THE MOMENT HAS ARRIVED—the greeting and welcome have been given. The house lights go down, the audience settles and the music begins to play. The actors take to the stage as the lights come up. What felt like an impossible feat is now alive and happening. This is Summer Theater Camp at the Idaho Falls Youth Arts Centre.
The Summer Theater Camp program is a chance for youth ages 8 to 18 to learn all aspects of theater from acting, singing, and dancing, to costume design, set building, and learning about sound and light design. Campers do this through the production of a musical.
For many years, only one opportunity was offered each summer for kids to participate in the Summer Theater Camp program. Five years ago, the waiting list was getting longer and the Board of Directors decided to offer two camps…and again there was a waiting list. Last summer, IFYAC decided to offer four camps with the option of two different shows. It was so well received that the same is happening again this year. Newsies Jr. and Lion King Jr. are the shows selected for this summer.
As part of the Summer Theater Camp, our Mentorship Program shines as the supporting cast. This is a program aimed at the older teens, 14 years and older. This program allows them to get a better understanding of the production side of putting together a musical. Oftentimes, the mentees (as they are affectionately called) get to feel the rush of live theater through problem solving on the fly.
Alex Nottestad, a STC veteran, joined IFYAC for his first experience in 2015. He has been a camper every year since then. His debut performance was the role of Donkey in Shrek the Musical Jr. His last role in Summer Theater Camp was the beloved Aladdin in Aladdin Jr. Last year he also took part in the Mentorship program building sets, but I am pretty sure he prefers the performing side of theater (lucky for us!).
The STC performances are open to the public and make a wonderful family afternoon or evening activity. If you want to be delighted by a fantastic production of live theater at its best, ticket information may be found at ifyac.org. Performances for Lion King Jr. will be June 16 and 17; June 30 and July 1. Performances for Newsies Jr. are July 21 and 22 and August 4 and 5. All performances are held at the Idaho Falls Youth Arts Centre building, 1470 Chamberlain St. The seats are limited so do not wait to purchase your tickets. Be a part of the excitement. To find out more about our Summer Theater Program, the Mentorship Program, Fall Musical, Audition Workshop, Spring Production; or our choirs, strings, and dance classes, please visit our website, www.ifyac.org. Get your kids involved, or get yourself involved. We are for the youth and the young at heart.