With health and safety at the forefront of consideration, Hesston College made the decision to cancel its summer theatre camp event for area young aspiring actors and tech crew in the format it has known for several years.

As an alternative, a musical theatre learning program will be offered in a social distancing-appropriate one-on-one format for a limited number of participants.

Over the last several years, Hesston College’s Summer Theatre Camp has become a popular summer event for area actors and tech crew ages 11 to 18. In 2019, the camp drew its largest enrollment to date with more than 40 participants who staged the musical School House Rock Live! over a two-week period.

Even though stay at home orders around coronavirus are being relaxed in south central Kansas, the state’s social distancing guidelines continue to limit crowd gatherings that would pose a problem for the camp’s traditional format.

The 2020 alternative event will be held from June 22 through July 3. Participation will be limited to the first 16 registrants who will meet on campus in the Keim Center with Hesston College Theatre Director Rachel Jantzi and Director of Choral Activities Russell Adrian for six individualized 30-minute acting and voice sessions, as well as two masterclass sessions. Each student’s private lessons will occur between 12:30 and 4:30 p.m. during the two-week period. An individualized schedule will be communicated prior to the first class.

Participants will perform for their families in a final showcase outdoor picnic on July 3 at 5:30 p.m.

“This will be a much more intensive, but fun individualized experience,” said Jantzi. “It will not be the same theatre camp feel as past years, but we are still hoping it offers those who are excited about acting, singing and dancing a serious chance to work and shine as actors in musical theatre.”

Registration cost is $110 per person. Families registering more than one student will pay full price for the first student and $90 for each additional student from the same immediate family. If the event needs to be canceled for any reason, full refunds will be issued.

To register, contact Rachel Jantzi at rachelj@hesston.edu.