Students ages 8-12 and 13-18 will explore musical theatre skills in three-week camps, leading up to a final performance by each group for family, friends and the public. No previous acting, singing or dancing experience is required and all students will be given a part. Each class is limited to 15 to give students a personalized, immersive experience.  

Tuition is $200 per session and Dunes Arts Foundation is now offering an expanded number of scholarships through the generosity of the Tuholski Oberlie Environmental & Arts Fund for Youth and the McKeague Family Fund held at the Unity Foundation of La Porte County.   

Dunes Education Coordinators Emily and Travis Franks will be directing as a team and look forward to seeing students discover new talents in the summer camps The Franks are veteran performers who have BFA degrees in theatre performance. Travis will focus on acting, character development, and blocking. Emily will focus on singing and dancing.  

The Franks selected four popular musical theatre productions suited to the 8-18 age range. “Matilda” and “Seussical” are beloved by children in the 8-12 age range, Emily said.  “The young students will learn the basics of musical theatre, from how we treat each other in a cast to projecting your lines so that everyone can hear you. They will also learn one large group dance number that will challenge their memory and work ethic.”  

“Newsies” and “The Addams Family” were chosen for the 13-18 age group to challenge them with more complex plot lines and character development, Emily said.  “Older students will dive a little deeper into this process through developing a character and being emotionally vulnerable on stage. They will have the opportunity to get a glimpse of what a professional theater might feel like, which can inspire love for the art and passion for the work.”  

The three-week Early Summer Sessions run June 13-30. Group A: “Matilda” is for ages 8-12 and meets Mondays and Wednesdays from 1-3 p.m. Central. Group B: “Newsies” is for ages 13-18 and meets Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1-3 p.m. Central. Final performance day is July 1 at 11 a.m. Central. 

The three-week Late Summer Sessions run July 11-28. Group A: “Seussical” is for ages 8-12 meets Mondays and Wednesdays from 1-3 p.m. Central. Group B: “The Addams Family” is for ages 13-18 meets Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1-3 p.m.  Central. Final performance day is July 29 at 11 a.m. Central. 

There’s still time to join the generations of Dunes Summer Youth Theatre Camp alumni who love to talk about the fun they had kids. Registration for the summer theatre classes and scholarship applications are available at www.dunesarts.org.