Kids 8 to 17 Can Take the Stage with MCC’s Summer Theatre Camp

As part of the College for Kids 2023 summer programming, the Middlesex Community College Summer Theatre Camp for Kids is putting on a production of “The Addams Family.”

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. Karen Oster, MCC’s Chair of Performing Arts, will lead them through each step of the production.

“It has always been our mission with our Summer Theatre Camp to provide a fun and exciting environment for kids to explore theatre arts – and while we encourage creative growth – we promote teamwork and a true ‘company’ mentality,” Oster said. “We set a high standard for quality in the productions and always surpass what is typically associated with children’s theatre. We believe children of all ages are capable of magnificent things and there are no limits to their creativity in the theatre arts.”

The program will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, July 24 to August 12. Performances will take place at 7 p.m. on Friday, August 11 and 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturday, August 12.

Since 2008, MCC’s Summer Theatre Camp has been on 15 productions. The past two years, the camp has put on “James and the Giant Peach Jr.” and “Matilda Jr.” Many of the young performers who participate in MCC’s Summer Theatre Camp continue on for years.

“MCC Children’s Theatre has been a large part of my life since I was in middle school,” said Emma DeWitt, of Chelmsford. “Nothing compared to the kind and welcoming environment the staff creates! Everyone is encouraged to bring their own unique perspectives to every production, which makes for an amazing collaborative experience! 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!”

“My two daughters have been involved in the MCC youth theatre camp for five seasons, and their experience there has been amazing,” said Kimberly Curran, of Lowell. “It never fails to amaze me how much they are able to accomplish in such a short period of time. They work so hard and learn so much, but within such an accepting and fun environment that they’ve loved every minute of it!”

MCC offers a variety of arts and sciences College for Kids classes from July 10 through August 17, Monday through Thursday. Programs are offered in Bedford and Lowell, featuring six weeks of full- and half-day programs from July 10 through August 17, Monday through Thursday.

Full-day programs run 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and half-day programs run 9 a.m. to noon or 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Students who take two half-day programs to make a full day can stay on campus for lunch in between the two sessions.