Summer Camps That Spark Creativity: Why Community Theater is Perfect for School-Aged Kids
- abreitweiser
- 41 minutes ago
- 3 min read
As a Board President and a parent, I understand how essential it is for children to engage deeply with their learning. From my experience, two elements are crucial to fostering meaningful growth in school-aged kids:
Learning must be hands-on
Learning must be enjoyable
While textbooks and lectures provide foundational knowledge, children truly thrive when they can immerse themselves in experiences that ignite their creativity and build lasting memories. This is exactly where community theater plays a transformative role.
For decades, community theaters across the country have empowered people of all ages—from young children to seniors—to discover their talents through active participation. Unlike traditional instruction, community theater teaches by doing: by casting everyday individuals in plays and musicals, it nurtures confidence, creativity, and teamwork.
This approach to learning is especially impactful for children. When kids step on stage, they develop valuable skills like collaboration, problem-solving, and artistic expression within a supportive community environment.
At Richey Suncoast Theatre, our commitment to youth is stronger than ever. This summer, we are proud to offer a variety of hands-on programs designed to engage kids of all ages and backgrounds.
Summer Camps: Four Weeks of Creativity and Growth
Our themed summer camps run for four weeks, each priced affordably at $250. Every camp culminates in a Friday performance where campers showcase their hard work for family and friends, followed by a festive karaoke pizza party.
Thanks to a generous grant from Duke Energy, each camper receives a $25 discount automatically at signup. In addition, we provide need-based scholarships to ensure every child has the opportunity to participate.
Our Creative Director, Jess Glass, leads these camps with passion and expertise. With decades of experience, Jess’s curriculum covers every facet of theater—from singing, dancing, and acting to set construction, costuming, and props. She has a remarkable talent for helping even the most reserved children come out of their shells and shine on stage.
A Historic Milestone: Shrek Jr — An All-Kids Musical
This August marks a historic first for Richey Suncoast Theatre as we present Shrek Jr as a fully youth-led production. A panel of young leaders selected the show, director, stage manager, and production team — all of whom are youth, with the entire cast comprised of children.
I look forward to bringing students to see this extraordinary production and witness firsthand the incredible achievements possible when young people are supported with guidance and encouragement.
Join Us!
Whether your child is a seasoned performer or just beginning to explore the arts, Richey Suncoast Theatre offers a welcoming, supportive environment to grow and thrive.
For homeschooling families, I’ll also be speaking at the upcoming Tampa Bay Homeschool Convention — an excellent opportunity to learn more about creative enrichment options: Tampa Bay Homeschool Convention
A Message from Our Board President, Angela Sarabia
“At Richey Suncoast Theatre, we believe in the power of community theater to transform children’s lives. Through hands-on learning and creative expression, our youth programs provide kids with invaluable skills—confidence, teamwork, and artistic passion—that will serve them long beyond the stage. We’re proud to offer these enriching opportunities right here in New Port Richey and invite families to join us this summer.”— Angela Sarabia, President, Board of Directors, Richey Suncoast Theatre
About Angela Sarabia:
Angela Sarabia is the committed President of the Board of Directors for Richey Suncoast Theatre, Inc., where she leads the volunteer-run organization with passion. She brings over 15 years of experience in community theater as an actress and director. Angela is also a playwright, with a full-length play published by Stage Write Plays, and a voice actor featured in the audiobook The Ghost of Sarey Jane. She holds a law degree from the University of Florida and is a former prosecutor. Today, Angela is a respected public speaker on domestic violence and the criminal justice process.
