Capistrano Acting Academy

Week 6: July 26-30 Ages 3-13 Mary Poppins, Poppin Around

Week 7: August 2-6 Ages 3-13 The Princess and the Frog on Stage

Week 8: August 9-13 Ages 3-6 The Little Mermaids
Ages 7-13 Fame, Almost…

Week 9: August 16-20 Ages 3-13 The Suite Camp Life of Zack and Cody

Week 10: August 23-27 Ages 3-6 Tinkerbell
Ages 7-13 Wicked, In the Land of Oz

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Schedule

Q: What does the schedule look like?

A: Camp will start at 9 AM, so please drop the children off between 8:50 and 9:00.  The children will take hour-long art, music, dance, and acting classes with two 15-minute breaks and one 30-minute lunch in the Historical Town Center Park connected to the Playhouse.  In acting class, the students will play fun theatre-based games while learning their staging for their thematic performance. Art class will allow the young artists to create individual works as well as design the art work that will be seen by all on the main stage. In dance class, the children will learn their choreography in a fun-filled, upbeat environment. Music class will encourage the students to sing their hearts out.  This class has been designed to teach the children their songs from their musical theme while developing a greater ability to sing with confidence. Parents should pick up their child from the main stage theatre at 2:00 PM.

Sunrise Studio Early-Bird Drop-Off

Camp Unplugged After-Camp Enrichment

Q: Are there early drop-off options?

A: For all those working parents out there, or for those families interested in a more expansive summer arts program, this early-bird drop-off option (8:00 AM-9:00 AM) is perfect for you.  Your children will participate in fun, upbeat morning activities led by our summer activity directors.

Q: Is after-care provided?

A: For those parents interested in additional performing arts activities for their children after camp, this enrichment block is a great option for you.  Your children can be picked up anywhere from 2 PM–5 PM.  They can stay as little as they want (2 PM) or as much as they want (5 PM) each day, depending of course on your schedule. Students will have a blast with their new friends as they learn through interactive games, singing activities, and all-around fun at the Playhouse! 

Q: Is there a charge for late pick-up?

A:  If a parent happens to pick up their child late (more than 10 minutes after the end of the program), they will be charged a fee of $20.

Facility

Q: Are your facilities kid-friendly and safe?

A: The Summer Performing Arts Camps are held at the Camino Real Playhouse, in the historical district of San Juan Capistrano.  This year marks The Playhouse’s 20^th anniversary as an active community theatre.  The Playhouse has two functional theatres, the Main Stage, which can seat 88 patrons, and Stage II, which is a blackbox theatre that entertains audiences of 50 on a weekend performance.  In addition to the two theatres, there is a Youth Conservatory (which resembles a grade school classroom) as well as a duplicate rehearsal studio that mimics the main stage.  Our bathroom facilities are cleaned regularly and are kid-friendly with step stools to reach the sinks and paper towels.  There are two entrances and exits to the Playhouse (the main entrance in the front and the Stage II side entrance).  We have a water fountain in the main hall and a central business office for camp administrative tasks.  (We enforce a “buddy rule” where the kids must take a buddy to visit the water fountain, restrooms, or other classroom venues.)  Our facilities are quite spacious--boasting 10,000 square feet!  Since the theatre sits adjacent to the historical San Juan Mission, many schools and youth groups visit the area.  Numerous police officers and safety volunteers monitor the area regularly. The kids will visit the Historic Town Center Park three times a day.  Lunches and recesses will be spent outside, in this beautifully designed park.  Staff and administrators keep a close eye on the children during this refreshing time outside.  All in all, the Playhouse is a perfect destination for a fun-filled week of summer camp for your kids!

Teachers/Staff

Q: Who are the teachers?

A: The Director, Stephen Zygo, and Assistant Director, Maggie Zygo, both hold Master’s degrees in teaching and share a combined 20 years of experience in education.  They conduct thorough interviews and select the most highly-qualified educators in their respective fields to create a dynamic team.  Staff bios can be viewed on the Playhouse website prior to the first week of camp.

