"You are one of us now, didn't you know that? You are one of the crew. We're all in the same boat." — Roald Dahl, James and the Giant Peach
Summer camp is the iconic symbol of summer. It's where lifelong friends are made and imaginations are inspired. It fosters a community for youth who share the same interest and sparks new passions. The Gilbert Theater is hosting its annual summer camp for those interested in learning about the theater and putting on a full production from sets to lights to acting. The camp is a fully immersive experience ending with the camp production of James and the Giant Peach.
Camp runs from July 14 to July 26, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Gilbert Theater located at 116 Green Street (second floor) and is open to children ages 7-11 and 12-18. The curriculum will differ depending on the age group. Tuition is $250 before the end of April and $300 starting May 1 ($25 discount for each additional sibling). Summer camp t-shirts and 2 show tickets are included in
camp tuition.
At the end of the 2-week session, camp will conclude with 2 performances of James and the Giant Peach. The show is open to the public and tickets will be available at the box office. To register, call the Gilbert Theater at 910-678-7186 or online at https://ci.ovationtix.com/36002/production/1230560?performanceId=11604850.
Stepping in to lead the campers through their theater journey is local thespian and former theater arts teacher, Claudia Warga-Dean. A Gilbert veteran, she has worked with the theater for 17 years, with her most recent production being Misery as Sheriff Buster. Not only will she be facilitating the summer camp, but she is also taking on a more permanent role at the theater as Education Director.
“I am very grateful to Matt and the board for the opportunity. Theatre education is a passion of mine, and I can’t wait to jump in! I will be tag-teaming with the wonderful Malissa Borden, which is great. I am a big fan of hers,” she said.
Warga-Dean's time at Gray’s Creek High School and on stage make her the perfect fit for this community-centered program.
Warga-Dean is excited about this year’s camp and its expansion to two weeks.
“Adding an extra week allows us to spend more time working with students by inspiring and challenging them to reach their full performance potential. Having that second week allows students to get comfortable and learn how the Gilbert Theater works. We definitely advocate a welcoming space for kids of all backgrounds,” she said.
“The Gilbert Theater has been my home for 23 years. I started here while I was still in high school. The Gilbert not only educated me on theatre and gave me opportunities, but it allowed me to be a part of the theatre community here, which has enriched my life greatly… we are one of a few theatres that offer summer camps! And we don’t mind saying that! We support them all because they have supported us! So I say check them all out! My daughter is doing the Gilbert Summer Camp and the CFRT summer camp. The Gilbert, CFRT, and Sweet Tea Shakespeare all offer great opportunities to school-age children to immerse themselves in creativity and to make loads of friends. Between all three theatres, your kids will have a world of support and hands-on training. Even if theatre is just a hobby for them, their confidence will grow immensely.”
For more information about the Gilbert Theater, volunteer opportunities, education, or tickets to upcoming shows, visit online at https://www.gilberttheater.com/.