Summer Rock-Musical Theater Camp 2008
At the Jewish Center of Teaneck & Black Box Studios
July 7 – August 15, For Kids & Teens Ages 9 – 19
"The camaraderie between all the kids is so fantastic ... the kids were all on fire! It's so fun to watch!" – Steve R., Orange County, NY
"Last night's performance was truly outstanding from multiple perspectives. The kids were truly psyched up which I think it due to Matt's enthusiastic & creative leadership ... The performance was very professional ... not just a bunch of suburban kids playing around ..." – Eric S., Englewood
"If the enthusiasm that these kids have is an indicator of [your] success, then you have no worries." – Diane R., Julliard
"... my daughter really loved the Musical Theater class that was organized by Matt Okin and Mandy Decker ... She has been taking acting classes for several years with the intention of pursuing this as a career. She enjoyed this class more than any other class she has taken." – Liz M., Teaneck
Created and run by Director Matt Okin, Co-Director/Choreographer Mandy Decker, and other working NYC theater professionals, Summer Rock-Musical Theater Camp 2008 is now open for enrollment. Designed for kids and teens from 9 to 19 with a serious interest in theater — for beginners to advanced — this project of Black Box Studios and The Jewish Center runs from Monday, July 7 through Friday, August 15, with conflicts and vacation schedules accommodated if discussed in advance. The camp will be held entirely at The Jewish Center, at 70 Sterling Place just West of Teaneck Road. Its hours are Monday through Thursday from 9:30am to 4:00pm, and Fridays from 9:30am to 2:00pm.
In the Summer Rock-Musical Theater camp, kids and teens experience the history of rock theater with hands-on instruction in acting, improvisation, voice, and dance. They choose musical selections, help mold the script, and work with acclaimed theater professionals and rock theater musicians on a daily basis. Campers also have the chance to get involved behind-the-scenes — with writing as well as set, lighting, and sound design. During the last week of camp, the participants will work "overtime" to present two evening performances of a collaborative rock theater production — a show highlighting the kids' unique talents, skills, and input — chronicling the history of rock theater from the 1960's until today.
The cost of the entire six week program is $1,950.00 for Jewish Center members, and $2,150.00 for non-members. Lunch is included (Kosher/dairy), along with a performance DVD. The camp is open to kids from all backgrounds, yet all programming and schedule is appropriate for religiously observant Jewish families. Limited scholarship funds are available on a need basis – please call to discuss possibilities.
Director Matt Okin teaches theater throughout the year at the Kaplen JCC on the Palisades, at the Bergen County High School of Jewish Studies, with The Apollo Theater's In-School Seminars throughout NYC, and more. Co-Director/Choreographer Mandy Decker has worked with young people at the Henry Street Settlement, the Children's Theatre, and the American Family Theatre.
Along with the other dynamic artists running the Summer Rock-Musical Theater Camp 2008, Matt and Mandy are among those responsible for renown NYC-based theatrical productions including The New Rock Musical SOUL SEARCHING, the ongoing all-kids rock musical workshop GENERATIONS, and the long-running A MATCH MADE IN MANHATTAN, THE INTERACTIVE JEWISH WEDDING EXPERIENCE. Their shows have appeared in distinguished venues like Daryl Roth's DR2 Theatre and D-Lounge Cabaret, Makor/92nd Street Y, Bowery Poetry Club, Don't Tell Mama's, Mo Pitkins, Theater for the New City, the 45th Street Theater, and in the New York Musical Theater Festival. GENERATIONS is now in ongoing development at Englewood's prestigious BergenPAC.
To apply for the Summer Rock-Musical Theater Camp 2008, please contact Matt Okin immediately, as enrollment is limited: 201-567-6664 or Matt@BlackBoxArts.com. For further information about upcoming performances of SOUL SEARCHING, GENERATIONS, and more, visit www.BlackBoxNYC.com.
Attached photo by Ira Machefsky, www.citylightsphoto.com, featuring GENERATIONS's performers/students Angelina Kelly, Rachel Shamosh, Nicole DeLuca, Jessica Lieberman, and Chloe Roe.