Q: Who are the additional staff members?

A: The Camp Counselors and Activity Directors are typically college students majoring in the performing arts and/or education.  They must have previous experience working with children and references to verify their character.

Lunch/Snacks

Q: What will the kids eat for lunch?

A: The campers should bring their own, clearly labeled, brown-bagged lunch each day.  The children enjoy the fresh air in the Historical Town Center Park connected to the Playhouse!

Q: Should my child bring their own snack?

A: A peanut-free snack is encouraged along with a labeled water bottle.  These items should be packed along with the child’s lunch.

Behavior/Prerequisite Requirements

Q: Does my child have to be out of diapers?

A: Yes, since we are a performing arts camp and not a daycare facility, we require every camper to be potty-trained and able to use the toilet on their own.  For those children that have rare accidents, we do request a change of clothes for immediate use.  They must be able to change their garments themselves.

Q: What are your policies regarding inappropriate behavior?

A: There are several levels of inappropriate behavior.  For students who are being a disruption to the learning environment in class, the teacher has the authority to sit the children out of activities or send them to visit the Director if necessary.  For children that exhibit consistent behavioral issues, bullying, or hitting, we do reserve the right to dismiss a child from the remainder of camp.  This is for the safety and well being of all campers.

Financial Aspects

Q: Is there reimbursement if my child doesn’t fulfill the length of the program?

A: Unfortunately, registration fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.  Not only is our staffing determined by the number of campers that register, but we also must turn other students away once the limited number of spaces is filled.

Costumes

Q: Can my child wear their own costume?

A: Children can bring their own costumes that match their character for their particular show.  We wouldn't want to deprive a child the chance to wear their favorite get-up from their beloved theme show!  However, please do not feel the need to go out and buy something new.  Your camp counselors and teachers can help with suggestions. This should be very easy.  We have designed this camp to be simple and fun with little to no extra work for mom and dad. To add glitz and glamour, the kids may also be making some small costume accessories in art class.

Tickets/Performances

Q: How can I purchase tickets to see my child’s show?

A: Parents, family, and friends are all invited to support your rising star as they perform on the Playhouse Main Stage! Tickets are $6.00 each. Tickets may be purchased and seats selected at the theater’s online ticketing site at: www.caminorealplayhouse.org.  Tickets are usually available on the website starting Tuesday afternoon.  Be sure to print out and bring your receipt so you know your seat numbers.  Please do not call the theater box to purchase tickets as it is not staffed for this during the summer. 

Ticket prices are set by the Camino Real Playhouse and all revenues from tickets go directly to the theatre, so thank you for supporting this invaluable community institution!

Photography/Videography

Q: Is photography and videography allowed during my child’s performance?

A: Camino Real Playhouse does not allow videography or photography during any performance.  Because we know how important it is to capture these memorable moments on video, we have invited our youth theatre videographers, Alex Ayer and David Rucktenwald, to record each Friday performance and create a DVD—complete with special features!  The DVD can be ordered on the day of the show and will be shipped directly to your home shortly after the production.  Accepted forms of payment are cash and check.  Both Alex and David are independent contractors and purchases should be made directly from them.

Parental Concern

Q: Will my child have fun while attending your camp?

A: Absolutely!  Our camp has been designed to be interactive, high-energy, and a wonderful learning experience for every student that attends.  Your child will learn several thematic songs and choreographed dances, produce colorful arts and crafts, and discover creative characters through student-centered scripts.  The children will find the fresh air three times a day in the Historic Town Center Park to be relaxing and rejuvenating.  Throughout the five exciting days, the children will make many new friends and learn the importance of their role in a successful collaboration.  The culminating Friday performance project truly drives the children to prepare for their performance with diligence and focus.  Everyone involved in the camps, both students and staff alike, walks away from their week of performing arts camp with a new sense of confidence and lasting memories.  It will be a summer to remember!  It’s time to watch your star shine!

Click Here to contact Stephen Zygo for more information

or call Stephen Zygo directly at (714) 747-4915

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