MONROE — After nearly four years without a summer program, Monroe Theatre Guild is gearing up to relaunch its summer learning opportunity for students ages 10-18 with MTG’s Day Camp. While the cast takes center stage in a performance, theatre is far more than just the people on stage. This week-long day camp will focus on the many facets that make up not just the performance, but the preparations, and everything that happens behind the scenes.

Campers will spend Monday-Thursday experiencing all that goes into backstage management. They can tinker with lights and sound, explore MTG’s basement workshop, design and build sets, take an adventure through MTG’s wardrobe closet, and pick up stage makeup how-to’s. Not only will they have the opportunity to perform, but they will also learn about the effort and teamwork that goes into a live production. Teenage campers will fill the roles of camp counselors and participate in all the activities of the day. 

The camp will take place August 1-6 at Monroe Theatre Guild, 910 16th Ave, Monroe. The cost is $35 per camper for the entire week. Sponsorships are available upon request. Each day the first four hours will be instruction-based, consisting of hands-on and verbal instruction, with a lunch break at noon. Campers should bring a sack lunch. The last two hours each day will be performance-based, focusing on preparing students for the Friday and Saturday performances. Both showtimes are TBD but will be free to the public. 

Before the camp is put into full swing, MTG is conducting a survey to learn how much interest there is in Monroe and surrounding communities. Take the online survey on the MTG website, monroetheatre.com, with genuine interest to help MTG bring back this phenomenal opportunity for young people. As interest is anticipated, a June registration date for MTG’s Day Camp will be announced soon.