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Powerhouse Musical Theater Summer Camp at Crescendo!
By Edward Peck
Sing. Dance. Act. Write and perform. This is how a group of very fortunate campers are planning to spend their days this summer, learning to put on a great show, entitled “The Scoop.”
"The Scoop" is a play that is set in a 50's diner spanning the 1950's to present day. "The Scoop" is the story of a youngster's dream to walk in really big shoes. Stage left will house the set of the television newscasters and stage right will be the local hair salon. Our campers or might I say, cast members, will take part in every aspect of the show from expanding the script to coming up with costumes to designing various sets to creating the backgrounds.
Each counselor who is working the summer at Crescendo will be CPR and first aid certified and brings with them specialized skills that will contribute to the show running July 25th and again August 29th. In order to accomplish this task our days will be filled with movement such as stretching exercises for the dance classes and the tumbling classes. We will have teaching staff who specialize in child development and music from Powerhouse Music Lessons for the musical portion of the day.
We will enlist the skills of Mrs. Phyllis Larrymore-Kelly from Powerhouse Actors Studio for her story telling abilities as well as her performance preparation skills and expertise. Mrs. Kelly will base her stories on specific topics so as to prepare the kids to write their pieces with important plot moving emphasis. Some people are wondering how the 5 year olds will fair in this process and we are sure that they will come up with a fun and fantastic story as their contribution to the show. Plenty of guidance will be available for all who participate in the show.
If you are interested in joining our musical theater summer camp contact Kate Nelson at Powerhouse.
Acting, Dance and Music Lessons as space is limited and we are filling up fast. Crescendo is the multi purpose room that will serve as the venue for the summer camp. Crescendo is 3100 square feet with a large dance floor, 12' X 20' stage, full PA and lighting available for your special performances.
Powerhouse Summer Performance Camp.
(818) 993-5951
www.powerhouseactorsstudio.com
How to Make Paper Mache
By Lindsey Clair
School is out and summer is finally here. Excitement fills the air as plans for vacations, activities, and events are underway. What about those rainy summer days when you hear the famous words; "I'm bored?" This is the perfect time to introduce a very productive art activity known as Paper Mache.
What is Paper Mache? It is a substance made of pulped paper or paper pulp mixed with glue and other materials or of layers of paper glued and pressed together, molded when moist to form various articles, and becoming hard and strong when dry.
Get ready to see little eyes light up with curiosity and wonder as you help your child/ren discover this truly unique art activity. Keep in mind Paper Mache has the potential to get extremely messy. Be sure you cover your work area with a tarp or newspaper before you get started. If working with young children, no younger than 4 years of age, it would be best to have them wear old clothing or an art smock to protect their everyday clothing. Even though you may introduce this craft as rainy day fun, it's even better to Paper Mache in the great outdoors where you can truly get your inspiration, providing its weather permitting.
Paper Mache is also a great way to recycle paper for those of you who are eco-friendly. Newspaper and computer paper are thrown out in the trash way too often; why not put this wasted paper to good use?
There is a way to make your own paper Mache if you are on a budget. Children will truly enjoy getting involved in this process. Not only is Paper Mache a good arts and crafts activity; it can also be viewed as a rich science project with plenty of hands-on experiences. Letting the children feel the texture of the Paper Mache mixture is a good way to get their senses flowing.
First, let's cover the materials you will need in order to create Paper Mache from scratch.
You will need:
You will first want to tear newspaper into strips. Tear up some white computer paper or paper towel as well. This is perfect for the last layer and is easier for painting.
You can make your own paper Mache in three possible ways. The first one can be from ¾ white glue to ¼ water. If you choose to use Elmer's glue it is said that you can use ½ glue and ½ water since Elmer's glue has a thicker consistency.
The second option would be the cooking method. You can use 1 part flour to 5 parts water. Bring to a boil for 3 minutes. Let it cool. This option is considered the cheapest option and is very smooth.
The third option consists of 1 part flour to 1 part water. Stir together.
Whatever option you choose all three works nicely, it just depends what kind of time you have on your hands to put this all together.
You will want to cover your project with at least 4 layers of paper Mache. After this has been accomplished you will want to let it dry completely. After the first 4 layers have dried, cover again with 4 layers. You will want to repeat this process until your project is as hard or solid as you want. (DLTK's Crafts for Kids) When this process is finished then you can begin painting.
If you are stuck on what to Paper Mache here are some ideas that may get you started:
The list doesn't stop here. Go to http://www.ultimatepapermache.com for detailed instructions on the above ideas and more. You can also get creative and Paper Mache your own creations. Paper Mache is so versatile the possibilities are endless.