Million dollar moments

Austin Cook (center) with 2012 Camp Broadway youth at ASU Gammage in Tempe

Dozens of kids attending this year’s Camp Broadway at ASU Gammage saw Wednesday night’s performance of “Million Dollar Quartet,” then spent time with cast members and other fine folks who work on the show. The opportunity to interact with performers and other theater professionals is part of each summer’s “Camp Broadway” experience.

Camp Broadway participants enjoying lunch at ASU Gammage

Before enjoying a buffet lunch featuring cold cuts, burgers, assorted desserts and even some healthy stuff, campers in small groups of a dozen or so rotated through various stations. Three with ASU Gammage professionals who addressed marketing, technical elements of theater and such — plus another one with several members of the “Million Dollar Quartet” team.

Campers learned how the show’s set gets assembled in each city, how musicians manage tricks like playing a piano set behind them or standing on a double bass, how cast members prepare for their roles and plenty of other tricks of the trade. Also that equipment used in “Million Dollar Quartet” is all new but designed by 1950s specifications so it gives a genuine ’50s sound, and that the whole set weighs about 10,000 pounds.

Smiling faces participating in this year’s Camp Broadway in Tempe

During lunch, cast members took turns answering questions for eager campers, counselors and ASU Gammage VIPs. Each talked about how they caught the theater bug, shared a bit about where they’re from, discussed their college background and offered some sage advice.

Parents dream of moments such as these for their children — when grown-ups they admire share guidance not so different from their own, but more readily accepted because it didn’t come from mom or dad. Find your passion, team MDQ told them. Work hard. Practice. Be disciplined. Treat fellow theater folk (and all folk) with respect. Ignore the naysayers. Be yourself. Believe in yourself.

L to R: Lamont, Marie, Cook, Ferris, Presney and Krug from the first “Million Dollar Quartet” national tour during a Camp Broadway event at ASU Gammage

Kelly Lamont (Dyanne) recalled her first performance at the age of three or four. Think “Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Yellow Polka Dot Bikini.” Alyssa Marie (u/s Dyanne) spoke of doing her Molly thing in “Annie” as a seven year old. Austin Cook (u/s, Jerry Lee Lewis) discussed his experience “on the classical side,” which started with an “Amahl and the Night Visitors” gig when he was 11.

Lee Ferris (Carl Perkins) admited he was all about baseball until a choir teacher suggested he try out for “Guys and Dolls” — while John Michael Presney (u/s Carl Perkins, Asst. Stage Manager) shared a tidbit from his 2nd grade performance in “Will Rogers Follies.” Seems his big entrance was popping out of a box. “I got stuck,” he told the campers, “in front of 2,000 people.”

John Michael Presney (R) with Camp Broadway campers at ASU Gammage

Stage Manager Michael Krug got his first backstage experience during a college program in technical theater. “I’ve never been a performer,” he shared, “because I can’t sing, act or dance.” After revealing that he’d rocked the Elephant Bird role as a fifth grader in “Horton Hears a Who,” Krug took some good-hearted ribbing from cast members — who pounced on his offer to show them the tape.

I was seated during lunch next to a Juilliard-trained musician named Steve, one of two music directors working with this year’s campers. The other hails from Pace University, where our daughter Lizabeth is a sophomore. He offered plenty of pearls, including one that’ll be a relief to parents who can’t afford oodles of voice lessons or private coaching for their child. Just sing a lot, he suggested, because using the muscles makes them stronger.

Camper and counselor enjoying Camp Broadway at ASU Gammage

One of the younger campers assumed I was a performer, and sweetly suggested that I sing for him. I assured him he’d be better off if I didn’t, then made the rounds to various tables — asking campers at each, “What’s the best thing about Camp Broadway?” Answers ranged from “everything” to “it’s awesome” — and lots of campers told me it was the chance to learn singing, dancing and acting in one place.

I also asked several of the campers how they’d heard about Camp Broadway. “My Nana made me come,” one told me. But that was last year. Returning this year was her idea. Another told me her mom signed her up, and that she plans to return next year now that she’s smitten with all things musical theater. There’s more to life, she says, than Beyonce and Mariah Carey.

