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By Peter Biggs
MANY people might not think of theatre as a summer
pastime; but as the season arrives, parents look for wholesome activities
for their kids – something to stretch them, which will also
provide some fun.
Drama camp is likely not something most parents would
think of; but Abbotsford’s Gallery 7 Theatre, based out of MEI High
School, has come up with a different take on the ‘summer camp.’
Summer Drama Blast 2008 is held on the school campus July 7 – 25.
Groups of 15 or so are age-specific, and the price is a very reasonable:
$125 for five days (Monday to Friday), 9 am – 12:30 pm.
“We run four age-specific groups, and want to
create a positive environment for kids,” Gallery 7 executive director
Ken Hildebrandt told BCCN. This year’s theme could be described as ‘sudden
impact’: the 5 – 7 year group is called Creative Explosions;
the 8 – 9 year one is Dramatic Rumblings; the 11 – 13 year
group is Stage Eruptions; and the older teen group (14 – 16) is
Dynamite Playmaker.
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New groups start July 7, 14 and 20. In addition
Summer Drama Blast, there are specific camps based on topics of interest:
Musical Detonations, Boomin’ Shakespeare, Improv Break-Out and Tech
Blast (a look at behind the scenes elements of stage-craft).
Although the camps are not explicitly
‘Christian,’ Gallery 7, like Vancouver’s Pacific Theatre,
is faith-based – and handles a variety of productions which have a
subtext of examining life and spirituality from a Christian perspective.
“We aim for an holistic approach,”
Hildebrandt said. “We find the majority of kids come from home
schooling and church backgrounds; however, we are keen that people know
that this is open to the entire community.”
Groups are led by skilled and experienced practitioners
of the art of drama.
“Even if parents don’t see their kids going
into the theatre, we offer a great opportunity for them to build
self-confidence and develop a healthy sense of self, having fun interacting
with others,” Hildebrandt said.
For details: www.gallery7theatre.com.
June 2008
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