can be ordered for $20.00.)
IN ADDITION…. THE COST OF ENROLLMENT ALSO INCLUDES SPECIAL BENEFITS THAT ALLOW YOUR CHILD’S LOVE OF THEATER TO LAST THROUGH OUT THE YEAR
1 Free Children’s ticket to ACLO’s production of Annie which includes a back stage tour after the show.
Receive 1 free children’s ticket to see ACLO’s 2009 production of Annie on August 9 at 2:00 pm.
After the show, take a backstage tour of the theater, meet the actors and crew and see the magic of theater from behind the scenes.
Additional tickets can be purchased through ACLO’s box office.
Opportunity to perform in ACLO’s Fall Fundraising Performance
Every child who has participated in ACLO’s Summer Kids Camp is invited to perform in ACLO’s Annual Fall Fundraising Performance.
This year’s performance will take place on November 7 at the Koffman Theater.
Children get the opportunity to perform with ACLO’s seasoned professionals as well as get a better understanding of performing with a high caliber theater company.
Children must be available to attend a minimal rehearsal schedule to participate.
