CTA Workshops Producing Future Stars Today

In a small annex building off of Bay Head Road this summer, many local students have been experiencing the joy of performing by participating in the ’ workshops, run once again by the upbeat and multi-talented Tiffany Shannon.

These week-long summer camps, for ages 5-17, focus on the three main components of musical theatre: singing, dancing and acting.

“Our goal is to provide safe, non-competitive performance opportunities for young people through live theatre,” explained Shannon. “All of our workshops and summer camp programs offer young people the opportunity to explore theatre through the study of acting, choreography, and voice.”

Shannon has been teaching local youth for over a decade, and a number of Tiffany's former students have gone on to be seen on stage, film and television. Many of them are active in local theatre and are “stars” in their own communities.

Kathy Swekel, executive director of CTA, said that there were so many who wanted to participate in these workshops this year, they had to keep adding more, and they were still full. Students from Severna Park, Arnold, Annapolis, Edgewater, Crofton, Pasadena, Bowie, and even the Eastern Shore participate.

“Kids get so much out of it,” said Swekel. “They learn to work together and become good citizens. And they have so much fun doing it.”

“I love, love, love it,” said Rylan Cole of Edgewater.

Kaylin Lafleche and Grace O’Brien of Severna Park agreed. “There are lots of cool dances and songs,” they said.

For Mallory Snodgrass of Arnold, this was her first CTA workshop experience, but certainly not her last.

“I am learning so much about singing and dancing, including how to use a lot more facial expressions in everything we do,” she said.

The students rehearsed all week for their performance for families and friends on CTA's main stage on the final day of the workshop. They were singing and dancing through a variety of numbers from familiar favorites like “Annie” to an upbeat number by the Black Eyed Peas.

“I believe that positive, safe exposure and experiences for youth through acting is a strong self-esteem builder,” said Shannon. “Every student here has the opportunity to become a star.”