MCC’s Summer Theatre Camp for Kids Returns to In-Person Format

Throughout the pandemic, Middlesex Community College’s Theatre department has provided students with performance opportunities – from online courses to socially distanced Zoom productions. As part of the College for Kids 2021 summer programming, Middlesex is bringing back the Summer Theatre Camp for Kids for an in-person experience.

Young performers ages 8 to 17 will have the opportunity to rehearse, stage and mount a full musical production with professional lights, sets and costumes at MCC’s Richard and Nancy Donahue Family Academic Arts Center in Lowell, under direction of Karen Oster, MCC’s Chair of Performing Arts.

“We are thrilled to finally be able to bring our children’s theatre program back to MCC – live and in person,” Oster said. “This is one of the programs that we look forward to every year and being able to gather in our beautiful performing arts space and see our old friends – and meet new ones – is so exciting!”

This year’s production will be “James and the Giant Peach, Jr.” The program will run 9 a.m. through 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, starting on August 2. Final performances will take place on Friday, August 13 and Saturday, August 14.

The mission of the camp is to provide a fun and exciting environment for kids to explore theatre arts, and to encourage creative growth, teamwork and a “company” mentality. The camp believes children of all ages are capable of “magnificent” things and there are no limits to their creativity.

Since 2008, MCC’s Summer Theatre Camp has put on 13 productions – including last year’s Virtual Theatre experience for kids to stay engaged, interactive, creative and collaborative throughout the pandemic.

Many of the young performers who participate in MCC’s Summer Theatre Camp remain with the program for years. Dracut-native Andrew Shapiro – who is a 10-year camp veteran – gained a passion for performing thanks to his time in the summer camp.

“It didn't matter who I was in the show, it was the experience that had me wanting to keep coming back,” he said. “One of the biggest things that really made the camp stick out for me was the professionalism coming from everyone involved. It didn't feel like I was in a summer camp, we were putting together a show. That's what mattered – the show.”

From Chelmsford, Emma DeWitt has been involved with the program since middle school. She has appreciated the community that the summer camp has provided to her the past five years.

“Everyone is encouraged to bring their own unique perspectives to every production, which makes for an amazing collaborative experience,” she said. “At MCC, I’ve forged friendships that will last a lifetime and learned so much about myself as a performer and person. I wouldn’t have it any other way!”

With a BFA from The Boston Conservatory in Musical Theatre and Directing, and an M.Ed. from Cambridge College, Oster has extensive experience in the theatre world. She has facilitated, directed and coordinated the performances and involvement of young cast members in many productions on Broadway and National Tours. She is now a Ph.D. candidate in the Individually Designed Program at Lesley University.

In addition to Oster’s leadership and guidance, students in MCC’s Summer Theatre Camp will also have the chance to work with MCC Assistant Director, Stage Manager and Outreach Coordinator Amy Myres and Residential Technical Supervisor and Lighting, Sound and Set Director for Merrimack Repertory Theatre Carter Miller.

College for Kids features seven weeks of half day programs that run from 8:30 a.m. to noon, or 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., in addition to the MCC Summer Theatre Camp. Students who participate can explore future careers, learn new skills, meet new friends, boost their self-confidence, and follow a regular routine all online.

For the complete 2021 online College for Kids schedule and registration information, visit www.middlesex.mass.edu/collegeforkids/ or call 781-280-3663.

Discover your path at Middlesex Community College. As one of the largest, most comprehensive community colleges in Massachusetts, MCC has been a proven leader in online education for more than 20 years. We educate, engage and empower a diverse community of learners, offering more than 80 degree and certificate programs – plus hundreds of noncredit courses. Middlesex Community College: Student success starts here!