4th Quarter 2006
MUSKOGEE LITTLE THEATRE FINDS CAMP SUCCESS WITH M.T.I. SHOWKITS
For theatres looking for ideas for Youth Summer Camp, take a look at M.T.I.'s Broadway Jr. Showkits. After two summers of Youth Theatre Camps which involved several one-week sessions based on different themes, and though filled to capacity, Muskogee Little Theatre wanted a better learning experience for youth. We made the decision to evaluate the camp and restructure it based on the evaluation results. We invited students, parents, and educators to participate in the evaluation process. The focus group concluded that not only was a longer camp experience wanted, but one that was geared towards the students getting a "total" theatre experience with learning and involvement in all aspects of theatre. Muskogee Little Theatre found the answer in M.T.I.'s Broadway Jr. Showkits. An established program with successful results based on formal evaluation. MTI is dedicated to the idea of theatre as education and shares with educators the goal of raising the next generation of theatre artists and audiences. MTI has taken a leading role in education by creating the MTI Theatrical Resources, a theatrical tool box designed to ensure the success of the arts learning experience. Broadway Junior is a complete package which includes a first-timer's "How To" guide to producing Broadway's most beloved musicals, custom tailored to children. The kit includes student libretto/vocal books featuring memory pages for students, as well as facts and brain-teasers about of the show. Included is an enrichment guide that ties the themes of the show to learning by integrating language arts, history, math, art, science, music, and more. Also included is a Family Matters Book for parents that guides them through the show process and provides positive ways they can contribute. The Production Handbook includes a calendar template and suggested curriculum schedule.
Muskogee Little Theatre's 2006 Summer Youth Theatre Camp was a 6-week camp that culminated with a 2 week-end run of Disney's Aladdin, Jr. The camp sessions were Monday - Friday from 1pm - 5pm. Students were grouped by age into 4 groups that rotated hourly through acting; music; choreography; and stagecraft. Every Friday we invited various instructors to do workshops in areas such as lighting/light design; stage make-up; costuming; and stage combat (a favorite). This production was totally student-driven. The students made all of the props; designed and painted the set; ran lights and sound; and performed to sold-out crowds and rave reviews. Muskogee Little Theatre highly recommends this Showkit to make your summer camp a well-disciplined, structured, educational and memorable theatre experience for your youth.
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