No two camps will ever look the same at Lights Up Music Theatre Schools and that’s why they are so well sought out!
Mike Wight, Director
Since 2006, ‘Lights Up’ has helped thousands of children to perform at a higher level on stage and in all aspects of their lives through training in performing arts; singing, dance and acting. Now in its 17th year, Lights Up is offering weeklong Spring Break and Summer Camps in its many locations across the lower mainland.
We recently had the pleasure to speak with Mike Wight, Director, who shared with us the story of Lights Up Musical Theatre Schools and its long running Musical Theatre skills building program for children in the Vancouver area and across the Lower Mainland which continues to expand – now to 8 locations – and for good reason – three good reasons to be exact, which Mike breaks down for us here:
Each camp week at Lights Up has a different theme; songs, dances and acting material is different each week of camp. No camp week is ever the same as the last and our show story lines are always creative and fun, with students having a large involvement in what happens in the story. Lights Up is all about the process of creating and learning through performing arts, rather than repeatedly rehearsing like a robot for a polished show. Mistakes are part of the learning experience and part of the fun we have together!
Our camp themes are designed to appeal to a broad range of children and can include material from modern as well as well-known musicals and films. Pop music, theatre and varied dance genres all have their part in Lights Up camps. One week may be based on modern pop music, the next on decades old Broadway musicals. Every camp will captivate imaginations, teach new skills, all whilst allowing students to make friends and have fun!
Our team of teachers are the bedrock at Lights Up Musical Theatre Schools and bring fun, creativity and a wealth of experience to our camps. Many teachers are also working actors, singers, dancers and stage performers who share their passion and knowledge with the new generation on camp. They all look forward to camp season as getting to know the students over a week is very fun and rewarding. It’s always amazing what we can learn and achieve in just 5 short days! Many of our camp staff teach for Lights Up weekly programs thought the year, you can read about The Team Here!
In addition to our teaching team, each camp has a non-teaching camp director who is always on site to ensure the smooth running of all camp aspects. The director helps nervous and shy children at the start of camp feel comfortable and welcome, communicates with parents, and works with the teachers to create our end of camp show. We also have assistants on camp to help in class, many of which are long term, older teen students from our year-round programs who bring their passion and energy to camps. Structure and organization are key aspects of Lights Up camps you may not see with other camp providers, all of which lead to a great experience for the kids and families who attend each year.
We offer half day and full day camps. Our HALF DAY (3hr camps) take place in the morning and are for 4–6-year-olds. Students spend equal time learning singing, dancing and acting skills. Material learnt throughout the week comes together in their own show, performed on the last day of camp for family and friends. We also spend time playing creative games to get imaginations working and to burn off some of that energy! Learning time is broken up with arts and crafts where we make props and artwork for our show. Always a big hit with the kids!
Our FULL DAY camps begin at 6 years and go up to 12 years old and run 9am-3pm each day. Children are split into 3 age-appropriate groups for classes in the triple threat disciplines of Musical Theatre: Singing, Dance and Acting. Students learn songs, dance routines, and work on acting scenes, all selected to be age appropriate and appealing to each group. Enough to challenge them, but also to be fun and engaging. As the week progresses, we begin putting together all the material rehearsed in our class time for our end of camp show for family and friends on Friday afternoon!
Many families sign up for multiple camp weeks through the year, attending Spring Break camps and several in the summer. With a different theme each week, camp is always a new experience following a familiar and welcoming structure that lets kids be themselves and excel in a nurturing environment, all while having a great time! We also offer discounts to families enrolling siblings together in our camps and for those attending multiple weeks!
Lights Up camps are currently offered across our 8 locations serving: North Vancouver, Vancouver Westside, Vancouver Eastside/Burnaby, Richmond, Surrey, Langley and Maple Ridge. Camps run Mon-Fri with a show on the last day! We hope to see your children on camp with us this 2024 season! Sign up is open on our website at this link: https://lightsuptheatre.ca/camps/
Camps fill quickly so don’t delay in booking your spot with us this Spring Break & Summer!
Mike Wight, Director
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