Lee Ferris talks with youth participating in this year’s Camp Broadway

Several of the campers I chatted with described Camp Broadway as a great opportunity for self expression, adding that they feel especially free to be themselves in the theater setting. Some plan careers on stage or behind the scenes, and several expect to take lessons learned during Camp Broadway to school and community theater auditions in the coming year.

Everyone affiliated with “Million Dollar Quartet” did a remarkable job interacting with the campers. All were patient, friendly and genuinely engaged in sharing their knowledge. During lunch, they took time to talk with campers individually, pose for photos and autograph items from show programs to Camp Broadway t-shirts.

Alyssa Marie with a happy camper at ASU Gammage in Tempe

You can see “Million Dollar Quartet” at ASU Gammage through Sunday. Click here for ticket information, and watch for news of next year’s camp because slots tend to fill quickly. Following ASU Gammage on social media is a great way to get the scoop before word of camp dates and various promotions hits the streets.

— Lynn

Coming up: Broadway meets cruise ship?

Update: I’m now blogging as “Stage Mom Musings” at www.stagemommusings.com. Please find and follow me there to continue receiving posts about arts and culture in Arizona and beyond. Thanks for your patience as the tech fairies work to move all 1,250+ posts to the new site. For the latest news follow me on Twitter @stagemommusings. 6/13/12

I am what I am

Christopher Sieber as Zaza and George Hamilton as Georges in the touring production of "La Cage Aux Folles" coming to ASU Gammage in May (Photo: Paul Kolnik)

Actor Christopher Sieber has done funny proud in plenty of Broadway musicals, from “Shrek” to “Spamalot.” Seems he was already rocking the comedy vibe during second grade. “I took being the class clown and turned it into a career,” quipped Sieber when we spoke by phone Friday morning.

He was happy to be in Dallas, the latest stop on the national tour of “La Cage Aux Folles” that hits ASU Gammage in Tempe next month. It’s a classic Broadway musical featuring music and lyrics by Jerry Herman, plus book by Harvey Fierstein — best known to some for songs like “I Am What I Am.”

Sieber knew early on that he was “the fat kid with the thick neck and thick glasses,” but he also knew how to work a crowd. “I had no fear,” he says — though Sieber’s parents hardly shared his delight. At first, he used “typical third grade material” like this little gem: What the difference between pea soup and roast beef? — Anyone can roast beef!

Parents, take heart. The annoying imps of today may blossom into actors whose idiocyncracies make them masters of the art. Sometimes with weird twists of fate along the way. Seems Sieber’s first foray into musical theater performance was landing the “Stanley” gig as a 10th grader in a community theater production of “Hello Dolly” in the tiny town of Wyoming, Minnesota. “Hello Dolly” also features lyrics and music by Jerry Herman.

"La Cage Aux Folles" cast members inside a birdcage that looks about the size of Sieber's first NYC apartment (Photo: Paul Kolnik)

Sieber first saw the bright lights of New York City when he up and moved there on Oct. 3, 1988. He was 18 years old, and recalls making the flight alone after “working all summer at a car wash” to save money for the “little closet of an apartment” located on Broadway near 73rd Street — inside the Ansonia Building, a renowned “grand hotel” in early 20th century Manhattan. While there, Sieber put himself through school — where I suspect he shared more sophisticated material with fellow theater students.

His “first professional gig” was performing in a Hilton Head, South Carolina production of “Singin’ in the Rain.” It paid $200 a week. Sieber shared that originating roles has been a particular passion through the years. “I love to create new things with people.” When summers find him back in NYC, Sieber enjoys sharing pearls with young performers through “Camp Broadway,” Broadway Artists Alliance classes and such. His advice for up and coming actors? “Be yourself.”

One night just a year or so ago Sieber got the call that landed “La Cage Aux Folles” in his lap. Turns out the invitation to see a performance of “La Cage Aux Folles” starring Harvey Fierstein was much more. A friend took Sieber backstage to meet Fierstein after the show — telling him that “Harvey would love to say hi.” But Fierstein had something else in mind.

Sieber recalls that a quick round of the usual “How are you?” type banter was soon followed by Fierstein asking “Are you gonna do it? Are you gonna do the show?” Seven days later, Sieber was in the show he describes as “a brand new production that’s more intimate and more focused on the two families.”

