When the weather heats up, so does youth programming at Winnsboro Center for the Arts (WCA). This summer there will be two theater camps, five art camps, and two ceramics classes for children. Register for camps and summer children’s classes here. All camps at WCA are $50 a week per camper, and there are also scholarships and family discounts available. Ceramics classes are $100 a week per student. Please call (903)342-0686 with any questions.
Our children’s theater camps, Marilee’Z KidZZ on Stage, have been our most popular camps in previous years. Last year, the musical theater camp performed Don’t Count Your Chickens Until They Cry Wolf, directed by Gale Gilbert, Shelley Aubrey, and Matthew Mahaffey. The campers auditioned, learned their roles, made their own costumes, learned choreography, sang songs, painted the backdrop, and made their own props. They performed two shows for friends and family at the end of the two weeks. From beginning to end, the campers learned all about the musical theater process. Even the shyest campers blossomed during this musical theater camp.
The trio returns this summer to direct Bremen Town Jam for the musical theater camp for children ages 9 – 12, Monday – Friday, June 13 – 24 at WCA. This children’s musical is a new take on a classic road trip. Join a pair of modern-day Brothers Grimm and a delightful re-telling of their famous take on the classic tale, the Bremen Town Musicians.
For children ages 6 – 8 there will be a Beginner Drama Camp from June 6 – 10. Campers will learn the basics of theater production and put on a play based on the children’s book City Green by author DyAnne Disalvo-Ryan. They will learn their lines, music, and choreography, and make their own costumes. This camp is a great primer for our musical theater camp. Campers will also learn about the importance of community gardens and Parks & Recreation in our own community of Winnsboro. Just like the book, City Green, the play demonstrates the wonderful things kids can do when they put their minds to it.
The Grahame Hopkins art camps have also become very popular with camps now offered for children and teens of all ages. The Art Adventurers art camp for ages 10 – 12 is already full, but there are still spots available in Crafty Creators for ages 6 – 7 June 13 – 17, Canvas Kids for ages 6 – 7 June 20 – 24, Master Makers for ages 13 and older June 27 – July 1, and Active Artists for ages 8 – 9 July 18 – 22.
In each summer art camp, the campers will make multiple art projects and will learn about all types of art including painting, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, fiber arts, and more. There will also be two yoga storytime sessions so that campers can get up and get those creative juices flowing. Along with individual art projects, the campers will also collaborate and create art together in groups and for the community. At the end of the week, the campers will have their artwork displayed in an art show to share what they have made with their friends and family.
For the first time at WCA, there will be week-long youth ceramics classes. The talented WCA instructor Brenda Roberts will teach two separate ceramics classes for children ages 9 – 12 June 20 – 24 and July 18 – 22. There will also be a follow-up day after each week-long class so that the students can glaze their ceramics. Students will learn several ceramics techniques including pinch, coil, and slab building. These techniques are a good foundation for any budding ceramic artist.
At WCA we strive to offer real, tangible art experiences for children and teens. Theater campers get to perform on the Bowery Stage just like the adult actors in our community theater group, The Bowery Players. Art campers exhibit their artwork in an art show for friends and family just like the adult artists do in our WCA art gallery. These are experiences students don’t normally get to have in a lot of schools. Art, music, and theater education programs are sometimes the first to be cut or scaled back when budget cuts are necessary, but there are so many great benefits from the arts. An arts education teaches children to collaborate and cooperate, communicate, be creative, problem-solve, self-direct, and be socially responsible.
Camps would not be possible without sponsors, instructors, volunteers, WCA staff, and families. Those who are interested in volunteering for summer camps and classes should call (903)342-0686 or email wca.artscenter@gmail.com. WCA is grateful to its camp sponsors, Marilee and Bill Russell, the Grahame Hopkins Fund of Winnsboro Community Foundation, First National Bank, and Becky Pickett.
