Encore Theatre Offers Performance Camp for Teens

High school students looking to brush up on their acting chops can attend a new weeklong acting camp at the in Dexter on July 25-29.

The camp, which is taught by veteran stage performers Mary Jo Del Vero and Caleb Wimbrow, will focus on stage readings and song selection and performance, culminating in a mock audition at the end of the week.

“Students will learn how to use their facial expressions and body to show the audience what their character is thinking,” Wimbrow said.

The duo has already been hard at work with an elementary and middle school camp that wraps up July 22.

“The elementary and middle school programs are a little different than the high school program in that we’re mainly focusing on improvisation, team work and basic stage direction with children in a game format,” Del Vero said. “Essentially all camps will be learning the same skills, but they will be presented differently for older students.”

Del Vero said she has been teaching theater camps for 12 years and serves as a third grade teacher when she’s not on stage herself.

“I love working with kids in any capacity,” she said. “I think theater gives students an outlet where everyone can be creative and accepting. We teach discipline, commitment, socialization and it gives kids something to do in the summer.”

“Theater kids are of a different breed. It is exciting and inspiring to see them working together,” Del Vero said.

Wimbrow agrees.

“Kids come here and they learn pretty quick that participating is not something to be afraid of,” he said. “We try to let students know that learning to be yourself is not a bad thing. It’s confidence building.”

Registration for the high school program is underway and applications can be downloaded on the Encore’s website.

“We’re open to anyone who is willing to put it out there, take a risk and just have fun regardless of their skill level,” Del Vero said.

Sessions for high school students run July 25-29 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Encore and cost $325. For more information, e-mail summerprogram@theencoretheatre.org or call Mary Jo Del Vero at 586-854-6250.