“It’s kind of a play,” reflects Sieber. “You get to know these people, you really care about them and it’s so fulfilling in the end.” The musical recounts the adventures of a gay couple at a time when folks were far from accepting such things. Sieber notes that even the most “conservative” audience members warm up to the musical, and its message — usually during the show’s second act.

“It doesn’t matter who you love,” says Sieber– whose marriage last Thanksgiving to longtime partner Kevin Burrows was made possible by NYC legislation granting marriage equality to gay citizens. “A family is a family,” adds Sieber. “You can’t legislate love or family.”

"La Cage Aux Folles" runs May 15-20 at ASU Gammage in Tempe

Though the “you’ll love us once you get to know us” thread is still there, Sieber says “the gay stuff is almost passé” in “La Cage Aux Folles.” Times have changed, though not enough, since the musical — directed by Arthur Laurents — opened on Broadway in 1983. Sieber notes that even the men who created the now famous “I Am What I Am” musical “took female dates to opening night” because they were “still afraid.”

The original Broadway production earned six Tony Awards, including best musical, score and book. Both the 2004 and 2010 Broadway revivials of “La Cage Aux Folles” earned the Tony Award for best musical revival. The touring production coming to ASU Gammage May 15, which stars George Hamilton as Georges and Sieber as Albin, is based on the latest revival.

Sieber clearly adores the musical’s finesse with farce, and its bevy of brilliant showtunes. The class clown has grown up. Sort of. I suspect there’s still plenty of boy inside the man — making him the perfect embodiment of “I Am What I Am.”

— Lynn

Note: When last I heard, there were just ten slots left for this summer’s “Camp Broadway” at ASU Gammage — you can click here to learn more. Before “La Cage Aux Folles,” ASU Gammage presents “Green Day’s American Idiot,” which opens April 24. Click here for details on their 2012/13 season. Also, watch for the May 1 announcement of 2012 Tony Award nominees here.

Coming up: Life happens, “Red” rules, The sound of success

Beware the green elixer

These students attended a performance of "Wicked" at ASU Gammage last week

Beware the green elixer. Those of you who’ve seen the musical “Wicked” get the reference. So do busloads of Valley students who attended a recent touring performance of “Wicked” at ASU Gammage in Tempe. If you want kids to learn important life lessons, try lecturing less and hitting the theater more.

I got to wondering, after encountering all those wide-eyed and audibly enthusiastic students at “Wicked” the other night, what’s to be learned from this tale of two witches. For starters, I suppose, I should stop calling them “witches” — because “Wicked” clearly demonstrates the dangers of name-calling.

It’s a tale of bullying gone bad, and the way things spin out of control when those who should be upstanders choose to be bystanders instead. Hating or fearing someone because of skin color is wrong. But so is elevating the unworthy to positions of great power, and pseudo-reverence born of fear.

Some of the best “Wicked” one-liners concern history — making a great jumping off points for student discussions. Why would someone imply that history is a collection of lies, or suggest that truth is merely what we’ve all agreed to? If we challenged students to cite examples of such things, what would they come up with?

And what of being popular — or having all our dreams come true? “Wicked” makes clear the inherent risks of each, plus the dangers of silencing diverse voices. In “Wicked” it’s a highly intellectual goat who loses his voice, but the moral holds true for people too.

There’s real whimsy in the use of language throughout “Wicked” as words get adapted, twisted and recreatified — making the musical an homeage of sorts to word play and the sheer joy or crafting language. I’d love to see a big stack of student essays written to reflect a “Wicked” way with words.

Folks who doubt the economic impact of the arts could learn a little something from “Wicked” in the math department. “Wicked” reports that more than 16 million people have seen the show on Broadway or a national tour, and the show “has grossed more than $1.8 billion for its North American companies.” Beware of those hocking the “cut arts funding” elixer.

Consider the number of cast, crew and creative team members it’s taken to perform “Wicked” all these years. Then think about the extraordinary number of teachers standing behind them. The ethereal shades of purple lighting and seamless scenes featuring airborn actors that wowed me at ASU Gammage last week take real prowess in science and engineering.

We don’t consider such things while experiencing “Wicked,” of course. But they’re worth noting in an age when arts education is going the way of Doctor Dillamond. I’m thrilled that Valley schools are sending students to see productions like “Wicked” — and happier still to know that these students are the next generation of audience members, theater professionals and arts supporters.

