Steps To The Stage
Steps To The Stage
Unleashing Creativity: Inside the Magic of Summer Theater Camps with Marlee Lane
Curious about how the magic of summer camps comes to life at the 7th Street Community Theater? Join us as we sit down with Marlee Lane, the passionate camp director who transforms creative themes into unforgettable experiences for young theater enthusiasts. With exciting camps like "Wild Wild West," "Dino-Mite," "Puppets on Deck," and "Rock for the Ages," Marlee shares how her three years of experience streamline the planning process, ensuring each camp is packed with opportunities for campers to create, learn, and perform. From cowboy adventures to rocking out in style, get ready to discover how these themes foster imagination and exploration in every child who joins.
Ever wondered what it takes to run a successful puppet camp? We spotlight the expanded "Puppets on Deck" camp set on the sea and delve into the multifaceted nature of theater arts. From acting and singing to costume making and puppet design, hear about the dedicated team, including Abby Lane, Luke Shaumann, and Sarah Hooganraad, who make it all happen despite geographical hurdles. Plus, learn about the flexible, child-centered planning approach that ensures each camper's interests are prioritized. Stick around for a celebration of the dedication and enthusiasm that fuel these camps and find out how to stay connected with us across various platforms. Tune in to be inspired and maybe even find your next creative outlet!
Camps – Chino Community Children's Theatre (chinochildrenstheatre.org)
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Hello and welcome to Steps to the Stage. A 7th Street Community Theater, take 2. Hello and welcome to Steps to the Stage. A 7th Street Theater podcast with the professionals that you know and love, and then those that fill in as the guest hosts when the professionals are not available.
Speaker 2:The lights are on the curtains up. This is Steps to the Stage available.
Speaker 1:The lights are on, the curtains up. This is Steps to the Stage and, on that note, my name is Kirk Lane, sometime host and producer of Steps to the Stage podcast, and we are really excited today to have Miss Marlee Lane here to talk to us a little bit about the upcoming summer camps. This is a program that we have had for many, many, many years here and it's been off and on over a few of our pandemics, things of that nature, that have come through, but they're back in force and we're excited for another year, another slate of camps, and so we were hoping to talk and get to know a little bit more about what the plans are for this year so that we can get everyone on board and have a great summer and spend some time at the theater. So welcome.
Speaker 3:Hello, I'm Marlee, your camp director.
Speaker 1:Yes, the camp director, and this is now third year.
Speaker 3:Yes, this is my third year.
Speaker 1:Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful. So now, third year, I know we've had a chance to talk to you in the past and we did an episode last year before the camps. It's got to be a little bit easier now. Yes, no, let's hear more about the process and each week, I believe, has a different theme, just kind of some of the philosophies and what you put in and how you're making the camps, how you're improving the camps year over year.
Speaker 3:Yeah, it's definitely easier because I've made a set of protocols for myself. I'm doing a lot of what a producer would do for a show basically. So now, like, I know the things I have to do, or before I was coming up with the things I have to do and then doing them. So now it's I do them, but I know what I'm going to do, if that makes sense.
Speaker 1:It does, absolutely.
Speaker 3:Yeah, so this year we have four camps and the themes are Wild, wild West, which is our Western cowboy cowgirl theme, dino Might, which is, you know, dinosaurs, paleontologist. And then we have another puppet camp, which we've done before, so this one is now not just puppets but puppets on deck.
Speaker 3:So some of your, you know, classic, under the sea on the boat sailing I love it situation I love it and then we're rounding it all out with what we call rock for the ages, which is going to be kind of like a rock and roll music outside of musical theater that still inspires us to do theater type of situation. Okay, great, so yeah. And then each one of them has we've done this in the past but we're sticking a little more to this where every theme connects to a story which is going to go into the play and then every theme also connects to kind of a big idea or a big question that connects to how we create. So the first camp is Wild Wild West. So we'll have, you know, robbers, cow, you know our villain and classic villain and hero story. We'll have the animals that come along the way and help story. We'll have the animals that come along the way and help, and so this theme is really focused on like how can we because in the wild wild west, you know, nothing's established, we're going off the nature and off each other.
