Summer Theater Camp Held at Middle PAC

COURT HOUSE – Sixty-two youngsters from Cape May County are spending much of this summer acquiring theatrical know how in acting, scenery building, stage lighting and applying theatrical makeup to themselves and others.
They are part of the second annual summer theatrical camp of the Shore (Sure) Productions at the Performing Arts Center of Middle Township. The camp started last year under the aegis of The PAC manager Kay Aspell with 30 participants and was so successful that it was decided to make it an annual event. This year’s total of campers between the ages of seven and 18 has more than doubled last year’s number.
“There is much interest in the theater by the young in Cape May County and our goal is to provide them not only with an educational experience but a fun time at the footlights,” Kaspell said.
In addition to learning the many facets of theatre, the campers will go to Broadway to see a major production, and on Aug. 7, 8 and 9 will present for the public at The PAC their own version of the big Broadway hit , “Shrek The Musical.” They will be accompanied by an orchestra of student and professional musicians.
Aspell said The PAC, with is state-of-the-art facilities, has become an ideal site for plays ,especially big scale musicals. This summer, for instance, three other companies will bring their musicals to the stage. On July 25, 26 and 27 the Seven Mile Stars, featuring youths vacationing in the area, will present the musical, “13.” The Ocean City Theatre Company moves in on Aug. 14, 15 and 16, with “Peter Pan” and Roseheart Productions will take full stage on Aug. 30 and 31 with the musical, “Alice.”
The lavish Broadway “Shrek” was produced at a cost of $25 million, but The PAC cost has been reduced to about $6,000 because of volunteer work in building the scenery and making costumes, Aspell said. The final local costs cover rights for script and for materials. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for seniors and students. Call 463-1924.
Other camp staffers include Drew Bongiovanni, Jay Wynn and Bud Morey.