Theater camp allows kids to have fun, learn showbiz ropes

jerry henkel/VIEWSidney Esparza, left, portraying Willie Wonka, welcomes children to his factory during a dress rehearsal for "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" at the Neon Venus Art Theatre, May 28. Advertisement

This summer, kids from all over the valley will have an opportunity to participate in five hands-on, built-from-the-ground-up productions courtesy of the Neon Venus Theatre Camp inside of the Neon Venus Art Theatre in downtown Las Vegas.

According to Children's Theater director Emily Donn, children ages 4 to 18 will learn from professional actors and teachers who will pass down classic acting techniques and theater secrets. Donn said that children are not separated by age and all the children learn together, the youngest working alongside the teenagers.

"Not all of our kids have the dream of becoming professionals, but most do," she said. "We want them to get the most fun and knowledge and experience that they can out of each and every session."

The camp, which began June 8, will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The Neon Venus Art Theatre is at 1404 S. 3rd St.

The camp costs $100 a week per camper, and kids can attend one or more of the five two-week sessions. Registration will be open throughout the sessions. For more information, visit www.neonvenus.com or call 787-2481.

Each two-week session will revolve around a particular theme, including young adult literature, Shakespeare, musicals, sketch comedy and playwriting.

According to Donn, campers will have the opportunity to participate in every facet of the theater experience, from costumes and props to sets and acting.

At the end of each workshop, campers will put on a public performance.

"They will create a modern version of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream,' " Donn said. "We will be doing everything from Broadway musicals to improv comedies where kids create their own sketch. We're also going to work as a group to create an original play during the playwriting portion."

This will be the camp's inaugural year, and according to owner Peter Valentino, it won't be the last.

"We're really getting things up and running around here now," he said.

The theater opened its doors last year, providing classes in art, writing, music and acting to the public for a fee. But even with the economy being on its heels during most of the center's life span, Valentino said financial concerns have been among the least challenging aspects of running a successful program.

"There's a real fear culture in this country when it comes to the arts," he said. "People don't want to be made fun of when they open themselves up, as you must do when you are in a creative setting."

Valentino said he has watched students, both adults and children, transform before his eyes after taking a few classes and learning to honor their creativity.

"It builds self-esteem, no doubt," he said. "That is part of the function of the children's theater camps. We are building self-esteem and creativity. We're sending these kids back out into the world with an understanding of just what they can accomplish if they are willing to work for it."

Contact North Las Vegas and Downtown View reporter Amanda Llewellyn at allewellyn@viewnews.com or 380-4535.