As spring break approaches, parents nd children alike look for enriching ways to spend a week off from school. For those with a passion for the performing arts, One Story’s Spring-Break Theatre Camp offers the perfect opportunity to step into the spotlight. This immersive week-long experience invites young performers to dive into the world of musical theatre, culminating in a live performance.
Jennifer Gail and Dave Castagner of One Story were recently named Executive Youth Program Directors at Prescott Valley Performing Arts. This dynamic organization, dedicated to fostering creativity, confidence and theatre, has designed the camp for a comprehensive theatre experience. From learning lines and choreography to perfecting vocal performances, campers will experience firsthand what it takes to put on a musical.
The program is open to children aged 6-17 and welcomes all levels of experience as well as diverse interests. From both budding and seasoned stage performers to those interested in stage management, lighting and costuming, there is something for every goal.“In our experience, there are some kids who, even though it’s their first time, you can tell it’s their dream or something, and they’ve been preparing for this. Sometimes the first time a person comes to a camp, they end up getting a lead role. We allow that, but we also allow for those who want to be in the ensemble, if that’s where they belong right now,” says Gail.
Under the guidance of experienced theatre professionals, campers will explore the fundamentals of acting, singing, dancing and tech, all while building confidence and teamwork skills. Over the week campers will rehearse scenes, learn musical numbers and help with aspects of scene design and costuming. The goal is not just to perform, but to develop an understanding of all the moving pieces that bring a production to life. At the end of the camp, they will present an engaging and family-friendly musical that Gail and Castagner wrote called In Pursuit of the Dream, designed to be fun and accessible for young performers.
What makes One Story’s theatre camp stand out is its emphasis on encouragement and personal growth. In addition to rehearsals, campers participate in team-building exercises, improvisation games and confidence-boosting activities designed to enhance their performance skills and communication abilities. Outside the theatre these experiences help build important life skills that carry over into school, friendships and beyond.
Gail says, “It’ll also be a teaching experience, because we’ll be playing acting games, like the stage positions and all the technical terms and blocking and all that fun stuff. It’ll be teaching plus show plus plus chaotic fun.” Castagner adds: “Controlled, chaotic fun.”
For campers and the audience alike thehighlight of the week will be the performance, where campers showcase their hard work for an audience of family and friends. The show is a full-scale production, including costumes, props and music. Parents are often amazed at what their kids can accomplish in five days.
Beyond the fun of performing, One Story’s camp emphasizes the deeper benefits of theatre. Studies show that participation in the performing arts improves creativity, problem-solving skills and self-discipline. It also fosters empathy, as young actors step into the shoes of different characters to tell compelling stories. Castagner says, “I would say I’ve always wanted and loved to help people get over hurdles, like in a guitar class, for example, if there’s a kid who’s stuck, I love leading them through that and seeing that spark happen, that joy, that ‘aha!’ moment, people call it.”
For many campers this experience ignites a lifelong love for theatre. Some go on to join local productions, school drama clubs, and even pursue performing arts in high school and beyond. Others simply gain a newfound sense of confidence that helps them in everyday life.
One Story’s Spring-Break Theatre Camp is open for registration, with limited spots available. Whether your child dreams of Broadway or just wants a fun and engaging way to spend spring break, this camp is an unforgettable experience. This year’s camp runs March 17 – 21, and the cost is $149 per student; for more information or to sign up, visit the Prescott Valley Performing Arts website or contact the program coordinator at pvperformingarts.weebly.com.
