Broadway or Bust continues its tradition of teaching youth the art of performance during its sixth annual summer camp July 5 to 23.
The camp offers local students aged 7 to 18 years old the opportunity to dance, act and sing in a fully staged production of a Broadway musical.
The intensive program challenges students and builds knowledge, skills and experience in only three weeks time.
"We are very proud of the success of our students," said artistic director Melissa Braun.
"We want to give Squamish youth the chance to have quality training in the arts and have the experience of putting on a musical. They leave with more developed skills and a real sense of professionalism. A strong work ethic and the ability to present yourself well is something that benefits any young person."
The success of the camps is due in large part to a highly qualified and experienced staff.
Braun holds a Bachelor of Music in voice studies and a Bachelor of Education.
She's been teaching voice and piano privately and working in the school system in Howe Sound for the past five years. She also continues to act as a performer and musical director locally and in Vancouver.
Other staff members include musical director Ali Bachert who also holds a Bachelor of Music in voice studies and a Bachelor of Education. And director Andrew Dixon joined the Broadway or Bust team four years ago after studying drama at Queens University and working for the drama club in the Greater Toronto Area for many years.
Rounding out this year's production team are talented locals Andrea Lake and Monique Pearson.
Returning for her second year with Broadway or Bust as choreographer, Lake completed the highly regarded musical theater program at Capilano College and has continued teaching classes in musical theater throughout this past school year.
Pearson, a previous participant in the Broadway or Bust summer camp program, is currently studying drama at Vancouver Island University and will join the staff as assistant director.
"Broadway or Bust has supported many local young people in their pursuit of success in the arts," said Bruan.
"Past participants are applying skills they learned and practiced with Broadway or Bust to other great opportunities. [They] are studying voice, drama, and musical theater at the university level, competing in provincial festivals, and successfully auditioning for other companies and performance opportunities."
The 2010 Broadway or Bust summer camp runs July 5 to 23, Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at St. John's Anglican Church for a cost of $410.
End of camp performances take place at the Eagle Eye Theater July 23 and 24.
Anyone between the ages of 7 and 18 may register and no experience is needed. Contact Melissa Braun at [email protected] for more information.