— Lynn

Chaperones (right) joined the fun as Valley students enjoyed "Wicked" at ASU Gammage last week

Note: ASU Gammage presents Camp Broadway June 4-8 for youth ages 10-17. Learn more about this and other summer camps for children and teens by attending the Raising Arizona Kids Magazine Camp Fair — taking place Feb. 25 & 26. Click here for Camp Fair details.

Coming up: I really stepped in it this time…

Small world, big parade

After meeting Tim Burton at the Central Park Zoo, Liz is especially excited about seeing his art come to life in floating form on Thursday

My daughter Lizabeth, who studies acting at Pace University, decided to stay in NYC during the Thanksgiving break. She called home Monday to share her plans for the week, which include visiting several museums and attending the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Lizabeth called home twice on Tuesday — each time sharing exciting news of people she’d encountered during day one of doing NYC in tourist mode. Her first stop that morning was the Central Park Zoo, where she was headed for a lemur exhibit just as director Tim Burton and actress Helena Bonham Carter crossed her path.

Both were gracious about taking pictures with Lizabeth, who genuinely appreciated their warm and generous spirits. Soon e-mails with pictures of the pair — plus other zoo sightings from sea lions and owls to polar bears and big cats — started flying. Maybe Thursday she’ll send me photos of Burton’s “B.” float, one of six works of contemporary art floated as part of the parade’s “Blue Sky Gallery Series.”

Lizabeth called home again while exploring FAO Schwarz in NYC, excited to tell me about a friend from Arizona who’d startled her with a tap on the shoulder. It was Alexandra Papazian and her mom, who I’d run into just the week before while indulging my son Christopher’s craving for Target popcorn.

Liz was surpised to run into a friend from Phoenix recently while visiting the FAO Schwarz store in New York City

Alexandra and Lizabeth spent many years studying and performing together at the School of Ballet Arizona in Phoenix, and Alexandra attended Arcadia High School with my older daughter Jennifer. Lizabeth was excited about reconnecting, and thrilled to learn that one of Alexandra’s younger brothers is performing in this year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

I got in touch with proud papa William Papazian, whose many volunteer gigs include heading Ballet Arizona’s Corporate Advisory Council, and shared my enthusiasm about reconnecting with their family after so many years. Soon I was chatting by phone with the younger William Papazian, a 17-year-old senior at Arcadia High School who goes by “B.J.”

Papazian was invited to join the 2010 Macy’s Great American Marching Band after attending the George N. Parks Drum Major Academy, and got the call this year to participate as an alumni — though it will have to be his last. Musicians are no longer eligible for the Macy’s Great American Marching Band once they graduate.

It’ll be easy to spot Papazian during Thursday’s parade, because Macy’s Great American Marching Band leads the pack. Papazian by the way, is one of six Arizona students playing in bands marching with the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade this year. Several Arizona youth are also participating in the parade’s Camp Broadway float, and will be sharing parade tales once they return.

William 'B.J.' Papazian marching in the 2010 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in NYC

Macy’s Great American Marching Band starts off playing their own music, according to Papazian, but switches to showtunes once they reach Herald Square — home to Macy’s NYC. They’ll also perform a piece commissioned by Macy’s for this year’s parade — “Imagine Fanfare” by teen composer Tyler S. Grant.

Young performers put in plenty of hours preparing for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Papazian arrived at JFK Airport in NYC at 5pm on Saturday, and will stay with fellow musicians at a hotel in New Jersey. Though parents are welcome to watch on parade day, says Papazian, they’re not allowed to hover as musicians make their way through days leading up to the big event.

“Our first big rehearsal was Monday,” recalls Papazian. Seems they practiced from 7am until about 4:30pm, then headed out for a bit of fun NYC sightseeing. Tuesday rehearsals ran from about 7:30am to 12:30pm, says Papazian, who told me Tuesday afternoon of his plans to explore Times Square with fellow band members before Wednesday rehearsals that start at 7:30am and don’t wrap up “until the director feels we’re ready.”

There’s no full dress rehearsal, says Papazian, so Thurday’s parade is the first time they don those fancy uniforms complete with hats, gloves and assorted regalia befitting a marching band of this stature. Papazian describes the week’s adventure calmly, as if he performs every day before thousands of onlookers and millions of international television viewers. “I feel very honored to be here,” he says.