Speaker 3:So it's, how can we take what we have, like our friends, nature, the environment, the world around us, and use that to create? So that's kind of that idea with the camp and then with our dinosaur camp we're going to have. Basically it's a little night at the museum where there's a group of researchers, paleontologists we'll have like a scientist and all these things, and then the dinosaurs will come to life in the museum. So that's kind of the story with that for our play. And then our tie-in question is how can the past help us create in the present? So it's in the museum, like why would a museum be important? Why should we learn about dinosaurs and how that connects to theater? Because theater we're basically looking at the past and redoing it again. We're doing new things when you do an old play.
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 3:And then our last no, not our last Whoa, whoa, whoa. Our puppet camp is obviously, and puppets have been used in theater for thousands of years, and I think sometimes I mean obviously puppets are important to everyone. Think about the Muppets. And we grow up, there's a reason why humans are attached to it. Big part of our culture and why children are attached to it.
Speaker 1:Sesame Street.
Speaker 3:Yeah, so basically it's a little Gilligan's Island situation where our puppets are going to be on a cruise, they crash and we have our under the sea animals that come and help, maybe some pirates and mermaids that come along, and so with the puppets it's how can we tell a story using something else as an instrument? So that's kind of our creativity tie in there.
Speaker 1:Yeah, a thematic type way to teach.
Speaker 3:Yeah, love that. Love that. How do we act on something that's not ourselves? Right Like even though the Muppets like there's like a classic way they move, that's telling a story, but that's just someone's hand moving up and down.
Speaker 3:Right but yet we're able to feel emotions and stuff. So if you know how to act through something else, you can also act through yourself as an instrument, and I think we should start learning that young. And then for our final camp, which is Rock for the Ages, our story is going to be literally a jukebox musical, where people are going to go to a jukebox and we're going to travel through the decades of music.
Speaker 1:Love it.
Speaker 3:Yeah, so the creativity tie-in is what music inspires us to create, and sometimes it's not musical theater, right, but also jukebox musicals are popular and different things can be used in theater. So, as I ramble along about creativity and connecting but the themes aren't just willy-nilly, you know like we think about how they connect to what we can teach, how they can be obviously fun. It's all fun animal.
Speaker 1:Well, yeah, and you have themes for each week, and these are themes that people are comfortable with and have an affinity towards, and so it gives you that vehicle to obviously and it sounds like you obviously have the goal in mind ahead of time and you've created the vehicle now.
Speaker 1:So, for each week, and especially if you have campers that come to all four weeks, they get something unique each camp. Or if they're just coming for one, you know they can choose something, that's they like dinosaurs the most or they like Westerns the most, so so they have that opportunity. So I love that and I definitely love the thematic teaching idea. And you know, I think, regardless of what age, you know, even to us as adults, everyone has different ways of learning and absorbing, and I love the fact that it really sounds like there's a thought, a plan ahead of time on how we can do this to get the most out of those that are attending the camp. So that's fantastic. And so you said this is the second time you've done a puppet camp before. Yes, what was last year's more themed upon? Or is this kind of an extension, or is it just again using the same vehicle for a different type of lesson?
Speaker 3:It's before. We kind of just had the idea of like puppets and then we created a story around it. It was that theme was more like, you know, like the puppets of. Then we created a story around it. It was that that theme was more like, um, you know, like the puppets of seventh street, and it was like a town trying to figure it out. So we're just kind of we loved, like what that brought, like they get to have in other parts because theater's not just acting and singing right theater is costume making, theater is art and all that stuff.
Speaker 3:So we got to, they got to really focus in on they. Just the kids designed their own puppet and we like loved that and they got to use it in the in the show. So now we're just kind of like adding on. We know that works and why not? Puppets can be in every theme. So why, not Okay, so they were in the town. Now they're on the sea.
Speaker 1:I love it, I love it, I love it, I love it. And then again the actual making of the puppets, or, um, I believe, if I recall, from last year. You utilize the set that was existing and you just kind of augmented it for the story.
Speaker 3:Exactly.
Speaker 1:And we'll. That will be the similar for the camps this year because we have other productions that are going on. So and that's the great part about this particular theater is, you can have multiple different events going on at once. I mean, even tonight, as we record this, we have two different rehearsals from two different productions going on. We're doing this podcast here. There's other rehearsals that are happening for other showcases, so it's great that it gives those outlets. So in these camps I know in the past you have had help, so I'm assuming you're going to have counselors, co-counselors. Talk to me about who's going to be helping out this year.
