For the sixth-straight summer, area children are enjoying a one-of-a-kind, hands-on theatrical experience: the "Playground" drama camp at SUNY Fredonia.
This on-campus cultural experience produced by SUNY Fredonia's Department of Theatre AND Dance reaches out to children in a unique way. In just six days, the children learn everything they need to produce a full-scale, live-action musical. Mornings are devoted to rehearsals, while afternoons are comprised of rotating drama classes which focus on such disciplines as dance, acting, lighting, sound, and costume and set design. Technical and dress rehearsals are held on Friday, leading up to a Saturday performance for the public.
This year Playground has once again offered two sessions from Aug. 13-25 in the Rockefeller Arts Center. More than 100 area youth between the ages of 8-17 have enrolled, with 8- to 12-year-olds making up the cast and crew of "Disney's Sleeping Beauty Kids," to be performed Saturday, Aug. 18, while 12- to 17-year-olds will put on "Disney's Beauty and the Beast Jr." Saturday, Aug. 25.
Those wishing to attend either performance can purchase tickets for $5 each from the SUNY Fredonia Ticket Office at 673-3501, www.fredonia.edu/tickets, or on the day of the show in the Marvel Theatre Lobby beginning at 2:15 p.m. Organizers encourage the purchase of tickets prior to Saturday to be assured of a seat. There is a $2 processing fee for all phone and web orders, and MasterCard, Visa and cash are accepted (no checks). Each show begins at 3:30 p.m.
Many participants are able to attend the camp through scholarships provided by public donations and the generosity of the Fredonia College Foundation's Carnahan-Jackson Humanities Fund. Each child receives a T-shirt, daily snack and complimentary tickets to the show.
The camp is once again led by SUNY Fredonia Department of Theatre and Dance Professor Ted Sharon, and SUNY Fredonia alumus Marc de la Concha, '05, who serves as the production's director. They have been supported by a variety of SUNY Fredonia students, who gain valuable theatrical education skills via this program, as well as other faculty and staff. To learn more, email sharon@fredonia.edu.
