<p>Hi,</p>
<p>I have an art school and during the summer we offer summer art camps based on different themes. We create 2 and 3-D works of art matching the theme. I have a group of students who have been coming for years and I always try to plan one week to specifically match their interests.</p>
<p>This year we're working on a Broadway themed camp. Since they are young teenagers (8th and 9th grade) we have to be selective with the content.</p>
<p>Right now we're thinking about Wicked, Beauty and the Beast. and Lion King. For Wicked they could make Emerald Green Asymmetrical Hats for munchkinland. Lion King could be drawing fashion designs or maybe some sort of puppet. That's about as far as I've gotten. I'd love to hear your thoughts and ideas - I'm open to anything.</p>
<p>The camps are 4 days, 3.5 hours a day. Of course we'll play the music for whatever musical we're working on. </p>
<p>Are there any musicals that stand out that you think would be great for us to use. We can do drawings based on the themes or build things - you name it, we'll give it a try.</p>
<p>Thanks for your help!</p>
<p>I think the three you mentioned could work--the Lion King especially. Not many people realize the work that goes into puppets/puppetry and the need for their realistic qualities. Another puppet show that would be appropriate is Little Shop of Horrors--try building Audrey II (not as easy as it seems...but fun)!
For Beauty and the Beast, you could do costume design for the castle members...? How do you build a Lumiere/Cogsworth/Mrs.Potts/Chip costume that the actor can still function in, while looking realistic?</p>
<p>Hope this helped!</p>
<p>I agree that Lion King lends itself to puppetry making and that Beauty and the Beast lends itself to costume design. One approach, then, is to focus on particular musicals. </p>
<p>Another idea is to use the Broadway theme but not zero in on any one particular musical. You could get a bunch of programs and other resources from many musicals. Then, kids could choose their faves for various projects in different media. For instance, they could design playbill covers for their chosen musical, or a poster. They also could design a 3 D montage/sculpture around a musical....could be using scrap materials.....representing various things in that musical. Another idea is costume illustrations for chosen musicals. Or building small model sets....table top size....for chosen musicals. Another idea that could be a group collaboration is creating a mural around either one particular musical or a period in musical history....could be contemporary Broadway. </p>
<p>Susan</p>
<p>Is there a local theatre company or college with a theatre design staff? You can contact them and perhaps they would have suggestions; perhaps even donate materials or come give a guest lecture.</p>
<p>Also--if there is a local theater company/stage, they usually give tours for school groups/camps--you could contact them and then let the kids see the workings of an actual backstage area on a professional stage. Usually, you can also see the scene/costume shops, which tend to be fascinating.</p>
<p>I agree the backstage tours are great but they won't really work with the camp. These will be kids who know and really like some of the plays but they won't necessarily be die-hard theatre kids.</p>
<p>The ideas to design playbills or other graphic pieces could work. I think the costume design is difficult in the time we have but I'll certainly check into it. The puppets for Lion King keep getting my attention.</p>
<p>Any other thoughts on project to do (especailly drawing or painting) or which musicals I should consider.</p>
<p>Last year we did a Jimmy Buffett Parrothead camp and they painted Adirondack chairs in motifs that fit the theme. The chairs fit a 3 -4 year old so they were a pretty good size.</p>
<p>Thanks for the ideas!</p>