by Katie Orlando



The Connie Company, the children’s theater of Davidson Community Players, will house summer theater camps for ages 4-18 at the Armour Street Theatre, 307 Armour St. in Davidson.

One week of every camp costs $100 and consists of “15 hours of instruction in an authentic theatre environment,” according to a news release. Financial aid is available.

The fee includes daily snacks and a T-shirt.

The 2012 camps are built around a circus theme.

Campers will learn about the circus with theater games, stories, improvisation, acting techniques and stage production.

At the end of each session, campers will show off their new skills for family and friends.

“Connie Company Goes to the Circus (a clown-free event)” is open to ages 4-5 June 18-22, June 25-29 and July 23-27 from 9 a.m. to noon; ages 6-7 June 11-15 and July 30 to Aug. 3 from 9 a.m. to noon and June 25-29, 1 to 4 p.m.; and ages 8-10 July 9-13 9 a.m. to noon and June 11-15 and Aug. 6-10 1-4 p.m.

“Clowning Around,” for ages 12-14, runs June 18-22, 1 to 4 p.m. This camp is an introduction to real theater in the style of Commedia Dell Arte. Campers will create masks and scenes and clown around with well-known television and movie characters. “Clowning Around” is best for high-energy campers who enjoy being physically active, according to the news release.

Musical Theatre Camp, for ages 12-18, is the only Connie Company camp requiring an audition, March 10 from 10 a.m. to noon or 1 to 3 p.m. The camp runs July 30 to Aug. 10 from 4 to 7 p.m., with performances of the camp’s original production Aug. 10 and 11. This two-week camp costs $195. This is Connie Company’s first-ever musical theater camp. It will explore music, acting and dance.

Shakespeare Intensive, for ages 13-18, is July 23-27 from 1 to 4 p.m. It features Shakespeare plays and translating his language for modern audiences.

For more information or to register, visit www.D-Recs.org or contact Brianna Smith at Brianna@DavidsonCommunityPlayers.org or 704-892-7953.

The Connie Company has been bringing live theater experiences to the youth of Davidson and the Lake Norman community since 1996. The children’s theater company incorporates theater education, practical experience and fun for ages 4-18 all year, as well as through summer camps. Classes during the school year and one two-week workshop for teenagers all culminate in original productions.

The Connie Company produces children’s theater productions year round, with one annual collaboration with Davidson College. This year, the Connie Company will present “The Adventures of a Bear Called Paddington” April 20-29.