Drama camp is for all kids, from the dramatic to the shy
At last year’s Drama Hawks Junior Camp, activities included games such as “statue,” where the youth learned how to show a character with their body, expression and poses. Pictured (from left) are Avery Shefland, Madi Heyn, Emmy Schroeder and David Riniker. (Submitted photo)
By Correne Martin
Looking for a uniquely entertaining and educational activity for your kids to experience this summer? Consider enrolling them in the week-long Drama Hawks Junior Camps at Hoffman Hall, sponsored by the Prairie du Chien Parks and Recreation Department. There are two sessions that meet June 29 through July 3; 5-8 year olds are from 9 to 11:30 a.m. and the 9-12 year olds meet from noon to 3 p.m. Practices are Monday through Friday with a final performance planned for Friday evening at the Prairie du Chien High School theater.
“It’s fun and relaxed. We do good work but we also work around kids’ capabilities and allow them to negotiate what role they want to play, even if its taking care of props or narrating if they wish to have a script available to them,” explained Luana Stiemke, director. “It’s not supposed to be scary for them or based on skill. It’s supposed to show them how a play comes together and get them to think about character building, costumes, teamwork, movement on stage and emotions. We also do a little bit of making some set pictures and we play drama games as they’re learning the acting skills.”
Regardless of whether the youth are new to the program or have participated previously, all are welcome. This summer’s play will be centered around a Fourth of July theme, but Stiemke wants to meet the group and get a handle on the number of participants before she chooses the one to be performed.
Stiemke has directed the Drama Hawks Junior group for 16 productions now, in both the summer and winter. “It’s rewarding for me. I want them to have this experience, because they can’t get something quite like it anywhere else,” she said.
Stiemke has directed anywhere from 35 kids (when there was just one session) to 18 at one time, many of which come from the Prairie du Chien area but also some who are in town with their grandparents for the week and wish to participate. The camps are open to anyone and the age ranges are flexible. She said she would allow 13 or 14 year olds into the older age group if it seemed like a good fit for them. Or sometimes, younger students are advanced enough in their skills that they may be more suited for the older group.
Resident and non-resident fees are charged for the camps. No supplies are needed other than maybe a pillow to sit on during rehearsals. A 15-minute parent meeting is mandatory at the beginning of the first session. Parents or grandparents are also welcome to volunteer to help with the camps and, of course, all are welcome to attend the Friday performance, which is free (freewill donations accepted). Pre-registration should be done by Friday, June 26, at the Prairie du Chien City Hall or online at http://pdc.recdesk.com/recdeskportal.
“There’s a lot kid can get out of this; the biggest, I hope, is teamwork,” Stiemke commented. “The kids come from every background. Some are athletic, others are shy and some even come from troubled homes.
They don’t end up being best friends but they learn to work together, appreciate each other and encourage each other. They also build confidence and find things out about themselves that they didn’t know before.”
For more information, call Luana Stiemke at (608) 306-0269 or the city park’s and rec department at 326-7207.