Speaker 3:Yeah, we have a lot of different people. We have Abby Lane, which has been a she's been a junior counselor before Luke Shaman, who's going to be the music director, who's done camp before Sarah Hoganrad, who's helped out, and we'll have some other little special guest stars that are coming by.
Speaker 1:I love it. So it's a good team, yeah, for sure, yeah, and a team that has roots here at the theater as well, which I think is fantastic and it's definitely carrying it forward. Now, do you guys I'm assuming because I know believe Sarah was based out of New York where she goes to school? Yes, so do you have a couple online meetings ahead of time to kind of talk about the approach and how that's going to work?
Speaker 3:Exactly Schedule conflicts, all those other things, how you can deal with that. So I love that. And then, leading up to it, is there what other type of preparation is involved, like hour by hour an idea of what's going on, and we pick all the songs out beforehand. But even songs, a lot of the times we change during the week because it just oh, it just doesn't work here, it doesn't work with the story. So there is obviously a bunch of pre-playing that we do, but the real, like getting down into it happens during the week of camp. So we, we know the kids, we know the kids, we know the ages, just what even they're into, and that's really where it comes together. And I think that's why the shows end up successful at the end of the week, because we don't just barrel in with like we're not tied to our pre-planning, because our planning isn't important, but the kids are important.
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 3:So it's you know we do what we can, so we're not unprepared. But I think it's important to and I think that's important for a show too. It just depends on when you get there. You kind of cut off creativity if you over plan, I think.
Speaker 1:Agreed, agreed. I love how each week is just like a normal production we have here.
Speaker 3:Yeah, just speed round, it's a speed round, exactly.
Speaker 1:But these kids and I think that's really one of the main purposes right is to give people the opportunity and the exposure. These kids the exposure to see what a production is all about and hopefully they come and audition for a future production. Exactly Right. And just like all the counselors, have been involved in other productions before.
Speaker 3:So the listener that has not been to a camp before, let's talk about a typical day and then let's talk about split up into groups and our lovely junior counselors are usually the head of one of those groups and then we rotate to different rooms. So there's the singing room, there's the dancing room, there's the acting room, and then we rotate and learn what we have to learn for the show in those times and then when we're not doing that, there's sometimes a fun event. We're learn for the show in those times and then when we're not doing that, there's sometimes a fun event. We're rehearsing the show, we're doing all those things. But that's kind of the typical day-to-day.
Speaker 3:And then it changes from that and as we lead up to our big Friday, which is when the show happens, we obviously Thursday we're rehearsing and all that stuff. On Friday we use the morning to rehearse and then basically the kids memorize lines, memorize lyrics, memorize choreography for a good. Most of the shows are usually 20 to 30 minutes. It's a hefty amount of information, but they can, they do, yeah. So they go to the show and the parents and whoever else wants to come comes and they sit down, watch the show and it's great.
Speaker 1:And they are great. And I can say you know, being involved in this theater for many years, and I've been to many of these end of the week plays and they are just fantastic to see the excitement on everyone's face. And they are just fantastic to see the excitement on everyone's face. What I really love as well is you immediately see the camaraderie that the camp has. You know the camp attendees have developed throughout the course of the week. Right, you know you come in at the end. You've just been dropping them off, picking them up. You're hearing stories here and there, but you really see it. You really see the interaction.
Speaker 1:And the thing that I especially love is when they're on stage and, as you said, they've got a. There's a lot to memorize in a short amount of time and some people are going to pick it up a little bit quicker than the others, and always the ones that are there supporting the other to help them with a little lead line just to get them back on track. And and you could see that you know that fear is there, but then the fear goes away when they know that their cast is there to support them. So I love that you create that as well, the teachers and and and and you leading everyone there. I love that. That is definitely something, and I also love the the camaraderie amongst the leadership, amongst amongst the counselors that definitely shows through as well. Give us some more information and details on how we can sign up if we would like our child to attend.
