Summer Camp Focuses on Theater

Theater 360: Where Creativity Knows No Bounds!

Spotlight Performance Academy is delighted to pair with Freedom Hall to present Theater 360, a unique, immersive summer theater camp experience that seeks to help young artists grow their skills, build confidence, and make lasting memories. Students entering grades 3 through 8 are invited to explore five different aspects of theater over the course of the one-week camp.

Improv will teach students the art of thinking on their feet and mastering unscripted performance. There is no right or wrong in improv, only, “Yes, and?” In Stage Combat, students will learn how to present dramatic fight scenes in a safe way. Scenic Painting will provide students with the opportunity to learn how a bare stage can be transformed into a whole new world by painting vibrant backdrops. All characters have their own style, and students will have a chance to design, create and bring the costumes that embody these styles to life in Costume Design. Finally, Prop Making will allow students to get hands-on in crafting cool props that really help tell a story in an exciting and meaningful way.

Kate Wiersema, the artistic director of South of Chi Productions improv group and author of Playing to Learn: Using Improv in the K-8 Classroom is looking forward to leading Theater 360. “This camp is a crash course in aspects of theater that most kids don’t get to experience first hand,” Wiersema explains. “We hope that Theater 360 will show kids all the ways theater can enrich their lives and that they will be inspired to continue exploring these passions at school, in their communities, and with Spotlight. I am excited to work with a very talented group of teachers who have years of experience. I know the kids are going to love it!”

Other instructors will include local creatives Shelley Strasser, Doug Raffety, and Marc Ryser.

Theater 360 will take place July 21 - 24, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. each day. Classes will meet at Freedom Hall (410 Lakewood Blvd Park Forest, IL).

Tuition is $200 per student before March 31st. A 10% sibling discount is available upon registration. Tuition assistance is available. Please contact Carrie Bonanotte at spotlightperformanceacademy@gmail.com to inquire about tuition assistance or about the opportunity to sponsor a student.

All students entering grades 3 through 8 are invited to register at https://www.spotlightperformanceacademy.org/classes

Don’t miss your chance to give your child the opportunity to experience the full circle of theater arts!