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THEATER CAMP NEWS – REOPENING SUMMER 2021 at a NEW LOCATION with shows under our new, colorful outdoor BIG TOP PERFORMANCE TENT!
Award-Winning Theater Camp Perfect for All Kids!
Give your kids a summer they’ll never forget at our national, award-winning Theater Camp! Our very popular program runs for 8 weeks during the summer for teens & kids entering 1st grade up to 16 years old. We provide a fun, safe environment where campers can learn about all aspects of musical theater with an emphasis on building their confidence and self-esteem – and all levels of experience or no experience at all are welcome!
Our focus is on building self-esteem and confidence in children, essential for succeeding in life! We use theater as the means to support kids, helping them to break out of their shells, and become confident in public speaking and their everyday life. Using theater is the perfect medium to teach kids to be self-assured and help lift them up! Having a Theater-focused skillset has been proven to help kids be successful in whatever they choose to do. Our Theater Camp is inclusive for all children, whether they want to pursue a career in performance or not – the skills we teach will help them succeed!
New Outdoor Location Offers Even More Fun!
Taubenslag’s Theater Camp has moved to a new, permanent outdoor location @the Elks Lodge property, 375 Old Post Road in Edison NJ – less than 1 mile from our former location at MCC and easily accessible to Rt. 1 and all surrounding highways. Our new location offers even more fun with a huge outdoor swimming pool, basketball, volleyball and foursquare courts, ping pong area, playground and so much more! The best part is rehearsals and performances will now take place under our brand new and colorful, BIG TOP PERFORMANCE TENT! With room to spread out and stay safe, our Performance Tent will still offer the same staging area needed for our weekly blockbuster shows! We can't wait to get started this summer! Please note we are no longer affiliated with Middlesex County College. This will be our new and permanent location.
Seasoned Theater Professionals on Staff
Taubenslag’s Theater Camp is supervised by teaching & theater professionals with combined experience of over 30 years in education and children’s theater so you can be sure your child is cared for with an experienced and dedicated staff. And most of our camp counselors were campers themselves; many have grown up in the program and had so much fun they didn’t want to leave! Our Theater Camp was also honored by the New Jersey Senate, General Assembly & County Freeholders for Artistic Excellence & over 25 years of service to children in Middlesex County!
Our Theater Camp is a welcoming place where all campers feel accepted and form life-lasting friendships – the majority of our campers return year after year – a testament to our successful programming and professional staff. We are also so proud of the hundreds of heart-warming thank you letters from satisfied parents and kids – just scroll down to the bottom of the page for a sampling of these Theater Camp success stories to see what makes our camp as special as it really is!
Theater Camp is available for both half-day and full-day sessions. Before and after care is also available on campus. Taubenslag Productions Theater Camp is an amazing, unique day camp where your child can develop their confidence and talent in a safe and fun-filled environment. Keep reading for all the details and options available.
Seven Performances in Eight Weeks, Give All Kids a Chance to Shine!
During the first six weeks, campers will produce an elaborate musical production EACH WEEK! Weeks 7 & 8 are reserved for the annual “Broadway Spectacular”. Roles are provided for ALL CAMPERS in ALL SHOWS. Campers rehearse from 9 am to 12 noon, Monday through Thursday and perform their musical productions twice every Friday morning – shows are at 9:30 am and 11:00 am under our new, outdoor, colorful BIG TOP PERFORMANCE TENT. All shows are open to the public.
Theater Camp is More Than Just Theater!
After a lunch break, our afternoons are filled with tons of FUN activities, including swimming every day in the large, outdoor pool, scavenger hunts, charades, sing down, relay races, carnival, Mardi Gras, outdoor games, arts & crafts, theatrical workshops, dances and much, much MORE!
During our last week of the summer we divide campers into teams for our popular Color War!
Taubenslag Productions Theater Camp provides the best of what you would expect a day camp to offer – our unique method of building kid's self-esteem and confidence with performance and theater arts training is set in an exciting, fun-filled camp environment! Click here to check out some of the fun photos from Theater Camp.
Fantastic Fridays
Fridays are truly fantastic at Theater Camp! First, our campers perform for a packed audience of parents, family, friends and peers. Two shows are held every Friday at 9:30 am and 11 am. This summer we are introducing our new and colorful BIG TOP PERFORMANCE TENT where all 7 shows will be performed. After lunch and swimming in the outdoor pool, there's always a fun-filled cast party to celebrate the performance and cap off the week’s activities. Cast parties are complete with current music, group dances and contests with prizes. And each week the cast party is themed, such as monster mash, rock star day, Halloween dance, pajama party, dress as your favorite superhero, beach bash party and Theater Camp prom. It all adds up to a summer camp experience full of excitement and fun!
