PHOTO COURTESY OF TAUBENSLAG PRODUCTIONS

Theater camp opens for 31st summer at new Edison location

EDISON – Taubenslag Productions’ award-winning Summer Theater Camp will be opening for its 31st year at a new location in Edison.

Formerly at Middlesex College, Taubenslag Productions’ Theater Camp will now be located at the Edison Elks, 375 Old Post Road, across the street from Edison High School. The new location offers Theater Camp an outdoor property to operate safely under COVID-19 guidelines.

Taubenslag Productions’ Theater Camp is geared for children entering first grade up to 16 years old and has been directed by Michael Taubenslag, owner of Taubenslag Productions, since starting the program in 1990.

For the past 30 years, Taubenslag has directed campers in producing a musical production – with scenery and costumes – all in one week, with a role for every child in every show, according to information provided by Taubenslag.

The children rehearse three hours a day, Monday through Thursday, and perform that week’s show on Friday mornings.

This summer, due to COVID-19 rules, there will be no audiences allowed, but Edison TV will still be filming the productions each week to show on TV and links will be posted for all to watch on YouTube.

Theater Camp also has a special Teen Scenes program where they focus on getting into deeper theater direction and put on their own teen production in each session.

“Our company won a national award for Best Children’s Program in the U.S. We took that methodology and use it for Theater Camp. We provide a fun environment where campers can learn about musical theater, but the program is really designed to build children’s confidence and self- esteem – we get kids to break out of their shells and show them how confidence on stage can lead to success in life – teaching them to live by our company motto, When you try you’re best, you can do anything,” Taubenslag said in the statement.

“Given the global pandemic we weren’t able to open last summer, and with schools being mostly virtual we know many parents have been worried about their kids being separated from friends and family. It was imperative that we find a way to open this summer and help kids reconnect with their peers in-person. Our new location allows us to have our same great Theater Camp in an outdoor environment so we can prioritize the health and safety of our campers while still offering all the same activities we’ve been successful with for 30 years.”

Theater Camp functions as a regular day camp in the afternoons with swimming every day, scavenger hunts, games, workshops and more.

“All day rehearsals would be tedious for the kids. We also want them to have a great summer vacation, especially this year, so afternoons are about playing. This keeps them looking forward to rehearsals while having time to bond and let loose with each other. Strong camaraderie develops that leads to lifelong friendships,” Taubenslag sad in the statement.

Theater Camp will run for eight weeks from June 28 to Aug. 20. And three sessions are also offered if children cannot attend the full summer.

For information on Theater Camp, visit www.theatercamp.net or call Taubenslag Productions at 732-422-7071.