For the 13th year, Troy University and the Department associated with Theatre and Dance welcomed high schoolers from across the state plus beyond to a series of Summer time Spotlight intensives in performance, technology and film.
The week-long, residential camps were held from July 17-23, plus participants were immersed in most aspects of theatre: dance, film, technology and on stage, on screen and behind-the-scenes work. These camps also provide participants with the opportunity to interact with peers, college faculty members and guest artists from throughout the country.
“Summer Spotlight offers each participant, from the particular youngest to the oldest, the chance to let loose, have some fun and become versed in all types of creative expression– onstage, backstage and everything else, ” said Tori Lee Averett, Director of the Summer Spotlight program plus Assistant Dean of the College of Communication and Fine Arts . “The counselors for the sessions are fine and performing arts majors, so not only do our students get the experience of sharing their knowledge and experience, our individuals get in order to learn from someone who’s been in their shoes and can guide them through it. ”
Participants in the particular Tech and Management Rigorous run the shows, plus each student has the particular chance to experiment with various technical theatre challenges and skillsets, try out designs plus manage mini-productions throughout the week. The Spotlight Showcase at the end of the particular week is completely managed by Tech & Management students.
Julian Tortenson, 14, of Huntsville, Ala. joined a subgroup of the technology intensive dedicated to learning about lighting and design.
“We went more in-depth into how to do any area of the show. How to design this, how to execute it well, ” he stated. “Thursday was my favorite day—up until then we’d just been designing and thinking about what we’d done, but on Thursday we actually got to get into the theatre and set it all up. ”
Laila Mackey, 14, associated with Huntsville studied stage management and sound. She mentioned the biggest lesson she learned from the week was how you can be professional.
“It’s a really professional environment, so I’m learning the particular professional side of things as well. The teachers, James plus Justin, had been great, too, ” the girl said. “I was very impressed, and I hope I can come back the next few years because it’s already been a great experience. I’ve gotten to know so many people plus had the opportunity to see things that aren’t offered at my school. ”
Jason Owens, 17, of Alabaster, Ala. said he attended to see if he wanted to pursue a career in phase rigging and scenery.
“I came here to help me decide if I wanted to do this as a career, plus after this experience We think I will, ” he said. “TROY is definitely in my top two colleges for after I graduate. ”
In the Performance Extensive, participants sharpened their skills in everything from musical theater to puppetry to hip hop to playwriting. Auditions solidified their own place within a company, and the Limelight Showcase finale let all of them take the stage.
East Rush, 16, of Dothan, Ala. came for that opportunity to improve his playwriting abilities.
“I heard there has been a lot of playwriting availability plus things I actually could explore, and other things I’d be interested in doing, ” this individual said. “I’ve been growing in that department, and it’s been really nice discussing my creations with like-minded people who do the same things I do. We made lots of friends during the week. ”
Students that chose the particular Film Intense worked together to write the script, create storyboards, plan a shot list, shoot scenes and edit footage. Their horror/murder-mystery short film, “Shortcut, ” was also featured throughout the Showcase on the last night of camp.
Rory Stagner, 15, of Troy, Ala. created the storyboards for the film and acted as both the first murder victim as well as the mom. Stagner has been part of multiple Summer Spotlight camps, attending the Performance Intensive last year, and said the lady gained a new appreciation for your work filmmakers put in to their craft.
“I had no interest in movie whatsoever before coming directly into this rigorous, I just did it because it was something new, ” she stated. “But, I actually learned a lot about the equipment filmmakers use and just how much work goes straight into creating, like how sweaty you get carrying everything around. I’ve actually enjoyed this. ”
To view the particular short film, click here.
To view the gallery through the Technology & Administration Intensive, click right here.
To see a gallery from the Spotlight Display, click here.
