The Camp, which is open to everyone, is very intensive and focuses on all aspects of musical theatre including vocal technique, the craft of acting, choreography, set construction, make-up, and costuming. Participants will be divided into groups based on age and ability. Fun, activities, energy, and creativity in an atmosphere designed to encourage talent, discipline, self-esteem, leadership, and co-operation.
We welcome participants from all backgrounds; there is no religious aspect to the Camp or its curriculum.
For the past thirty summers, Gotta Sing! Gotta Dance! has attracted hundreds of enthusiastic and talented participants – many of whom have gone on to successful careers in the performing arts – from throughout British Columbia and as far away as Abu Dahbi, Whitehorse, Edmonton, Regina, Yorkton, Winnipeg, Ottawa, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New York, California, Alabama, Colorado, Virginia, Ohio, Texas, Austria, and Israel.
The director and creator of the program is PERRY EHRLICH, who received an Ovation Award and the Canadian Bar Association’s Community Service Award (acknowledging his tireless dedication to working with children and musical theatre). Perry, a composer, pianist, teacher, arranger, producer, adjudicator, writer, and talent coordinator, also directs ShowStoppers, the popular GLEE troupe. Check out www.theimpresario.ca.
You can also check out the podcast about Perry on www.yorktonstories.ca where Perry talks about Gotta Sing! Gotta Dance! and being born and raised in Yorkton, Saskatchewan.
Last year, Perry assembled an impressive Faculty of professional instructors (including directors, musicians, choreographers, and actors), each working in his or her respective field, including musical directors WENDY BROSS STUART and ARIELLE BALLANCE; directors MEGHAN ANDERSSEN and CHRIS McGREGOR; and choreographers JASON FRANCO, SHERYL McMILLAN, and KERI MINTY.
Final productions will be presented three times each session in the Norman & Annette Rothstein Theatre, and will feature an original script, together with a broad repertoire of music from Broadway and movie musicals and the world of pop.
Auditions will be scheduled to assess talent and maturity. Regrettably, not all applicants can be accepted, and final selections will be based on ability and commitment.
SCHOLARSHIPS are available through the generosity of the “Babe Oreck Memorial Fund”, “Phyliss & Irving Snider Foundation”, and others for those with financial need.
For further information about the camp, please contact the Jewish Community Centre at (604) 257-5111 or Perry Ehrlich at (604) 315-1850 or ehrlich@kzellaw.com
