The Laboratory Theater of Florida

Lab Rats Get a Dream Opportunity

The Laboratory Theater of Florida in Ft. Myers is offering a month-long “Total Theater Experience” summer camp for children ages 7–5 with the ultimate goal of producing, on their own, a public staging of A Midsummer Night's Dream on June 29 . The camp begins June 4 and runs four weeks, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day at the theater.

Students initially will be divided into groups by age, and all will learn the skills required to put on a production: lighting design, set design, costume, makeup, stagecraft, mime, movement, textual analysis, character development, stage management, acting, and directing. Children 12 and up will also learn the basics of unarmed stage combat, and all the kids will be introduced to the theatrical entity known as “Shakespeare.”

Once students learn all the skills, they will be given specific responsibilities according to their interests, age, and abilities in order to mount A Midsummer Night's Dream. In addition to making up the cast, these lab rats will be responsible for operating the lights and sound, working props, and stage management. “They will take on anything required to put on a successful production,” says a program flyer.

Experienced theater educators will teach the workshops. Before- and After-care programs will be from 8:30–9 a.m. and 4–4:30 p.m. A Midsummer Night's Dream will be presented at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on June 29. Cost per child is $125 per week or $450 for the entire four weeks; discounts are available for multiple children.

March 23, 2012

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