For all the magic of marching in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, it’s the friendships formed through two years of playing with the Macy’s All American Marching Band that Papazian finds most meaningful. His fellow musicians, he says, share similar values — hard work, academic integrity and kindness towards others. “Everybody here,” he says, “is really nice.”

“My favorite part is making friends with so many people,” reflects Papazian. “I’ll never forget the friendships or the memories that I’ve made here.”

— Lynn

Note: The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade airs at 9am on NBC. If you’re looking for unique gifts, check out the parade’s online gift shop — which sells goodies like ornaments, toys, stuffed animals and a new children’s book titled “Balloons Over Broadway.”

Coming up: Christmas ornaments — museum style

Got auditions?

Today I received an e-mail about an audition taking place tomorrow, leaving me little time to inform “Stage Mom” readers.

I’m always pleased to learn of Valley auditions, but I’ve started referring folks to the calendar editor for Raising Arizona Kids magazine, who can add local auditions for youth to her listings when given enough notice. (How to submit a calendar notice.)

My own daughter Lizabeth, soon to start BFA in acting studies at Pace University in New York City, has long subscribed to weekly audition notices published by longtime Valley theater professional Laura Durant.

Her notices, also available on the Durant Communications website at www.durantcom.com, detail which roles are open, what’s expected for particular auditions and such. And they’re broken down into several categories making it possible to search for child and teen opportunities.

It’s best to check the websites of various acting companies as well, even those that normally produce only adult fare. Sometimes they present works for which younger actors are needed. Subscribing to e-newsletters sent by theater companies generally gets their audition info to you more quickly.

Most companies audition for youth productions individually, but sometimes auditions for a whole season’s worth of shows take place together. It’s not unusual for the Valley’s professional theater companies to partner for season auditions, but they’re generally looking for adult actors.

Some companies, including Greasepaint Youtheatre and Desert Stages Theatre in Scottsdale, offer workshops that help children and teens prepare for particular auditions. There’s usually a small charge to participate. Some, like Valley Youth Theatre, offer details about their audition process online.

Sometimes Valley venues share audition opportunities through their e-newsletters or social networking vehicles like Facebook and Twitter. Folks who follow ASU Gammage were among the first to learn about last Saturday’s dance auditions for a Camp Broadway number being performed at this year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in NYC.

Many Valley music, dance and peforming arts studios send audition notices to subscribers and/or post them on websites and social media. Be sure you’re signed up at the studios where your child studies, and follow the sites of other Valley studios too. You’ll want to check for audition news at least once a week.

Watch for audition notices in unexpected places too — including your local community college theater departments, which sometimes need young actors for works like “The Music Man” when it’s hard to put a young adult actor in a child’s role.

Youth who take theater or other performing arts classes in school settings will discover that savvy teachers are often familiar with audition opportunities in surrounding communities.

Audition slots are sometimes limited, so call right away if appointments are required and your child has his or her heart set on auditioning. Then follow directions, bringing requested items like headshots and resumes, and making sure sheet music and such is ready to go.

One of Lizabeth’s voice teachers, now working on her own theater career in NYC, suggested some time ago that Lizabeth subscribe to a publication called Back Stage — which you can also explore online. It lists auditions in LA, NY and other regions — and breaks notices into various categories like film/television, theater, singers/dancers, commercials/models, comedians and entertainers. Even reality TV.

It never hurts to follow news noted on websites like www.broadwayworld.com, www.broadway.com and www.playbill.com. Some of the audition notices they post include options for auditioning by video for actors who can’t make the open call in person.

If your child or teen has Disney dreams, you can search for theater, television and other auditions on the Disney website at www.disney.go.com.

As kids get more experienced with auditioning and performing, they’ll begin to hear of auditions by word of mouth — sometimes getting called in to audition for roles because someone in the theater community has suggested they might be a good fit.

It’s one of many reasons it rarely pays to make a big fuss when your child or teen is passed over for something else. I doubt anyone wants to hire a young actor whose stage mom or diva dad has a reputation for ranting and raving within a camp, community theater or other setting.

As kids get older, they can do their own digging for auditions and other opportunities. If you’re pushing them to audition, it’s unlikely they really have the desire to do it — and no one wants to see a child struggle tearfully through an audition they’ve only attempted for the sake of pleasing a stage parent.

