JACKSON — Local children between the ages of 7 and 12 got to experience being part of the musical theater world when they took part in the first St. Aloysius Kids Musical Theater Camp.
Under the direction of 2011 Count Basie Theatre award winner, Mater Dei Prep theater director and experienced music and drama teacher Cindy Dwyer, campers learned what goes into the making of a theater production.
Assisting Dwyer were counselors Christyn Budzyna, who recently graduated from Dickinson College with a degree in theater with a concentration in acting and directing; Samantha Amaral, who is a graduate of Hofstra University and has choreographed and performed in more than 35 shows, including some for Jackson Memorial High School; and KerilynAcer, who recently graduated from Westminster Choir College with a degree in voice performance and is a winner of the 2007 Monmouth County Civic Chorus Scholarship Award.
According to a press release, the campers learned audition techniques, vocal production, howto act, sing and dance, and then they learned how to put everything together for the end of camp production.
Campers rehearsed and learned their roles during the week and their efforts resulted in a professional and fun presentation which included musical numbers from Broadway productions such as “Hairspray,” “Oliver,” “Peter Pan” and “Seussical.” They also performed scenes from well-known fairy tales, putting a unique twist on these classics.
Camper Lauren Jeremich said, “The camp was really cool and I loved it.”
CamperKevinHoffmann enthusiastically declared, “This was awesome. I love to come to camp every day.”