Camp Imagination registration begins Monday

Registration for the fifth annual Camp Imagination (June 4-15) at the Del E. Webb Center for the Performing Arts will begin Monday (May 7) from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Webb Center.

Camp Imagination, a two-week arts camp for students entering grades 1 through 12, is designed to explore the arts and build self-confidence. This year, the format of camp will change to enhance each camper's overall experience. The students will all participate in a daily “Performance Class” where they learn the songs, dances and acting skills for their roles in this year's production of “Honk! Jr.”

The campers will also choose two areas of special interest, such as tumbling, visual arts and filmmaking, to name a few.

“We have extended Camp an extra half hour each day to allow a deeper exploration of subjects,” explained Cathy Weiss, director of the Center. “Each year, students need to be challenged and we design our curriculum to continually stretch their imaginations.”

The Desert Caballeros Western Museum will once again sponsor the visual arts offerings of camp. The Young Rembrandts program of Scottsdale will offer classes in drawing and cartooning.

“The museum brings their visual arts expertise to camp and permits the Webb Center staff to focus on the performing arts aspect,” stated Weiss. “We are grateful to Royce Kardinal, Mary Ann Igna, the entire museum staff and volunteers for their efforts in this meaningful collaboration.”

Adding to the excitement of this year's camp, Harry Patrick Christian will join the staff as director of the show “Honk! Jr.” Christian is the director of Arts-in-Education Outreach Programs for New Jersey's 33-year-old Pushcart Players children's theater organization.

“He brings a lot of creativity, education and theatre arts experience to our camp,” stated dance captain and stage manager Heather Lloyd.

“Our show this year ‘Honk! Jr.' is a musical adaptation of Hans Christian Anderson's tale of the ugly duckling,” added Music Director Vicki Sweeney. “The music and lyrics will be fun for the campers.”

The public performance will be held on Friday, June 15 at 6:30 p.m. at the Webb Center.

Auditions will be held prior to Camp Imagination for the lead characters in “Honk! Jr.” on Monday, May 14 beginning at 3:30 p.m. in the drama classroom at Wickenburg High School. Auditions are open to students entering 6th through 12th grades in the fall.

Every child should prepare a song and a monologue - each no longer than three minutes. Cast members will once again work with professional actor Matt Dearing and vocal coach Joseph Mayon to focus on their roles in the production.

How does it all work:

Registration Kick-Off Event -- Monday, May 7, 5 to 7 p.m.

Registration Deadline -- Friday, May 25

Lead Character Auditions -- Monday, May 14, 3:30 p.m.

Camp Imagination Week One -- Monday-Friday, June 4-8, 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Camp Imagination Week Two -- Monday-Wednesday, June 11-13, 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Dress Rehearsal and Performance -- Thursday-Friday, June 14-15, 5-8 p.m.

Camp fees are $80 for the first child in a family and $65 for each sibling. Full and partial scholarships are available for students who could not otherwise attend Camp.

Registration forms and scholarship applications will be available at the time of registration Monday or at the Webb Center Box Office located on the campus of Wickenburg High School. Applications will also be made available online via the Webb Center's Web site at www.delewebbcenter.org beginning Monday; just follow the link to the “Arts for Kids” Project page.

For more information, contact the Webb Center at 684-6624.

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