This summer 2022, EMU Theater will be launching two musical programs for youth which will conclude with public performances. The two musical programs will last for three intensive weeks, where the students will have the chance to learn acting, singing, and dancing with the support of EMU faculty and students.
The two programs will consist of a senior program for ninth through twelfth graders and a junior program for fourth through eighth graders. The senior program will take place from June 27 to July 15 with public performances on July 16 and 17. The junior program will take place from July 25 to Aug. 12 with public performances on Aug. 12 and 13. The senior program will perform a major musical, and the junior program will perform a musical revue. The public will also have the opportunity to attend the performances for both the junior and senior programs.
There are a lot of skilled faculty and professionals coming together to launch these programs. Theater Program Director Justin Poole will be one of the people to be in charge of launching the programs. When asked about the goals of these programs, Poole says, “We are looking to build community and friendships.”
Poole also mentioned how the musical programs will allow for students to work behind the scenes with props, costumes, or if they want to be involved with technical theater.
Assistant Professor of Music James Richardson is another faculty member who will participate in the musical theater programs. Talking about the programs, Richardson says, “I’m excited to be a part of the upcoming EMU Musical Theater Camps. We’ve two, three-week programs planned. Our area has a vibrant musical theater culture, and these programs provide a great opportunity to collaborate with our community, offering opportunities for our own talented theater and music students to share their strengths with younger talented actors.”
The programs will also count on EMU’s own talented students as counselors for the program. Some of the student counselors include Anna Hoover, Greta Schrag, Joseph Seitz, and Hannah Landis, all of whom are experienced and have been part of a number of plays throughout high school and college.
Senior Joseph Seitz mentioned how he has been involved with theater since elementary school. When talking about the opportunity of becoming a counselor for the programs, Seitz said, “I owe a lot of fond memories and skills to the EMU theater program, so having the opportunity to be a counselor for the summer program would give me the chance to give back to EMU theater and grow the program as a whole, something that I think would be wonderful to see. Last summer I worked as a counselor for a math camp and had a wonderful time there, and so I have come to enjoy the opportunity to help younger students explore their interests and passions as I explore my own.” Early auditions will happen on Feb. 19, final auditions will be held on March 19, and callbacks will take place on March 20.