— Lynn

Note: If you’re a performing arts professional or young performer with audition tips to share, please comment below to let our readers know.

Coming up: Art meets the Americas, Moms who “Munch”

Acting pros share audition tips for kids.

Last call for theater camps!

Comedy mask in stained glass window at the Scottsdale theater where Greasepaint Youtheatre camps are held

When I spoke recently with ASU dance major Echo Laney, I asked her to share a bit about the benefits of participating in theater camps. Laney participated in Camp Broadway at ASU Gammage several years ago, and describes it as a life-changing experience.

“Theater camp opens you to new experiences,” reflects Laney. It makes for “nice networking” and helps campers “discover who they are and what they can do.” Reflecting on her own time with Camp Broadway, Laney shares that theater camp “opens the mind” and fuels powerful dreams.

Tragedy mask in stained glass at the old Stagebrush Theater in Scottsdale

I learned the hard way many years ago that many Valley summer day camps start filling up as early as February, but I know plenty of parents have yet to sit down with their children or teens to firm up summer plans — despite the fact that some camps begin next week.

For those still exploring summer camp options, here’s a nifty list of Valley organizations offering theater camps — complete with links so you can easily learn more about your many options. Don’t delay, because in many cases this really is your last chance…

Actor’s Youth Theatre at www.actorsyouththeatre.org

Ahwatukee Children’s Theatre at www.azact.org

Arizona Broadway Theatre at www.azbroadway.org

Arizona Jewish Theatre Company at www.azjewishtheatre.org

Art and Sol Performing Arts Program at www.artandsolprogram.com

ASU Gammage at www.asugammage.com

Chandler Center for the Performing Arts at www.chandlercenter.org

Childsplay Theatre Company at www.childsplayaz.org

Christian Youth Theater at www.cytphoenix.org

Creative Stage Youth Theatre at www.csyt.org

Dearing Acting Studio at www.dearingstudio.com

Desert Stages Theatre at www.desertstages.org

Do Re Mi School for the Arts at www.doremischool.com

East Valley Children’s Theatre at www.evct.org

Fountain Hills Community Theater at www.fhct.org

Greasepaint Youtheatre at www.greasepaint.org

Kirk’s Studio for the Performing Arts at www.kirksstudio.com

Life’s a Stage Productions at www.lasacting.com

Mesa Arts Center at www.mesaartscenter.com

Musical Theatre of Anthem at www.musicaltheatreofanthem.org

Phoenix Center for the Arts at www.phoenixcenterforthearts.org

Phoenix Theatre at www.phoenixtheatre.com

Scottsdale Conservatory of the Performing Arts at www.scottsdaleconservatory.com

Scottsdale Glee at www.scottsdaleglee.org

Scottsdale Studios at www.gleecamps.com

Spotlight Youth Theatre at www.spotlightyouththeatre.org

Starlight Community Theater at www.starlightcommunitytheater.org

Studio 3 Performing Arts Academy at www.studio3arts.com

Theater Works at www.theaterworks.org

Theatre Artists Studio at www.thestudiophx.org

Valley Youth Theatre at www.vyt.com

Voices: A Music & Arts Studio at www.voicesstudio.com

To learn more about theater and other camps, check out the “Summer Solutions” 2011 camp directory compiled by Mala Blomquist of Raising Arizona Kids.

If you know of another Valley organization offering summer theater camps, please comment below to let our readers know.

–Lynn

Note: Click here for links to camps that participated in the RAK Camp Fair 2011.

Coming up: Celebrating Father’s Day — arts and culture style!

Theater camp can change a life

ASU student Echo Laney recalls starting ballet, jazz and tap lessons around the age of five, while living in Prescott. Growing up, she sang in her church choir and performed in community theater productions including “Fame,” “West Side Story” and “Alice in Wonderland.”

But Laney credits an experience during the summer before her freshman year at Tri-City College Prep High School with changing her life. Her mother found Camp Broadway while “kind of roaming around on the Internet.” Laney attended the one week theater camp at ASU in 2005, and says it “set a little mini-dream for me.”

