Discover The Fun And Friendship Of Summer Stage At Open House

GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ — For children interested in music, dancing and the magic of putting on a show or creating a film, Mainstage Center for the Arts’ Summer Stage offers wonderful opportunities. At Summer Stage performing arts and video film camp, hundreds of children from throughout southern Jersey embark on magical adventures – sharing smiles while they sing, gaining confidence as they learn their lines, and making friends while they perfect a dance, or even build scenery together.

Entering its 30th anniversary year, Summer Stage provides a safe, nurturing environment. With programs for children entering kindergarten through 12th grade, the fun lasts for many years. Learn more about Summer Stage at its Open House, April 4th, 6:30 pm, Dennis Flyer Theatre, Lincoln Hall, Camden County College, Blackwood, NJ. Discount for registering at open house.

The Summer Stage Programs

The youngest campers (entering k-1st grade), receive a perfect introduction to performing arts through Broadway Babies, a program offered at the Mainstage School of Dance, Cherry Tree Center, 475 Hurfville Cross Keys Road, Sewell, NJ. There are two two-week sessions of Broadway Babies from 10 am – 12 pm.

The next group, Kids Stuff (entering 2nd and 3rd grades), meets at Mainstage’s Academy Hall, 27 N. Black Horse Pike, Blackwood from 9 am – 12:30 pm. Kids Stuff is offered as two three-week sessions. Kids Stuff participants have the option of extending their day into the afternoon through Collaboration Station, an afternoon camp where they keep their creative energies flowing by trying new things like puppetry and pantomime, and Stage Key. Designed to fit parents’ busy work schedules, Stage Key provides before and after camp care.

After Broadway Babies and Kids Stuff, children advance to the Apprentice program, for 4th and 5th graders. This six-week program is designed to broaden children’s interest in the world of theatre. It takes place at Mainstage’s Academy Hall and also includes the option of full day options through Collaboration Station and Stage Key.

“My daughter will be starting her third year at Summer Stage and she absolutely loves it.

She has made lots of friends, the camp has given her confidence, and she adores the instructors…Showcasing what they’ve learned in a true production is a highlight for my daughter Gianna…When I'm scheduling out our summer, the first thing I do is to block out the weeks for Summer Stage,” Linda Reginelli.

When students move up to middle school, there is Children's Theatre for students entering 6th through 12th grades; and the behind-the-scenes Technical Theatre and Video Film Production, for those entering 8th through 12th grades, offered on the Blackwood Campus of Camden County. Each of these programs spans seven weeks.

Most Summer Stage programs provide performance opportunities. In Children's Theatre, each participant will have the chance to perform in one of the three shows, plus the final musical revue. This year, the season includes: The Little Mermaid, Jr.; Camp Rock, Jr.; Mary Poppins, Jr; and Magic Up Our Sleeve, a musical revue.

“Summer Stage is a great place where everyone has opportunities. The staff and campers are so welcoming. During the past four summers I have made so many friends and have grown as a performer. I looked forward to waking up every morning in the summer just to go to summer stage,” Shannon Enright.

Registration Information

Program fees range from $210 for a two-week Broadway Babies session to $595 for the seven-week Children's Theatre session. Stage Key, an affordable before and after-camp is available for programs at Academy Hall and Camden County College. Visit www.mainstage.org for schedules, fees, and discounts, call (856) 302-6485, or visit the open house on April 4th, 6:30 pm at Lincoln Hall, Camden County College.

Photo Captions:

Broadway Babies: Children in each level of Summer Stage have the opportunity to perform in shows. Here the Broadway Babies, in kindergarten and first grade, prepare for a show.

Apprentice Campers : The campers spend their days having fun singing, dancing, and acting.

Summer Stage Games: The Childrens’ Theatre kids enjoy bonding as teammates and competing against each other in the Summer Stage games, a friendly competition.

Mary Poppins: This year’s Children’s Theatre campers, grades six through 12, will present The Little Mermaid, Jr.; Camp Rock, Jr.; Mary Poppins, Jr; and Magic Up Our Sleeve.

Mainstage Center for the Arts, the parent program of Summer Stage, is located in Blackwood, NJ. It is committed to making the arts experience enjoyable for all its patrons. In an effort to make the shows, concerts, events, workshops, classes, and offices accessible to as many as possible, Mainstage offers many services for patrons requiring assistance. For anyone in need of assistance, please notify the office at 856-302-6485 at the time of purchasing tickets, or at least five days prior to the event you are attending.