Who’s Got Talent? Performing Arts Opportunities Abound at Maine Camps

By Kimberly the Campcierge™ Maine Camp Experience Campers have talent and more than a few ways to show it off!  The Performing Arts are alive and thriving in camp these days.  In the past Performing Arts meant “the camp play.”  These days it has expanded to include dance, gymnastics, comedy, singing and even classical music. Always a favorite is the Summer Camp Production.  Usually put on once or twice a session, these elaborate productions are often based off of current and classical musicals. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, the Little Mermaid, Damn Yankees and Beauty and the Beast are just a few of the mainstream musicals that have recently been featured at Maine Camp Experience (MCE) Camps.  At some camps, there will be separate plays for each age group in camp, while at others campers of all ages enjoy working together to present a magical version of their production that gives them the opportunity to shine in front of their camp family and friends. And the stars are not just on stage.  Many MCE camps offer programs where campers can become skilled at stagecraft and create elaborate set designs.  Budding fashionistas create fantastical costumes and learn to apply theatrical makeup.  Many camps even offer professional lighting boards for campers to learn the finer techniques of stage lighting. Motivated actors and actresses can spend their days honing their theater skills while taking character development, improvisation, stand-up comedy and singing lessons. There are also many opportunities for campers to steal the spotlight beyond the Camp Play. Skit nights, talent shows and campfires all provide alternate venues for campers to perform both individually or with their bunks.  MTV Lip Synch Nights and Rock Star Air Band Activities provide the backdrop for MCE campers to let loose and enjoy taking on another persona while performing with their camper friends. Performing Arts at MCE is not just about dramatic activities – music continues to play a starring role.  Camp music rooms are filled with guitars, pianos, drums, violins and other percussion instruments.  Beyond the traditional Musical Instrument Lessons, some MCE camps offer “Camp Bands,” impromptu jam sessions and even recording studios for campers to “cut their own demos.” Singing is also a favorite MCE Camp activity and is integrated into all parts of camp life.  From singing traditional camp songs in the Dining Hall to top 40 favorites by the Camp Acapella Groups to original compositions created for Camp Sing Competitions during Color War, there is always a way for campers to share their voice. Dance is also a hopping activity at MCE camps.  Jazz, Contemporary, Ballet, Hip Hop, Break Dancing, Latin and Swing, Zumba and even Tap are taught by experts in their fields in modern mirrored dance studios and on in specially designed amphitheaters.  Campers can also showcase their moves in Dance Show performances and can join dance teams. Whether a camper prefers to be in front of the spotlight, part of a group or behind the scenes there is always a Performing Arts opportunity for them at an MCE Camp. — Maine Camp Experience Resources & Tools

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