“OK, STOP GOOFING AROUND. UNLESS THAT’S YOUR MOTIVATION.” The Heyde Center in Chippewa Falls is one local theater offering a summer theater camp.

Artistic opportunities in the world of theater are available this summer to children of the Chippewa Valley. Parents may also have the chance to get involved in the theatrical world themselves, as some programs are offered to adults. Local directors and administrators agree that it is important to offer these classes and programs to the community. Debra Johnson of the Heyde Center believes the arts are a part of the “quality of life.” Wayne Marek of the Eau Claire Children’s Theatre stated that these classes offer children a chance to “get their feet wet and see if theater sparks their interest.” Blaine Halverson of Menomonie Theatre Guild declared that the programs offer “legitimate teamwork and experience in building community.” Whatever the reason, one may call or go online for each group and send in the registration and payment ASAP.

The Eau Claire Children’s Theatre

ECCT gives children a chance to learn new interests by offering over 40 classes in acting, dance, music, puppetry, clowning, improv, and radio. Dance classes range from basics and hip-hop to broadway, tap, and jazz. Classes offered every summer include Fairy Tale Theatre, Private Voice Lessons, Acting for Girls Only, and Celebrate Summer With a Show. Director Wayne Marek said the other classes differ every year and are chosen based on the skill set and interests of the instructors. The instructors are ECCT staff members, interns, and local teachers. ECCT offers classes for a variety of prices and ages, including adults. Students who are attending the Eau Claire School District or Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District will have one class registration fee covered, but will need to pay for material costs. 

The Chippewa Valley Theatre Guild

The Theatre Guild’s Summer Youth Drama Camp teaches children several theatrical skills including acting, problem solving, stage make-up, set design, costumes, sound effects, lights, props, singing, dancing, movie making, playwriting, stage combat, and sewing. Children involved in the camp have the opportunity to audition for Puss N’ Boots. The High School Shakespeare Workshop will give high school students the chance to participate in all areas required to perform a Shakespearian play, including lights, scenery, props, acting, and more. Julius Caesar is the play to be performed. Instructors of both programs are educators, theater majors, librarians, professional actors, and staff members. CVTG has a partnership with the Eau Claire Area School District, and students will not be charged for registration fees for either program. 

 

The Heyde Center will also hold auditions
for their production of Robin Hood,
offering it as a class.

The Heyde Center for the Arts

The Heyde Center will offer three workshops instructed by the Missoula Children’s Theatre professional actors. Chameleon Improvisation is a workshop that will teach children to put together a production without a script. Introduction to Mime will teach children the skill of miming, to act using only body language and illusions. Theatre Games is a workshop designed for adults who teach or work with children to inform them of the variety of theatre games and the benefits of doing so. The Heyde Center will also be holding auditions for their production of Robin Hood and offering a class as part of Chill on the Hill, which will teach different forms of dance such as “Sportzdance” and Irish dance and informs about musical instruments from around the world. Five of the ECCT classes will be held at the Heyde Center.

Red Cedar Youth Stage

The Red Cedar Youth Stage Summer Theatre Program is collaborated through Menomonie School District, Menomonie Theater Guild, and The Mabel Tainter Theater. The children involved in the program will be putting together the production of either Annie Jr. or Jungle Book Kids. Both musicals are shorter adaptations of the original. The program is sold out for the 2011 season, but will have openings next summer. Two new shows will be selected for the next summer program.