Bardstown, KY — The Stephen Foster Drama Association (SFDA) is set to host a series of theatre camps for area youth this summer through its Youth Performing Arts Academy. A total of three distinct camps will be hosted, each centered on a different theatre production. Participants will learn core theatre skills, including solo and ensemble singing, choreography, ensemble work and more.
Session 1: Annie Day Camp
Date: July 10 | Time: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Grades: 2nd–8th
This day camp gives participants an exclusive behind-the-curtain look at SFDA’s production of “Annie.” Campers will get a backstage tour of the production and the opportunity to learn the basics of vocals, choreography, acting and designing props and playbills. Camp wraps with a mini “Annie” showcase for parents at 3:30 p.m. and the opportunity to attend that evening’s performance of “Annie.”
Cost: $150 per camper; includes one adult ticket and one student ticket to the performance of “Annie” at 8 p.m. Additional tickets will be available at the box office.
Session 2: Dare to Dream Jr.: A Disney Musical Revue Camp
Dates: July 20 – 26 | Time: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.| Grades: 2nd–12th
At this day camp, students step into the spotlight with a deep dive into musical theatre, Disney-style. Campers will participate in acting and vocal workshops, solo and ensemble singing, choreography and ensemble work. Camp concludes with a public performance of “Disney Dare to Dream, Jr.” on July 26, featuring a thrilling mix of Disney’s contemporary songs, timeless classics and brand-new medleys.
Cost: $250 per camper; includes two tickets to the public performance on Sunday, July 26 at 7 p.m. Additional tickets will be available for $5 each at the box office.
Session 3: Winnie the Pooh KIDS Camp
Dates: Aug. 24 – 29 | Time: 4 – 7 p.m.| Grades: 2nd–8th
At this camp, participants venture into the Hundred Acre Wood with a show based on the beloved characters of A.A. Milne and the animated Disney film. Campers will engage in acting and vocal workshops, solo and ensemble singing, choreography and ensemble work. Camp ends with a public performance of “Winnie the Pooh KIDS” on Saturday, Aug. 29.
Cost: $250 per camper; includes two tickets to the public performance on Saturday, Aug. 29 at 6 p.m. Additional tickets will be available for $5 each at the box office.
Teaching artists include Allen and Katie Brooks. Allen is a math and theatre teacher at Thomas Nelson High School in Bardstown, where he directs productions. He also works in professional theatre as an actor and sound designer/engineer. Katie teaches theatre and English at her alma mater, Bethlehem High School in Bardstown. There, she directs all theatre productions, as well as the school’s International Thespian Society Troupe.
“Through these camps, we want students to build confidence, express their creativity and experience the joy of storytelling in a supportive and fun environment,” Katie said. “Our goal is to offer an experience that fosters a love of theatre among a wide range of students.”
Space is limited. All sessions will be held at the J. Dan Talbott Amphitheater in historic Bardstown, Kentucky (411 E. Stephen Foster Ave). To register, visit stephenfoster.com/academy.
