Youth Theatre Enrichment Camp

Theatre Camp Gives Young Performers the Confidence to Shine

From June 15–19, the Monroe Area Council for the Arts (MACA), in partnership with SafePath Monroe, welcomed students entering grades 6–12 for an exciting week of Youth Theatre Enrichment Camp at Madisonville Middle School.

Led by Director Lily Clary and Assistant Director Bethany Dotson, the camp provided aspiring actors with an opportunity to build confidence, develop performance skills, and discover the joy of working together to bring a story to life.

The week began with icebreakers, auditions, and introductions to the many roles that make a theatrical production successful. Students quickly stepped outside their comfort zones as they auditioned for parts, received their roles, and began rehearsing. Throughout the week they worked together to build the set, learn lines, refine character choices, and prepare props, all while learning valuable lessons in teamwork, communication, and creative expression.

By Friday afternoon, family and friends gathered to enjoy a performance of Complaint Department and Lemonade, where campers proudly showcased everything they had learned during the week. Their hard work, dedication, and growing confidence were evident as they brought the production to life on stage.

The camp offered experience for personal growth. Lily and Bethany shared that students arrived each morning excited and eager to participate. New friendships formed quickly, and campers encouraged one another throughout rehearsals. Students responded positively to coaching, using feedback to strengthen their performances and gain confidence both on and off the stage.

One especially memorable success story involved a student who initially struggled with reading and delivering lines. Through determination, practice, and encouragement, the student had nearly memorized their part by Tuesday and delivered an outstanding performance by Friday. By the end of the week, no one would have guessed it was their first theatrical performance. Such a wonderful example of how perseverance and support can build confidence.

For several campers, this was their first experience with theatre, and it proved to be a rewarding one. One student even had a special guest attend the performance, making the experience even more meaningful.

MACA believes the arts provide opportunities for young people to discover their talents, express themselves creatively, and develop skills that extend far beyond the stage.

We are incredibly proud of each student for embracing new challenges, supporting one another, and sharing their talents with our community. Bravo to the entire cast and crew on a fantastic week!