Speaker 3:Of course. So the same way you buy tickets is you? The same way you sign up for camps. So you're basically buying a ticket for your kid to go to camp. So it's on the same place in the website. You go to tickets, you go to seat yourself and you pick the camp you want to go to, and yeah, and then you pay there and if you, we offer half scholarships and full scholarships, so you can just you can email the theater or you can email me my camp email is cccct7camp at gmailcom and ask for scholarships or ask for I'm not sure how to sign up, and basically that's it. And I send an email a week before every camp, just making sure everybody's good. And you can also sign up day of.
Speaker 3:Got it Come in on Monday at 8.30 am.
Speaker 1:And we'll put a link in the show notes with all the information. But let's go through. Do you have the dates by any chance off the top of your head, or should we look them up, because I think it would be great for us to give everyone the dates, and we'll put them in the show notes as well.
Speaker 3:Yes, so our first camp, our lovely Wild Wild West camp, will start on June 10th. Okay, so that's and camp will start on June 10th Okay.
Speaker 1:So, and what was the time again? You said 830 in the morning 830 to four every day.
Speaker 3:830 to four Monday to Friday. Okay, so let me pull up my little thing. So that's our first camp, and then dynamite is our second camp and that starts on June 17th. Okay, once again 830 to four every day. Puppets on Deck is June 24th, and then we all take a break for 4th of July, right, and the last camp is going to be on July 8th.
Speaker 1:Wonderful and it's okay to sign up for all four camps, mm-hmm, and maybe we have one conflict or something to that nature. They can interact with you and they can.
Speaker 3:Yeah, we've had people like they've had to miss a day, or miss half a day for sports or another audition, and it's usually obviously if they're going to miss the show, it's a little hard. But also if we know that ahead of the time they can still be part of the camp, we just won't give them like a role in the show, right? So yeah, so you don't have to be like stressed out about it. We have literally all day to rehearse, so there's time, there's time.
Speaker 1:So that brought up another question that I had what about the tech side of things? Are you working on that a little bit as well with the camp?
Speaker 3:Yeah, so we usually do a tech camp, but we're not doing this one this year. We're keeping it short and sweet with four camps. So every camp we usually do like a small light design and sound, so I usually reach out. Or if you're interested in tech, you can reach out on the. I think there's already up on, like the website and Instagram, a tech interest form and camps are part of them.
Speaker 1:Wonderful.
Speaker 3:And so it's basically like you get to help out, they get to do tech for the mini show.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 3:So they come Thursday and basically we do like a dry tech.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 3:A small, it's just everything quick and short.
Speaker 1:Well, very similar to the attendees that are getting that, you know, getting that first chance at doing a production. This is a great opportunity for someone that wants to learn tech as well, and I know that's something and you mentioned it and that's what is something that you'll highlight in these camps is it's not just the getting on stage, right, it's the. You got to think of the story ahead of time. You know you've got to write the dialogue, you've got to write the script, you've got to do the set, you've got to do the costumes, you've got to schedule everything You've got. You know you've got to work on the blocking, you got to work on the lights, the audio all of these things you're going to, you know you compact into that short week. So it gives you that opportunity and that experience to see all that so that you know because maybe you don't know what you, you know what you gravitate towards, right. Some people may think, oh, I would never act, and then all of a sudden, they get out on stage and they have a great experience, right? Or sometimes people they want to learn the tech or they want to be creative and build sets, so I love that. It gives them that opportunity in a very condensed but also, I think, very positive environment as well, especially with the rest of the campers, and like guidance and leadership.
Speaker 1:Well, wonderful, well, we appreciate your time, as always. Is there any other information we need to give to the listeners out there? Well, as mentioned, we'll put all of the links in the notes and there should be a transcript that comes out as well. That gives you some clear information as well. And, as always, we appreciate your time and we know this is going to be another great and successful summer of camps and we thank you so much for being involved for all these years, and we especially thank you for coming in after an already busy day and busy night and spending some time to promote the camps with us. So thank you so much, marlee.
Speaker 3:Of course, thank you.
Speaker 2:Thanks for listening to Steps to the Stage, and now it's time for the Curtain Call. You can follow us on Spotify, Apple, Google or any podcasting platform. We have videos up on YouTube and you can visit our website at stepstothestagebuzzsproutcom. And, as always, a special thank you to our audio engineer, Joey Rice, and our producer, Kirk Lane. Without the two of you, this show would not be possible.
