Address: | 20 Center St, Naperville, IL 60540, USA |
Phone: | +1 630-352-4490 |
Site: | youthactors.com |
Rating: | 3.7 |
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Lilly Richards
My kids LOVE this place! We have been in their Denver programs, and its had a tremendous impact on them. Well follow them anywhere, and we actually have - we attended a camp they hosted in Florida last year because we spent time visiting my family down there, and when we heard they had a camp there also, my kids were very into it (I know theyre opening a suburban Chicago one this summer, but Im not sure if that will fit into our schedule since we have no family out there, although Im sure if my kids found out, theyd ask to go to that location too). Different theater, different state, but same instructors, same methods, same quality of programming. They really have the best directors and instructors anywhere. My children have done 5 or 6 other performance programs, and this is by FAR the best. Each program has their own strengths, but this one combines a lot of them and it is a hit in terms of fun but challenging experiences for their students (plus theyre priced no more than camps that dont offer as much, or quite less). I cant even express how dedicated & passionate every director, coach, assistant, camp counselor, & administrator is for these students & families. All of the necessary info comes to parents with thorough detail & no guesswork, they have extended hours done very well for us working parents, the shows are put on 3-4 times at the end of a session, which seems like a lot (I thought it was a bit much), but it is the best part for the drama kids, and my own kids wanted even more after their final show was over! They dont have to do multiple performances of each show, but they do because the kids love it so much. The shows are surprisingly entertaining for their audiences, being that theyre working with amateur kids/teens who may not have much experience in a very short time for very complex shows. My son was not really into going to theater camp, but for my own convenience, I sent him with my girls to make life easier, and he now goes back every year, & even took a class with Anthony this past fall (it was basically like a college-level class with very advanced acting process translated into a format that younger kids can understand - never seen anything like what I saw when I watched one of the classes, even when I took a university drama class). My son is more of a sports kid, but the direction he received from Anthony in class, then Max and Alex in camp was so individualized that it changed his mind completely about performing. They did a stage combat workshop, and he came home raving about it that night and wanting more. Most of their instructors started with the Founder - Anthony - when they were kids in camp, and come back to work as instructors during or after they go to college. They dont hire counselors-in-training or teenagers to work at camp, which cannot be said for most places, they dont ask for parent volunteers to man the box office or do hair and makeup, they dont make you do fundraisers, and they dont make you purchase expensive costumes or supplies. The audition process can seem a little scary, especially for kids with stage fright like I thought two of mine had before they started, but they do it in a way that involves a lot of games and exercises and is non-stressful. We all know that not everyone can play a lead role, but at RMCT, I saw every single kid on the stage had at least a minimum/decent amount of speaking lines, and not a single one in the large cast was relegated to a chorus-only part. Ive never seen that before. My older daughter went to a different community theater where I heard from other parents they put on amazing shows, which may be true, but she basically watched the 4 or 5 kids with the big roles rehearse all summer while waiting to do her few songs, and was not supported in learning how to improve her acting skills by any of the teachers or co-directors, and my concerns went unattended to. Never again now that I know about RMCT! I cant say enough positive things about this place, and my kids will be around here for a long time.
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ptelan1
If growing, learning, acting, singing, playing, and meeting new people is a "waste of time," RMCT is the best place In town. My daughter has been with RMCT for 4 years now and all of our experiences have been worthwhile and incredible. We look forward to our summer RMCT experiences with anticipation and excitement. The staff is nothing short of professional and caring. The director is the best you are going to find, experienced, knowledgeable and intuitive about each childs needs. Prior to attending RMCT in the summer of 2012, I checked out many of the other theatre camps in the area and have attended the productions of RMCT competitors. I was largely unimpressed and felt like these companies were more interested in getting your $$ than on helping your child to learn and appreciate the art of acting. I have only amazing things to say about RMCT. You will not be disappointed!
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LifeAsAngie
Dont waste your time