Names&Faces: Act Out Theatre Group presents 'Camp Rock' and 'Krazy Kamp' musicals
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Jul. 27—Act Out Theatre Group is embracing the camp theme this summer.
The theater, 802 S. Main St. (804D), Taylor, offers opportunities for children and teenagers to learn the basics of theater, like stage blocking, acting and vocal practice. They also learn the ins and outs of the teamwork and dedication it takes to put together a show.
During a two-week intensive program for ages 11-17, held on Mondays through Fridays from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., the students' mornings were filled with workshops and classes, said Act Out Artistic Director Dan Pittman. During one particular exercise, groups picked an artist at random and had to create a jukebox musical around that artist. For instance, the students who ended up with Taylor Swift went through the singer-songwriter's catalog to choose songs for their musical, as well as write scripts around the songs and then perform them.
In the afternoons, they rehearsed for an upcoming musical, "Camp Rock" which will culminate in a public performance. Act Out's "Camp Rock," the stage adaptation of the Disney Channel original movie starring Demi Lovato and the Jonas Brothers, takes place Saturday, July 29, at 7:30 p.m. at the theater. (Sunday's performance is already sold out, Pittman said, and tickets are limited for Saturday's show.)
"Camp Rock" tells the story of Mitchie Torres, played in Act Out's version by Sammie Stella, 14, of Plains Twp., who desperately wants to attend a music camp for gifted adolescent performers, but can only get in by working in the kitchen. Then, when a popular teen idol overhears Mitchie singing, he sets out to find who the talented voice belongs to.
Sammie, who has been performing since she was about 7 years old and loves to sing, enjoyed getting the chance to hone her skills while also meeting new people. The students all have similar interests and have formed family-like bonds, the Wilkes-Barre Area High School student said. She also was eager to step into Lovato's shoes in a role she was familiar with.
"I was pretty excited (when I found out we were doing 'Camp Rock') because I grew up with it," Sammie said. "I was always watching the movie and it's cool to be playing Mitchie."
Sammie also is part of a free performing workshop Act Out hosted this summer for ages 8-17. The program began during the end of May and will culminate in a performance of the musical "Krazy Kamp" on Friday, Aug. 4, and Saturday, Aug. 5, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 6, at 2 p.m. at the theater.
The musical tells the story of two rival summer camps, one an exclusive resort for young ladies and another a camp for rowdy young men. When the boys' camp is declared "unfit for habitation," the unruly boys must join the girls at their peaceful camp. Sammie, who plays Vivian Vandersnap in "Krazy Kamp," said the musical is a comedy, with funny jokes and general "boys versus girls" hijinks that audiences will enjoy.
Tickets for all performances cost $15 for adults and $10 for students and senior citizens. For groups larger than 10 people, email info@actouttheatre.com. To purchase tickets, visit actouttheatre.com. Advance ticket purchases are recommended. Any remaining tickets will be sold at the door.
Pittman said the theater will announce fall performing workshops for children and teens in the coming weeks, as well as auditions for a murder-mystery show. It also will present performances of "Mean Girls (High School Edition)."
For more information or questions, visit Act Out Theatre Group LLC on Facebook or email info@actouttheatre.com.
Contact the writer:
570-348-9127;
@gmazurTT on Twitter.
