The Art Block
The Art Block is a two-week summer camp we’re trying out for the first time this year.
It’s a partnership between the Wren’s Nest and two arts organizations that are just down the block: Fly-By Theatre, an improv theater company, and Hammonds House, an art museum specializing in the African diaspora.
The camp is for middle schoolers.
The goal is for them to write, design, and perform a unique theatrical production based on a fairy tale. Students will write the play at the Wren’s Nest, design the sets at Hammonds House, and learn to perform and dance with Fly-By Theatre. They’ll be taught by professionals in their respective fields.
At the end of the two weeks, the kids will cap everything off with a performance open to the public.
What do you think?
I’m a little nervous, to tell you the truth.
It’s similar to when we started the Wren’s Nest Publishing Co. last year. We had no idea what we were doing. We had no idea if anyone would even bother to apply or show up. We had no idea if we could pull it off.
The Art Block is a little more ambitious because (a) the kids are a little younger, (b) there are way more moving parts, and (c) our funding so far is pretty minimal.
I mean, we even have to provide a healthy snack! Guh! Talk about high-maintenance.
Plus, the only reasonable place to host these kids is our office. My spirit excluded, there’s not much in here that the average twelve year old can break without trying too hard.
Want more? Check out the page we made for the Art Block.
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Amber Suitt
Program Director
Lain Shakespeare
Executive Director
8 Comments to The Art Block
I honestly think this sounds like a great idea. Middle schoolers are hard to handle so it probably will be tough sometimes but I think it would all work out in the end when the performance pulls together. I would have liked something like that in middle school. It’s a very creative and exciting task. I hope it works out for you! I’m sure it will.
I think it is a great idea. and a great opportunity to collaborate with two n’hood organizations. What is the budget for this – total – we should be able to get some support from businesses in the neighborhood.
sounds great ,how can I help?
Ida Beth
Lain, I posted the information on my Neighborhood Association website, http://www.eganpark.com Hopefully you’ll get some kids from here.
it’s a fabulous idea. I know a certain middle school teacher at renfroe that needs to know about this…..she can promote it to her students….
Lain, what is the cost the Board might want to sponsor a deserving child. It is especially hard to find something for middle schoolers.
Thanks, y’all.
Marshall, it costs $225 for two weeks, plus–I think–and extra $100 if the kid needs to hang around before and after the camp is over.
[...] The idea for the camp (not mine, but I certainly think it’s a good one), is that middle school age students will write, act in, and produce a play in two weeks. We’ve got three different organizations (The Wren’s Nest, Fly-By Theatre, Hammonds House) who are each providing a professional artist to teach the kids in a different field. (Confused? Click here.) [...]