Live Oak Theatre & Conservatory is offering theater camp programs for children
We’ve all been there and heard it! It’s the one phrase heard most often during holidays, long breaks and summers that’s enough to drive all parents insane – “What can I do now?”
This summer, the performing arts have an answer for everyone from grade 1 to teenagers. For the seventeenth straight year, the Live Oak Theatre and Conservatory is proud to set the stage for Hernando County’s youth with its annual theater camp programs teaching a full array of theatrical and performance skills.
Topics are expected to include: Vocal technique & song interpretation, costume & set design, movement to music, auditioning skills and acting skills. Throughout Hernando County, there are many very talented children who are genuinely interested in learning the specific skills that go along with the performing arts. Those skills encompass a wide range of artistic expressions, including music, dance, theater and more.
Unfortunately, a lot of parents wrongly conclude that you’re either born with that specific talent or you’re not. But at camp, given the right instruction and encouragement, children get the opportunity to hone their skills and practice.
“Theater camp is an ideal way to introduce your child to the theater experience, as our programs present an introduction to so many performing arts disciplines,” said Vince Vanni, Live Oak Theatre and Conservatory spokesperson.
Vanni explained, “As a full Conservatory, we teach so many life skills, such as confidence in front of large groups. If you have been to our theater, you will notice its intimacy, which puts the children face to face with the audience. You can see the confidence building as the time goes by and the kids involve themselves in more and more projects.”
“We emphasize creativity and confidence in their own ideas,” he added. “The kids will tell you, ‘In Mr. Vince’s class, we don’t ask for permission, we ask for forgiveness.’ They are encouraged to run with their ideas, and then we evaluate and make adjustments,” said Vanni.
“The camps are pretty much the same as last year, which were really well attended,” said Vanni. “We are increasingly popular because we concentrate, not on theater careers, but in teaching skills.”
“There are still openings in all camps,” he said. “However, with almost 250 students in our Conservatory, summer camps will fill up quickly.”
Live Oak Theatre Company (LOT) is a not-for-profit 501(C)(3) repertory company of local artists dedicated to providing positive artistic experiences. This year’s camp programs are sponsored by Luke 1248 Foundation Inc. (Mark and Sharon Taylor). For full details and registration form, visit https://www.liveoaktheatre.org/summer-camp, email [email protected], or call the box office at 352-593-0027.
Camps offered include:
Theater Camp – June 9-13;
For boys and girls, ages 7 through 18.
Tuition is $150.
10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Dance Camp – June 16-20
A beginner’s dance camp for 8–16-year-olds.
Tuition is $75.
10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Improv Camp – June 16- 20th for ages 8+
An acting camp focused on the skill of improvisation. Tuition is $75.
2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