Echo Laney (lower left, gold scarf) during a Camp Broadway performance of selections from Fiddler on the Roof (Photo courtesy of ASU Gammage)

Laney says she didn’t realize the buildings surrounding ASU Gammage were dorms — but she decided during Camp Broadway that she wanted to live in them one day. Today, she’s a proud resident of the Arcadia Residential Community for Design and the Arts at ASU — and will start her junior year at ASU in the fall.

Though she started out as a musical theater major, dance classes that are part of that program helped Laney reconnect with her absolute love of dance. As a little girl, she’d dreamed of being a ballerina — but says the “curvy” shape she developed didn’t fit that mold. “I don’t have to be a certain size” for other types of dance, reflects Laney. “I can be myself.”

As an ASU dance major, Laney gets to work with various artists who perform at ASU Gammage. The venue presents several “Beyond Gammage” programs each year. Most recently, says Laney, she got to dance with Liz Lerman and Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company.

Camp Broadway participants get to see a touring Broadway production as part of their camp experience, and enjoy time with cast and crew from the show. When Laney did Camp Broadway in 2005, the show was “Phantom of the Opera.” They also got to see the sets and such up close (my favorites were always the falling chandelier and the musical monkey toy).

Laney recalls doing a “Gypsy Showcase” as a camper — performing selections from two shows, “Fiddler on the Roof” and “Oklahoma,” for family and friends at the end of the week. “It was my first experience with singing, dancing and acting all together.”

Rehearsals for a former Camp Broadway performance (Photo courtesy of ASU Gammage)

“I still have my pin” from camp, says Laney. “And a little folder.” Children and teens who attend Camp Broadway June 6-10 this year will attend a performance of “Les Miserables” and spend time with various artists and other professionals from the show.

For Laney, a little time at Camp Broadway grew into a big dream — becoming an ethnographer of dance or ethno-choreographer. In addition to majoring in dance, she’s doing an anthropology minor (and may add a journalism minor too). Laney plans to earn a Ph.D. in anthroplogy.

Laney says she’d like to dance her way around the world, learning local dance traditions in each country she explores — and recording every step of her journey. Irish step dance in Ireland. Belly dance in Egypt. I haven’t any doubt she’ll do all this and more, thanks in large measure to a theater camp that really did change her life.

— Lynn

Note: Watch for a companion post, with links to more than 30 Valley organizations offering summer theater camps, coming soon. And click here to explore Raising Arizona Kids’ 2011 “Summer Solutions,” a comprehensive directory of summer day camps with all sorts of themes — from arts and nature to science and sports.

Coming up: Countdown to the Tony Awards®

Spring theater camp alert!

Broadway program at Scottsdale Studios

The little darlings will soon have extra time on their hands as teachers celebrate that age old tradition called “spring break.” So I say, why should parents have all the drama?

Plenty of Valley theater companies offer spring break camps and workshops full of all things acting, song and dance. Here’s a rundown of several options…

Chandler Center for the Performing Arts. Spring Glee Camp. Ages 8 & up. March 21-25. 9am-noon. $150.

Childsplay in Tempe. Spring Break Workshop. Musical Theatre: Jungle Book. Ages 8-14. March 14-18. 9am-4pm. $275.

Creative Stages Youth Theatre. Spring Break Camp. Ages 8-18. March 14-18. 9am-3pm. $150.

Scottsdale Glee. Musical Theatre Glee Camp. Ages 6-15. March 14-18. 9am-noon. $180.

Scottsdale Studios. Glee Camp. Ages 5-18. March 15-17 9am-4pm and March 18 4-8pm. $400.

Broadway Cabaret performance at Scottsdale Studios

Theatre Works Youth Works in Peoria. Spring Break Workshop. Ages 7-18. March 14-18. 9am-3pm. $199.

Valley Youth Theatre in Phoenix. Spring Camp. Musical Theatre. Ages 7-15. March 8-12 and March 15-19. 9am-3pm. $275.

Call or visit the websites for these groups to learn more about specific offerings, and remember that they also offer summer options.

Ask about whether specific items of interest (such as T-shirts, lunches, before/after care, audio/video recordings, audition training, etc.) are available, and whether they are included or offered at extra cost. Also ask about sibling discounts.

