Incorporating Theatre into the Camp Setting

by Chenet, Susan

• ISBN13: 9781606790649
• ISBN10: 1606790641
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2009-06-15
• Publisher: Coaches Choice

Summary

Incorporating Theatre Into the Camp Setting sets the stage for incorporating theatre into any camp program through a multitude of original, ready-to-use ideas for skits, plays, and a host of other creative low-prop ideas. Susan understands the importance of giving every child a chance to imagine, express, communicate, and, ultimately, be a star. The book draws from Susan's wealth of experience in the theatre world as a theatre teacher and camp director to provide her readers with a focused account of how camps can initiate, expand, or improve drama/theatre arts programs. Susan's plays are written with current child and teen voices in mind and require little technical production to be a major success, making them ideal for summer camps as well as school theatre programs short on time and budget. Scenes include: Why Theatre Should Be Incorporated Into Camp, Skit Idea #1: Finish the Story, Skit Idea #2: Fairy Tales, Skit Idea #3: Props, Skit Idea #4: First Lines, Skit Idea #5: Last Lines, Skit Idea #6: Play Titles, Skit Idea #7: Crazy Combinations, Skit Idea #8: Fictional Character Combinations, Skit Idea #9: Personal Obstacles, Skit Idea #10: Who, Skit Idea #11: Where, Skit Idea #12: Confined Spaces, Skit Idea #13: Emotions, Skit Idea #14: Styles, Themes, Schemes, and Scenes-101+ other ideas, Incorporating Theatre Into Full-Camp Events, Incorporating Theatre Into the Dining Room, Using TV Reality Themes in the Camp Setting, More Bunk and/or Group Performance Ideas, Sample Skit Presentation Ballots, Hints to Having a Successful Theatrical Production at Camp, and Three Plays to Use at Camp.

Author Biography

Susan Chenet was bitten by the theatre bug when she played Snoopy in You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown in 1984 at McNeese State University. She knew at that point theatre would be her career, one way or another. Chenet received a B.A. in speech education and, while she was working on her M.A. in English at McNeese, was also able to accomplish her dream degree, a B.A. in theatre arts. After receiving an M.A. in English and obtaining an M.A. in drama and theatre studies at Royal Holloway, University of London, Chenet began to turn her theatrical focus from acting to directing and writing. Chenet was accepted in the Master of Fine Arts (MFA) playwriting program at the University of New Orleans (UNO) and obtained an MFA in 2004. She taught theatre classes in St. Charles Parish in Louisiana for 15 years. Chenet began writing plays for children when she found it difficult to find plays for teenagers and pre-teens with which they could identify. Her original plays both for adults and teenagers have been performed all over the country, including two mainstage performances at UNO. Chenet began working at Camp Wa-Klo in New Hampshire in 1982 as a counselor; in 2007, she accepted a full-time position as one of the directors. Her various positions at camp have included waterfront supervisor, creative supervisor, program coordinator, and American Camp Association (ACA) point person. During her more than 25 years at Wa-Klo, she has infused the camp with the energy of theatre through various programs, events, and productions. One of the truest gifts that she has been blessed to share is her passion for theatre with truly inspiring children. She thanks all the youth who have challenged her to become a better writer, director, actor, teacher, and person.