For many students, theatre or drama time is a special part of the day where we get to set aside the stresses of the world, transform into a variety of characters, and journey to a faraway magical place, before returning to the real world. 

Drama camp provides students with a unique opportunity to spend not just an hour in the afternoon in the theatre, but the entire day devoted to exploring the actor's tools: voice, body, and mind. Through the power of acting, the Drama Studio is designed to allow each camper the opportunity to explore, try new things, and discover different sides of themselves.  We provide a platform for each camper to develop tools and confidence that translate back into the real world.

Every year, campers perform an adaptation of a classical play as an ensemble. Classical texts are tremendous for helping teach and master some of the fundamentals of acting—each play is like a blank canvas waiting for us to create its unique world and dissect its history and language. 

Exposure to Classical Scripts

When campers first learn the title of the play, I'm usually met with blank stares. The title is unknown and, maybe, unpronounceable that first day. Yet, by the time we mount the show a week later, they are so proud of their newfound knowledge. They have learned about the history and context of the show. They have mastered the language. They have dissected the meaning. They get to share their version of this ancient text of warriors and gods with an audience. 

Make New Connections

Unlike the regular school year, many students enter the camp barely knowing one another. There is an assortment of kids from a variety of schools and different ages. This is intimidating and scary. However, every year I see the students build meaningful bonds before my eyes. Slowly, they start taking more and more risks during our voice, body, and mind workshops. They see each other be silly during games and swap funny stories on breaks. 

Encourages Teamwork and Cooperation

When it comes to rehearsing, they also know the value of each member of their cast. In an ensemble-based show, there are no stars or leads. They have to work together as a chorus to share their story. While each member of the ensemble gets a moment to shine, there is a sense of belonging, support, and trust when performing their show.

In the past year, where so much has changed, returning to theatre brings back so much joy, laughter, and comfort for each camper. I cannot wait to be back this summer to spend two weeks building and creating a new world of an ancient and forgotten tale and seeing the pride and accomplishment students get when they work together to do it. 

Summers at Pennington offer fantastic summer camp experiences for students of all ages. Learn more about our camp offerings or contact us today!

Peter V. Secrest
Camp Director: The Drama Studio
Teacher of Latin and English
Seventh Grade Advisor
Dormitory Head