We’re back on The Front Row blog with another parent review of this summer’s virtual camp programs. We’re excited to share another family’s perspective, so we’ll get right to it:
Encore: Please briefly introduce yourself. What was your family’s previous experience with Encore prior to this summer, if any?
Jeff: Our son had participated in a couple of Encore camps and was cast in one Encore production. He’s had a great time in everything he’s done with Encore and was looking forward to this year’s camps.
Encore: If you weren’t already enrolled in an Encore camp, what prompted you to seek out/sign up for virtual summer camp programming?
Jeff: Our son was already enrolled in Encore camp. When we told him that the camp would be online, we figured that he would ask us to switch to a different camp experience. Instead, he was committed to sticking with his Encore camp.
Encore: What expectations did you have about virtual programming before the camp started?
Jeff: He said that he was worried that the virtual camp wouldn’t be as much fun as the in-person camp and that he wouldn’t have fun. He was surprised at how much he enjoyed the online camp and we were surprised at how upbeat and engaged he was. It was cool to hear him in his room singing, laughing, and acting during the day.
Encore: What new skills or lessons did your child learn from their time at camp?
Jeff: He learned how a bit about camera work as he was working to get himself correctly in the frame during the camp performances.
Encore: Are there any key moments from your student’s virtual camp experience that particularly stand out in your memory (a favorite song they learned, a new friend they made, etc.)?
Jeff: He really got into the character he was cast as and enjoyed the opportunity to work on his comedic chops.
Encore: Any words of advice to future virtual participants/their families?
Jeff: I was blown away by the high energy level the Encore staff brought to the camp experience. That enthusiasm was infectious and the kids seemed to engage more as a result. If you know your child is into performing, then they should have a great time with the Encore camp, even with the limitations of the virtual format.
Thank you to the Lee family, for both their honest feedback and for joining us for virtual camp this summer. There is still time for you to register and join their ranks as unique theatre-makers this year.
Virtual Summer Camps for August
Scenes for Tweens (ages 8-12)
August 31 – September 4, 2020 – Movie Mash-Up
Virtual Workshops for Ages 9-18
August 27: How to Nail Your Audition and Get the Role You Want (with Lisa Shaw)
September 1: How to Belt Without Straining (with Lisa Shaw)
In-Person Camps for Ages 6-18
August 31 – September 4, 2020: Let’s Get Moving – Mind, Body, and Imagination (ages 6-11)
August 31 – September 4, 2020: Theatre Lovers’ Project – Scene Study (ages 11-18)
Photos by Connie Polnow and Cindy Kane Photography. Blog contribution by Shannon McCarthy.