If you’re looking for something useful and fun for
your children to do this summer, Waukesha Civic Theatre and the Waukesha
Department of Parks, Recreation and Forestry have combined forces to offer a
variety of courses related to the performing arts. It is officially called
Academy at Civic Theatre. There are courses for every age group and an
opportunity to showcase their accomplishments in one or more of three summer
productions.
The first classes begin July 7 for 6- to 12-year-olds in preparation for
participating in "The Dirty Room," a musical by local playwright,
Scott Kopischke, culminating in four performances on July 25, July 26 and July
27. Another class for 13- to 19-year-olds runs from July 7 through Aug. 1, for
those who wish to be a part of the popular Disney show, "High School
Musical," which will run two weekends - Aug. 1 to Aug. 3 and Aug. 8 to Aug.
10. This musical has really caught fire among young people. It should be a big
hit here.
Three other offerings are also available under the broad heading of Summer
Showcase for 6- to 19-year-olds. These offerings are divided up among age groups
and include acting, music and dance, and they run from Aug. 11 to Aug. 21. There’s
even a course for 4- to 5-year-olds called "Broadway Baby," which
features lessons in song and dance for the little ones. "Lights, Camera,
Action," which runs from Aug. 4 to Aug. 8, is a course for 6- to 19
year-olds. This offering explores performing on camera. A personal DVD will be
awarded each participant at the end of the course.
On Aug. 23, there will be a "Variety Showcase" for those who
participated in any of these classes. Many of the enrollees will probably also
get involved in one or another of the productions mentioned above. There is a
reduction in tuition fees for those who engage in more than one class. More
information is available for times and specific courses by going to WCT’s Web
site or by calling (262) 524-3737. One can also stop by the theater to pick up a
hard copy of the schedules.
Participation in the performance arts is a wonderful way to nurture children’s
self-esteem and confidence, and summer programs such as those described above
are avenues for providing enrichment and a gainful use of "time off."
We hope many of you take advantage of these opportunities, and we look forward
to enjoying the fruits of your labors in late July and August.
A talented assemblage of teachers/actors/directors, including Doug Jarecki,
Matt Huebsch, Jacob Sudbrink, Louis Hurd, Ramsey Schlissel, Anne Van Deusen and
Katie Danner are providing instruction and direction. John Cramer has gathered
together quite an impressive group, putting another feather in his hat after
already giving us a wonderful 2007-08 season. Thanks, John, for adding to the
cultural flavor of Waukesha through the quality of our community theater and
enhancing the lives of children as well.
Call (262) 547-0708 for tickets to "The Dirty Room," "High
School Musical," and "Variety Showcase." Support our local
talent.
