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Over fall break, the College’s Theatre, Dance and Performance Studies Department offered a free 3-day theatre camp for fourth-through eighth grade students from 91����-Newburg schools. The camp, entitled GECCO Children’s Theatre Camp, took place Saturday, October 18 – Monday, October 20. Over the course of these three days, 20 campers auditioned for, practiced, and eventually performed a short play, all while learning about the foundations of theatre. 

GECCO was supported by the Moffet Fund, an award founded for Alexander Sandy Moffet which allows individual 91���� students with opportunities to realize projects that will advance their educational and professional goals and enrich their growth as professionals and as people. This funding allowed the camp to be free and offer snacks and meals, therefore making the experience more accessible for local children and their families. Danielle Rogers ‘28, a student involved with theatre on campus, developed the program. 

Moffett expressed his dismay at not being able to attend the final performance, but said of the camp:

“I wish I could have. However, I love the idea. I think it is exactly the sort of project the fund is intended for.”

Rogers shared, “The idea for the camp first came to me last fall when I saw postings for the Moffett Fund around campus. For the past few years, my summer job back home in Minnesota has been teaching theatre-based summer camps to kids with ages ranging from 4-17 years old. In talking with Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies (TDPS) Professor Dr. Miller, who was my director for the fall mainstage "Pity," they informed me of a current gap in theatrical opportunities for middle school aged students.”

Rogers also expressed her excitement about collaborating with educators in the community. She shares that she got the chance to speak with English teacher Jennie Flinspach, who invited her to speak at the high school Curtain Club about the camp. After speaking at the camp, several high schoolers expressed interest in volunteering to help manage the camp. As a result, Rogers worked alongside TPDS faculty members, the high school volunteers, and other college students that were hired as teaching artists. Students Paul Reif ‘26 and Sophia Levitas-Goren ‘28 served as directors; Sarah Reif ‘27 developed choreography and led a character workshop; and Amelie Pfister ‘28 trained and supported the four high school student volunteers. 

For their play, the student campers performed an adaptation of "The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe," adapted from C.S. Lewis’s renowned fantasy book for young readers. Campers practiced with support from the Teaching Artists until finally on Monday they delivered a heartwarming performance to their families, friends, and other community members. 

In reflecting on the camp’s success, Rogers added, “Theatre is art, and art is the most beautiful expression of life. When children are empowered through the arts, they are truly empowered to live and create within their lives.”