Drama! at Pine Tree Camp

Each activity program at Pine Tree Camp is created specifically to offer its campers traditional summer camp experiences that are adapted to meet their special needs. The drama program was established during the very first years of camp, and still holds to be a popular choice for campers. Unlike other activity programs though, drama is the only program that asks campers to commit through the entire week. It is also one of the few activities in which campers use self-expression and creativity.

While many campers say they love either participating or watching the final performance in front of all of Pine Tree Camp, the camp staff commit to providing additional encouragement to campers that are considering participating in the play.

“Staff hype it up and really encourage the play,” says Greg King, Pine Tree Camp’s Program Coordinator. “This is really huge for them because for most campers, this is the first, and maybe only time, they will participate in dramatics, and get in front of a crowd.”

Last week during the children with physical disabilities session, campers had the opportunity to participate in a tribute to the High School Musical movies. Click to see the video footage during one of their very first practices.

Similar to other traditional summer camps, Pine Tree Camp requires that any camper interested in joining the play come to a first audition. It is here where any camper interested in a speaking part will audition in front of the drama program director. Offered in the afternoon sessions, campers who decide they want to join the program are asked to attend rehearsal every afternoon leading up to the big performance at the end of the weekend. However, everyone who attends the first audition is welcome to have a part in the play. For campers who are not interested in having a leading role, they simply attend the first audition to learn about the week’s rehearsal schedule and plans for the play.

On the last day of camp, all Pine Tree Camp staff and campers come together in the Rec hall, following their last camp breakfast, to attend the drama program’s debut performance. Through the years, the drama program has morphed from a full production play into shorter musical tributes. These musical tributes have received a great response from campers, as the performance theme is always determined based on the age group of the camp session. This half hour performance is the perfect cap to a great week at camp.