It was a night of accomplishments, smiles, showing new skills, and being creative at the Habersham Community Theater. Francie Keene, Owner and Director of Clarkesville School of Dance, and Amber Miller, VP of Productions at Habersham Community Theater partnered to join a musical theater and dance camp which performed to a packed house.
Forty campers participated in the week-long theater and dance camp to gain experience in acting, singing, and dancing. They ended the week with a packed house performance on Friday night, June 14th at the Habersham Community Theater.
Quality camp
Seth Heringer, parent of two performers, was very happy with the camp. “It has been very worth it. My girls came home each day talking about singing and scripts and dancing and they have been really excited.” Seth’s wife Laura said the girls have been putting on plays in the backyard by themselves, and it’s been fun to have them be a part of a group like this.
The All-Star Cast performed Hard Knock Life and Tomorrow from the musical Annie under the direction of Laura Burchfield, Melanie Gordon, Francie Keene, Dianna Mores, and Susan Watson; Stick to the Status Quo from High School Musical under the direction of LeAnne Challenger, Katy Johnson and Kristy Shea; and Seize the Day from Newsies under the direction of Katy Johnson, Amber Miller and Emily McLeod.
“The kids were nervous beforehand but very excited. It has been a great week but a hectic week. To put numbers together, not just dance numbers but acting and singing in a week has been interesting and fun,” Keene said. She added that there would be another opportunity for those who missed out on this camp July 8 – 12. Many of the campers from this week have already signed up for the July camp.
Good experience for campers
“We had five days with each group having music, dance, and theater. They were able to learn scenes, songs, and dances to perform tonight,” Miller said. “Working with Francie has been amazing. It has been a great partnership. We’ve really enjoyed working together. I think it will be a partnership that lasts.”
Aralynn, daughter of Shannon Bryson, described the experience as being in her “happy place”. Bryson said the week has been busy with a lot of practicing at home. The quality of the camp was worth it, and she would enroll Aralynn in it again.
The camp was held June 10-14, with a second camp scheduled July 8-12. Ages 6 to 8-year-olds attended from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.; 9 to 12-year-olds from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.; and Teens/adults from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. During the week, performers met at the Clarkesville School of Dance and finished the week with a performance at the Habersham Community Theater. The cost of the camp is $225.00.
