This summer is the perfect time for children to act on their love for performing and the arts. In its 18th season, Next Stop Broadway (NSB) has a fun summer camp curriculum happening at the Coral Springs Center for the Arts, 2855 Coral Springs Drive, with a full-size stage, auditorium and plenty of classrooms.
The theme is “Let’s go to the MOVIES!” Campers in grades K-8 will star in their favorite films LIVE on stage at Coral Springs’ premier performing arts camp. It’s certain to be filled with memories that will last a lifetime.
The Camp’s Artistic Director and creator is Cynthia O’Brien, who is friendly, engaging, and well spoken. A professional actress since the age of 17, Cynthia traveled the world, eventually deciding to combine her work with her love for the performing arts after becoming a mother to her two children, now 31 and 27. Working hand-in-hand with the City of Coral Springs, Cynthia says, “What I love about the Coral Springs/ Parkland area is that it is so family oriented! It’s wonderful to help all of our children to be powerful, confident, and happy people.“
Cynthia understands that many parents have concerns for their child’s safety when they are away from home. The trained and experienced security staff at the Coral Springs Center for the Arts is always on duty. There is only one entrance. Cynthia tells us, “As soon as the children are here in our hands, they are secure and safe until we take them out to the circular drive at the end of the day and deliver them back to their family.” Certified by and governed under DCF (The Department of Children and Families), Cynthia explains, “We make sure that in every room there are adequate staff, counselors, and tiers of people to keep our children happy and safe.“
The Youth Camp, for grades K-8, has Campers split into grade-appropriate groups in classes full of activities designed just for them in singing, dancing, acting, show arts, improv skills, and stage performance. Each session culminates in a fully designed production, where every camper participates. The playbill this summer includes FREAKY FRIDAY, SHREK, and MATILDA. Daily activities for youth camp begin at 9 AM Monday through Friday, ending at 4 PM. Extended care hours are available for an additional fee.
From June 24 to July 26, the Teen Summer Theatre Project is a complete, pre-professional experience for grades 9+. It is set in an encouraging environment where everyone participates in their own full-scale, fully designed productions. Led by an incredible team, the Teen Theatre Project is an advanced group that features industry workshops with visiting professionals, agent scouting, and more. It’s a terrific way to build confidence and develop skills. This summer, the Teen Project presents CHICAGO, featuring a dazzling score that sparked immortal staging by Bob Fosse. Hours for the teens are Monday-Friday. Weeks 1-4: 1pm-6pm, Week 5 hours are 10am-6pm.
In addition to CITs and counselors, there are two teachers in every classroom. “We are the ‘cool summer school,’” Cynthia says. “Every classroom has a curriculum, and is geared for that particular age group.”
And when it’s showtime… Cynthia makes sure to focus on the fact that everyone at camp has a place. “Everyone participates,” Cynthia says with certainty. “We have many wonderful opportunities for the children to shine and feel included. Our goal is to build each child’s confidence and make them feel comfortable. It’s very rewarding!”
Don’t miss your act in this summer’s 2019 productions! Contact Next Stop Broadway to secure your son or daughter’s place on stage!
For more info see www.nextstopbroadwaycs.com
