It’s a tale as old as time, and this summer kids are going to revisit the popular story of Beauty and Beast as part of the Summer Youth Conservatory at Kay Meek Centre.
For the past five years, the musical theatre camp has hosted kids ages eight to 18, in a unique program that focuses on one production each term for each of the two age groups.
This summer, kids in the eight- to 12-year-old range will be mounting a production of Peter Pan, while the older kids, ages 13 to 18, will be working on a production of Beauty and The Beast.
“It’s pretty intense,” explains program director Kimberly Markarian.
In a professional setting, productions can be mounted in three weeks, but actors will arrive to rehearsals already knowing the music. In this program, the kids learn everything from scratch.
Markarian notes that they prefer to call the program a conservatory and not a camp because it’s more about learning. Participants do not have to audition to get in, and every child gets a part in the production. In addition, they all get a moment in the spotlight. Markarian explains that whether it’s as part of a small line, or a duo or solo, each kid gets a moment to shine, so it’s not just a handful of leads backed by a chorus.
The origins of the camp reach back to a West Vancouver school district camp that was only two weeks long. Markarian was involved in that program for eight years until the Kay Meek Centre got involved and use of the centre’s theatre meant they could mount a full production with sets and costumes.
The current program is six weeks long, culminating in two performances of each musical. Participants work with industry professionals, and Markarian says it’s geared toward kids who are keen and interested in theatre.
“We will take them wherever they’re at and help them develop but they have to have a real love for it,” she says.
Lots of group work, especially for the younger kids, results in plenty of strong bonds among the kids and many of them return to the program year after year.
Those interested in signing up don’t have to have any theatre experience, and Markarian says even shy kids can give it a try, as long as they’re willing to work and participate.
When asked what type of kid this program is suited for she says: “Somebody that has a passion for performing and a wild imagination, willing to explore.”
