CAMP #1
June 17-29 (grades 3-6)
June 14-29 (Grades 1-2)
with shows June 28 & 29
REGISTRATION IS FEBRUARY 3RD AT 8:30AM
WHO: Students entering grades 1-6 for the 24-25 school year
1st-2nd graders (one week camp: June 24-29)
3rd-6th graders (two week camp: June 17-29)
WHAT: We will welcome 3rd - 6th graders for our two-week camp and 1st - 2nd graders who will join us the 2nd week to be integrated into the show.
Why are we doing this? We have found that the pressure of putting on a show can be a lot for very young kids. They often will not see the benefits of such hard, sweaty work until the camp is over. While we think this is still AOK it makes it hard during the camp day- we noticed many of our young kids struggling. Some of the games we play with our older theater kids are not developmentally appropriate for 6 - 7 year olds. They are still developing their spatial awareness. We want each student set up for success when they come to camp and introducing games that don’t fit with their developmental stage is stressful. By removing some of the pressures and responsibilities of show time and creating games/activities that are suited for the youngest elementary students we believe we are giving them opportunities for which they can feel accomplished and proud. We also know that offering a chance for older students to mentor younger ones is good for both age groups.
All students will perform in the show at the end of the camp session.
WHERE: 2800 SE Harrison St
WHEN: June 17-29 (grades 3-6) & June 24-29 (grades 1-2), Monday-Friday, 8:30am-3:30pm, and shows June 28 6:00pm and June 29 10:00am
HOW MUCH: $800 (2rd-6th grade 2 weeks camp) & $400 (1st-2nd grade 1 week camp)
We offer a 10% sibling discount (automatically applied at registration)
Payment plan options (payments are automatically deducted)
Pay in full: February 3rd
2 Payments (with a $15 fee): February 3 and April 14
4 Payments (with a $25 fee): February 3, March 3, April 6, May 4
Financial assistance available (please complete the request form)
Please apply for a financial assistance by January 31st - you will need a code when you register. Families may only apply for assistance for one camp per child.
QUESTIONS? please feel free to contact us
2024 Tuition increase
To maintain the outstanding quality of our program and attract and retain highly qualified staff, we will be implementing a modest increase in weekly camp fees to $400 per week for summer 2024. This adjustment reflects rising rental costs and ensures continued investment in providing exceptional camp experiences. As always, we will offer financial assistance. In addition, families may only apply for financial assistance for one camp per child.
Single Camp Registration Limit
To allow opportunities for more students, we're implementing a single camp registration limit during the initial enrollment day (February 3) for our 2024 summer camps. This allows us to welcome a wider range of participants and share the joy of camp with more families. After the first day of registration, any open slots will be available for multi-camp registrations.
REFUND POLICY
You may receive a full refund before April 1, 2024 (minus a $65 admin fee) and a 50% refund (plus the $65 admin fee) from April 1-May 31, 2024. We do not offer refunds for any camps after June 1, 2024.
WAITLIST
There is no charge to be on the waitlist. We'll contact students in the order they joined the waitlist if openings arise. Invoices are issued only upon full registration after a spot becomes available - you are not automatically charged even if a spot opens up.
IMPORTANT CAMP INFORMATION
WHAT TO BRING to camp
Sunscreen - Their own lunch - Enough snacks for two scheduled breaks - Labeled water bottle - Hat and layered clothing
PDC will provide to each student
A PDC t-shirt - Script - Costume
COMMUNICATION FROM US
We communicate primarily via email. Please add caroline@portlanddramaclub.org and robin@portlanddramaclub.org to your contacts and make sure our emails are not going into your spam folder.
If you have an emergency message for your child or the staff: You can text or call Caroline: 213-675-4732 or Robin: 971-235-7994. Text is the best way to reach us - we may not be able to answer a ringing phone during instruction.
the schedule
All musical theater. All the time. The focus of our camp is to produce an actual show for which we can all be proud. Even though our show has been reduced to 60 minutes, it requires organization, concentration, and cooperation from everyone involved. And while we will always play games, play outside, and have time for other fun throughout each day, we will need to get cracking on hard work to make it a musical we are proud to show off. If your child is not that interested in musical theater, our summer camp may not be the thing for them. It is important to note, though, that theater is not only for the outgoing kid! Theater is for EVERYONE and shy kids often find their voice onstage. I have seen miraculous things happen when a child really wants to be a part of something! All are welcome. Your kids will learn that fun is achieved through a little hard work, sweat, and lots of laughter.
Click here to see a sample schedule
Drop off and pick up will be outside at the picnic table along the Harrison St side of the building. Camp begins at 8:30 and ends at 3:30. Staff will not be ready to receive students until 8:25am and students must be picked up no later than 3:40pm.
We do not have plans to offer After Care for summer camp.
casting
Typically, the larger roles will go to the older or more experienced kids and the ensemble roles will go to the younger or less experienced kids. We move very fast at camp and it's important for kids who pick up things quickly to take on the larger roles. Of course, there are occasional exceptions. Sometimes it depends on the show we do or the individual kids we have attending camp. Some kids are eager for a large role and some kids would like to be a supporting member no matter their age. We want all kids set up for success. We want them to feel comfortable and finish the camp feeling proud and having had a fun time. Since we have been at this for quite some time both as teachers and directors, but also as actors ourselves, we ask that you respect our final decision. Your child will have a better time with your full support.
1st and 2nd graders who join in our 2nd week of camp will learn at least 2 musical numbers that they will be part of in the big show. It is possible that one or two of these kids could have a line, but we will assess once camp begins.
costumes
Generally, costumes are covered in the cost of tuition. Since our shows are outside on the black top we do not provide shoes and recommend kids wear a comfortable, neutral type of shoe (no sandals or flip flops). If there is anything you need to provide (such as a special shoe or under garment) from home, you will be notified at the end of week one.
tickets
While we offer free access to our productions, donations are greatly appreciated. Contributions help us cover essential costs like administration, insurance, storage, and the talented staff and materials that bring our shows to life. Additionally, donations allow us to provide scholarships for aspiring young performers in future productions.