Lyric summer camp an ‘awesome’ experience!

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STUART — While the focus of the Lyric Theatre’s Awesome Summer Camp is on theater, kids with a wide variety of interests are encouraged to attend. The camp, for youngsters from first to eighth grade, has two sessions.The first, from June 9-27 is called “Be You!” and focuses on the unique qualities each camper has. The second, from July 7-25 is “I’ve Got the Power!” It explores how to make the world a better place and make healthy choices in life. If some of this sounds like weighty stuff for camp, the focus
is still on fun. Camp runs from Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at Flagler Place in downtown Stuart.

Each day, campers attend dance, drama and music groups, where they learn new skills. In dance, they are introduced to music theater dance, jazz, ballet and hip hop. In drama, they learn basic acting principles of creative writing and stage presence.
Music focuses on singing and performance. 

The day is not all about learning. Campers have movie days, field days with potato sack races and water balloons and arts and crafts.
While some campers may wish to be featured in presentations and will audition for those parts, all kids are encouraged to participate.

Karin Leone, the camp’s director, knows that all campers do not want to be “out front.” “The Lyric’s Awesome Summer Camp is a camp for all kinds of kids, and although this is a theater camp, we are aware that not every kid wants to be in the spotlight,” she
said. “There are plenty of behind-the scenes roles, or perhaps a camper wants to share in the fun on stage, but not be singled out. That’s OK by us. Everyone is welcome and important.”

At the end of each three-week session, campers have a show time, called the sharing. Campers show off their new skills in a live presentation that fits the theme of the session. 

Leone said that parents have had wonderful things to say about previous camps. She cites a parent who sent a thank you to the staff.
“The Lyric Camp is extraordinary for many reasons. Theater and self-expression is what initially brought us to the camp. The director and counselors have exceeded my expectations. My son absolutely loves his days there and asks every day when he is going to return.
“I love that they incorporate crafts and field days, as well. The Lyric camp is a well-balanced and organized program with so much to offer. We look forward to the sharing and to next year.”

For Karin Leone, it’s about watching the youngsters grow. “It’s amazing to watch these campers blossom as they find their voice and sense of self. This camp is artsbased, but the empowering life skills that these campers learn will be great tools in life, regardless of their career path.”

The Lyric Theatre’s Awesome Summer Camp will take place at Flagler Place, 201 S.W. Flagler Ave., Stuart. The tuition for each session is $375, with a $25 registration fee. There is a 10 percent discount for siblings.

For more information, contact Karin Leone, director of education, at (772) 220-1942, Ext. 205