I’m constantly challenged, which is fun because I’ve done a lot of improv and acting, and it’s fun to be challenged with an activity as simple as “walk on stage in a completely neutral stance, and sit on a bench”, or “really hear and react to your scene partner, don’t just say a line.” I love it that the teachers take us seriously and run the class like a real university class, and I am delighted that I’m able to take on these complex acting challenges with other kids that enjoy it as much as I do.

I have also found that the skills taught in this class have begun, unprovoked and un- encouraged by me, to affect the way I act on a day to day basis. After Michael O’Connell corrected my back posture for an exercise, I found myself straightening my back into a healthier position every few minutes. I began to listen to people more intently after we did an activity with Maureen Porter where everything we did was based on listening to our scene partners, and I feel like I have a greater ability to send clear messages to people, after having worked on it in class.

As a side note, I really enjoyed dance with Amy Palomino. Before she came I was really nervous about what we would do, having watched some of the experienced dancers in the class leaping into the air and standing on their toes. But when Amy taught us the dance it was fun, simple enough that I could keep up, and not so easy that the experienced dancers were bored. And we all love “Hairspray”, so the song choice was perfect.

I’m really glad that I had this week of camp because I learned a ton, and I was able to meet people I can really relate to. I sincerely hope something similar to this camp will be offered next summer, because I’ve already started recommending it to people.”