A musical theatre summer camp is instilling confidence in Prince Albert youth.
This week, around 50 students between the ages of seven and 18 are taking part in the Broadway North Youth Company’s summer intensive.
The program teaches them about the three aspects of musical theatre, singing, dancing and acting, which benefits the youth as they grow up – both in their progressing arts careers and in life.
“I would say confidence is the biggest thing that you see a shift in, is their enhanced sense of self,” said Roxanne Dicke, drama instructor and artistic director.
“There’s many that do go on into performance, but there’s also lots that go on into other careers when they graduate and they take these skills – public speaking skills, presentation skills and the sense of working on a team.”
Tazana Nilson has been part of the summer intensive and the fall program, which is a full production, for 10 years. She’s now helping teach the juniors.
“It was amazing for my self-esteem and my self confidence and really helped me become the person that I am now,” said Nilson.
She added that it’s rewarding to be facilitating a passion for performance in people she’s been in the camp with throughout the years.
“I think this program is a really important part of the community and I encourage everyone to try it out if they can.”
Throughout the week, each age category works on performances to show their parents. They also come together to perform a group number.
For Willow Vogelgesang, those finished products give a sense of accomplishment.
“It’s really great to learn teamwork and to learn when to contribute your ideas. When we’re in groups doing skits and things like that, everyone’s contributing and everyone’s coming together to create a project that we’re all proud of,” said Vogelgesang, who’s 17 years old.
She said the summer intensive also teaches her more complex dance steps she wouldn’t otherwise learn. Smaller class sizes allow for more one-on-one instruction and the ability to try new things, she said.
“It’s a great way to get started and to dip your toes into this world of musical theatre.”
This year for the fall production, the Broadway North Youth Company will be performing The Little Mermaid. Registration for the technical program is open on the EA Rawlinson Centre’s website.
