The SCCT is a sponsor of Kidding Around Greenville, but this review is not sponsored or associated with an advertising campaign.
My son, who is turning four this summer, is attending summer camps for the first time, and we couldn’t be more thrilled with his experience at the South Carolina Children’s Theater Summer Camps.
I didn’t know what to expect, and couldn’t find reviews of the camps anywhere, but the age level was right, and the themes looked fun, so along with a friend, we signed up.
About summer camp at SCCT
Throughout the summer SCCT offers week-long camps, as well as 9-week sessions for kids ranging in age from three years old up to rising 12th graders.
There are a variety of exciting themes to choose from. Some from this summer include Shakespeare, Hamilton, Jedi Academy, Pete the Cat, Monster Mash, Sing Silly Songs and Barnyard Buddies. For older kids, SCCT also offers musical theater, process acting, improv, play writing and more.
My son and his friend chose the theme Trolls, Surfs & Pixies. This was a week long camp, 1.5 hours each day. The children were able to create a character, help write the action and dialogue, and then on Friday they put on a little performance for the families. The end product was adorable.
I loved how the entire set up and curriculum was child-centered and age appropriate, while encouraging imaginative and creative play. Class sizes for this age group are typically eight children, with one instructor and one assistant, although my son’s class had two assistants.
Many of the kids–such as my child– were very shy and hesitant. The instructors were great at using play and encouragement to pull them out of their shells. The confidence and excitement my son showed during the final performance was amazing.
My family loves the 2nd Stage interactive productions, and the summer camps are just another great way SCCT introduces theater to the very young.
photo used by permission from the South Carolina Children’s Theatre.
A Few Facts About SSCT Camps and Classes
For the 3 to 5 year olds, class size is limited to eight spots, and usually have one instructor and one assistant.
For 1st- 5th grades class size can be limited to 12 depending on the classroom. Class size limits for older grades is 20.
SCCT also offers 10 to 12 week classes in Fall and Spring for ages 3 to 18.
There is also a winter “mini-mester” with 6 week classes.
Throughout the year SCCT classes offer different levels of acting, musical theatre, improvisation training. They have everything from exploration for the little ones to Shakespeare for the older youth. According to Michelle Ward, SCCT Marketing Director, “You do not have to be outgoing or have the desire to be an actor. The benefits of theatre arts exposure and participation help youth in areas of teamwork, self-esteem building, creativity and more.”
SCCT camps and classes are great, whether you have a budding actor or actress in your family, or just kids who love being creative and having fun.
photo used by permission from the South Carolina Children’s Theatre.
Another fun introduction to being in a larger production is SCCT’s 3rd Stage. These are class-based productions for younger children. Children wishing to audition for 3rd stage productions would need to have previously taken classes at SCCT.
The current building that houses SCCT will be torn down soon, to make way for a new, larger theater arts center for children.
While the new building is being completed, classes and productions will take place around town.
By September, WeePlay Theatre, Tell Me A Story Theatre, auditions, rehearsals, Theatre Arts Conservatory and SCCT offices will be relocated to 1200 Pendleton Street, Greenville, SC 29611.
All three 2nd Stage productions will be held at The Salvation Army Kroc Center, 424 Westfield Street, Greenville, SC 29601. And the five MainStage productions will still be held at the Peace Center Gunter Theatre 300 South Main Street.
The Fall class schedule as well as upcoming 2nd productions, will be announced soon.
For more information on all of their educational programs, visit their website.
Would your child love summer camp at SC Children’s Theatre?
Kristen Alcock is a stay at home mom who loves reading, crafting and having adventures with her three children. She is one of the Branch Ambassadors for Hike It Baby Greenville, and enjoys hiking and spending time outdoors with her family. A former teacher, she also blogs at Wild Rumpus School House. 