Scottsdale Studios offers a Spring Glee Camp

Additional summer programs with a theater twist are offered by Camp Broadway (a program of ASU Gammage), Curtain Call (the youth theater company of Arizona Jewish Theatre Company), Imagine That! (a program of Paradise Valley United Methodist Church), Phoenix Theatre and others.

To learn more about diverse summer camp options for Valley children and teens, attend the free Raising Arizona Kids Magazine Camp Fair this weekend — which features information on camps with themes ranging from sports to science.

Do your research now — and help your child make camp decisions on the sooner rather than the later side.  

Unless, of course, you need more drama in your life…

— Lynn

Note: If your local arts program (dance, music, theater, visual arts) offers a summer camp, feel free to send photos to rakstagemom@gmail.com for possible use in upcoming posts.

Coming up: From music major to English major, Broadway time travel, Diverse dance offerings

Photos courtesy of Scottsdale Studios

Got glee?

Fond as I am of watching the FOX television series “Glee,” I’m a bigger fan of Valley kids who “do the glee” in real time.

Those snappy numbers and catchy tunes don’t come to life quite as quickly off-screen, according to Valley actor and Mesa Community College (MCC) student Tyler Pounds.

Still, they’re every bit as fun — and have much to offer in terms of fostering creativity, teamwork and self-expression.

If your child is game for a bit of glee, consider a spring break camp with plenty of acting, singing and dancing.

Your choices include the “Spring Glee Camp” at Chandler Center for the Performing Arts — which runs March 21-25 and features “professional coaching in all aspects of musical theatre” by Kristen Drathman.

The camp runs 9am to noon that week, is designed for campers ages 8 & up, and takes place at the Chandler Center for the Performing Arts.

Drathman describes the camp as “a wonderful motivator and social outlet to get kids off the couch and doing something artistic, athletic and fun for the break.”

“Musical theater,” she told me, “works the body as well as the mind.”

Then Drathman added this quip: “Singing and dancing all morning…I mean, who wouldn’t want to do that!”

Turns out Drathman also gets to spend many of her evenings singing and dancing because she performs regularly on Valley stages — though she’s currently performing for more of a matinee crowd as the “Yellow Dog” in Childsplay’s “Go, Dog. Go!” at the Tempe Center for the Arts.

Other options include the “Musical Theatre Glee Camp” being presented March 14-18 by an organization that’s fairly new to the Valley — Scottsdale Glee.

Camp hours are 9am to noon, but afternoon sessions focused on music appreciation and exploration are available at additional cost.

Scottsdale Glee instructors include Christine Kyhn, Nola Enge and Lisa Fogel. The camp (as well as other Scottsdale Glee programs) takes place at Shepherd of the Hills United Church of Christ in Phoenix — which is also home to one of the Valley’s “parent cooperative” preschools.

It’s just a hop, skip and jump away from Arcadia Music Academy, which is housed at the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church — where my daughter Lizabeth first studied violin with Cynthia Baker.

Chandler Center for the Arts and Scottsdale Glee also offer summer options with a glee theme, plus other activities and opportunities for children interested in the arts.

As a mom whose children have missed far too many summer opportunities because of lingering too long over the oodles of choices out there, I offer three pieces of advice.

First, start asking around now. Second, attend the Raising Arizona Kids magazine camp fair next month. Third, get your child registered before popular programs like “Camp Broadway” at ASU Gammage are full.

While Pounds and others correctly note that characters on the television show “Glee” are often stereotyped to the extreme, I’m convinced that musical theater in real life does more to break down barriers than build dividing walls between students.

— Lynn

Note: Pounds is one of several students who’ll perform in the Arizona State University Lyric Opera Theatre Student Workshop production of “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas” — which runs Jan 28-Feb 6. He’ll also be performing the role of “William Barfee,” as will William Marquez, in “The 39th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” being presented by MCC’s Act I Musical Productions March 3-12. Both contain mature content not suitable for children — so enjoy them with a friend, then take the kids to see a puppet show.

Coming up: More summer theater camps, Art in the round, Film festival meets Arizona politics, Art and healing, Talkback time: “Spring Awakening” at ASU Gammage, Valley students create art to commemorate “No Name-Calling Week”

Got GLEE? Send me a digital photo (or photos) of your Glee club or camp in action and it might be featured in a future post spotlighting Glee groups in the Valley. Please send by Fri, Feb 4 to rakstagemom@gmail.com.