Tell us a bit about The Lion King Jr. Theater Camp. What does your two-week session look like?
It’s a fast-paced, fun couple of weeks. The kids receive training in music, dance, and acting from accomplished professional musical theater artists. The campers play theater games, spend time at the playground every day, and construct their own Lion King headdresses. Everything happens in a warm, inclusive environment where the children can meet great friends and make great memories.
The campers use the skills they learn to rehearse their very own production of “The Lion King Jr.”—a one-hour adaptation of the Broadway musical. We even have one of the kids write an epilogue to the show that we perform as a staged reading after the final performance.
Speaking of which: On the last day of camp (our grand finale!), the kids have a pizza dinner and then give a performance of “The Lion King Jr.” for their friends and family. Sometimes we invite agents or managers to watch the show, but the main goal is for the kids to experience the joy of performing and share it with their community.
Who are your teachers? What’s their background?
This year our teachers include both Polaris founder and Artistic Director LeCee Galmiche (who has been producing and directing educational musical theater in NYC since 2008), and Musical Director Dan Radzikowski, an educator, performer, and musical director who also sits on the faculty of Seat Of Our Pants Theater in Pelham Manor, NY and The Studio in New Canaan, CT.
All of Polaris’ teachers are musical theater professionals with tons of experience. We look for people with warmth, maturity, reliability—and a great sense of fun to share with the kids.
What kind of camper would most enjoy your camp?
Any child who likes imaginative play. No previous theater experience is needed—the camp can be a fun and valuable activity for anyone from kids seriously interested in pursuing musical theater, to kids looking for an engaging, supportive summer camp experience.
What is your goal for each camper—what do you hope they get out of their camp experience?
We believe that the most direct way for kids to learn about theater is by taking part in it. So we create a kind and supportive community in which they can know the joy of performing and making new friends.
It’s great to watch the kids blossom.
What’s this year’s camp schedule?
Camp begins on July 10th and runs 10am to 5pm, Monday through Friday, until July 21st. On the last day, the performance of “The Lion King Jr.” starts at 5pm. Friends and family are encouraged to attend and support their camper.
What’s the cost of the program?
$600. We also offer a 20% discount for siblings. Contact us for details.
What else should parents know about registering?
There is no audition required to participate—everyone is welcome, and we try to accommodate everyone who applies. However, we can only accept 25 campers at a time, so register soon!
Will we be seeing any Polaris camp grads giving their Tony acceptance speech?
Well, several of our students have gone on to pursue an education in musical theater, or to perform in everything from local theater to international tours. So we’ll see what happens in the future!
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