SWAMPSCOTT — The Summer Theater program returns this summer with a production of The Addams Family Younger@Part.
The Swampscott Summer Theater program, designed for children entering third to ninth grade, is led by James Pearse, theater and choral director at Swampscott High School. It is a great outlet for children who love to sing, dance, and act, said Kayla LeClerc, assistant director and producer.
“It is really an opportunity for them to spend their summer having fun and doing something that they love,” said LeClerc.
Not all children get to experience musical theater or sing at school on a regular basis. The summer theater program provides an opportunity for children to pick an activity that they are really excited about or would like to explore, LeClerc said.
“This gives them a way to learn and have a little bit more exposure to what it is like to be in a show,” said LeClerc. “It is just a fun group, we always say we get the best kids because they are just really excited to be there.”
Children with any level of theater experience can participate in the program, which will run for five weeks starting July 5 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Swampscott High School Auditorium.
During the program, participants work toward producing a show. This year the Swampscott Summer Theater will produce a 30-minute edition of the Broadway musical The Addams Family, titled The Addams Family Younger@Part.
While preparing for the show, participants play theater games, build set pieces, and design props. They build relationships with other children who have similar interests in musical theater, LeClerc said.
Young actors learn such skills as improvisation, how to use their body or project their voice. With time, they gain more confidence to be on stage.
“The more you do it, the more comfortable you are,” said LeClerc. “If you start that going into third grade, then by the time you get to high school, you are feeling a lot better.”
The program usually hires two to three members of the Swampscott High School drama club to work as counselors, said LeClerc. These students run games and help teach children to sing and dance.
“They bring experience and share some insights, but more importantly, they are a lot of fun,” said LeClerc. “They are a really positive, fun source of energy for the whole program.”
The final performance will take place on Thursday, Aug. 4, at 11.30 a.m. at the Swampscott High School Auditorium and will be open to the public.
Participation in the Swampscott Summer Theater program costs $400 for five weeks or $375 for any four weeks.
Alena Kuzub can be reached at [email protected].