Here's a look at Theater Camp's daily schedule:
| 8:30 – 9:00 am | Drop-off and preparation for the day |
| 9:00 am – 12 noon | Monday-Thursday: Regular Rehearsal, Tech or Teen Scenes Options Friday: Two Show Performances; @ 9:30 am and 11 am |
| 12 noon – 1:00 pm | Lunch – brought from home |
| 1:00 pm | Pick-up for half-day campers |
| 1 – 2:00 pm | Recess. Supervised age-appropriate activities such as kickball, Frisbee, freeze-tag, four-square, puzzles, arts & crafts, Guitar sing-a-long; playing & enjoying the day! |
| 2 – 3:10 pm | Swimming. All children are required to pass a swimming test if they choose to swim in the deep area. |
| 3:10 – 3:30 pm | Snack time |
| 3:30 – 4:30 pm | Fun activities or theater workshops. Activities include advertise a product, carnival, flashlight sing-a-long, etc. Workshops include audition prep, improv techniques, dance instruction, stage make-up and more. |
| 4:30 – 5pm | Pick-up |
Tech Option for 6th, 7th, 8th & 9th Graders
(Available Sessions I & II only)
Instead of rehearsing and performing in the weekly shows, we also offer campers the option to participate in “Tech”. From 9 am to 12 noon, Tech campers paint scenery, organize props, and sew and design costumes. During performances, Tech campers function as the stage crew, making sure that sets, scenery, props and costumes are in place. This is an option that requires maturity and the ability to follow direction – perfect for learning what a crew does to make each theatrical performance a success.
Teen Scenes – Option for 8th, 9th & 10th Graders
(Available Sessions I & II only)
Teenagers at THEATER CAMP have the option to perform in the Main Stage musicals every week or join “Teen Scenes”. In Teen Scenes, they will rehearse with their peers for 3 weeks, learn more advanced theater and acting techniques and work with scripts. At the end of Session I and Session II, a “Teen Scene” show is performed for parents, community members and all Theater Campers. Teenagers who choose not to perform work as Production Crew – building & painting scenery, operation the spotlight & sound boards, and Stage Managing the Teen Scenes production.
Also during each of the regular Friday performances, those in Teens Scenes will act as ushers and theater managers, giving them the opportunity to develop new skills. We expect all teens that are privileged to participate in this special program to adhere to the program rules and be ready to work each and every day.
Counselors in Training (CIT) Program for 10th Grade and older
Are you interested in earning recommendations from camp directors, adding skills to your college application and becoming a member of the Theater Camp Staff in the future? If so we have a Counselor in Training Program designed to give you the skills needed in order to be an excellent counselor in the future – while you continue to perform and participate in our theatrical productions and have FUN in all Theater Camp activities.
With our CIT program, emphasis is placed upon developing leadership skills, communicating with children, team building, assisting with workshops and participating in fun camp activities while shadowing counselors and staff. As a CIT you will be responsible for a variety of tasks such as coordinating a group or program activity, directing a song or scene, choreographing a dance number or acting as Main Stage Theater staff on show days. CIT’s are also encouraged to participate in Teen Scenes. CIT's are expected to remain for the full day; 8:30 to 4:30, every day of the sessions they register for.
Although CIT groups are primarily made up of former campers the program is open to anyone who is qualified. If you think that your unique experiences and abilities could enhance the experience of our Theater Campers, then apply for the CIT program.
Junior Counselor (JC) Program for 11th Grade and Older
Requires CIT Program Prerequisite
Our Junior Counselor program gives former CITs between the ages of 16 and 18, the chance to return to Theater Camp in a role that allows them to gain further leadership experience and hands-on training, while relating to peers and supervisors in a work setting. Junior Counselors serve as a role model for Theater Campers, assisting with camp activities and serve as leaders in camp spirit and motivation with a “you can do anything” attitude. Junior Counselors provide positive leadership, guidance and are responsible for assisting Counselors with all tasks including the supervision of Theater Campers, having knowledge of the whereabouts of each assigned camper at all times, maintaining good public relations with parents and college staff and acting as performance Theater staff on show days. In the Junior Counselor role, you will continue to grow as a mentor while adding to your job hunting resume or college application and increase chances for future Theater Camp employment. JCs are expected to remain for the full day; 8:30 to 4:30, for the full summer.
OPTIONS & PRICING
We are one of the most fun and affordable Summer Theater Day Camps in all of New Jersey. Our full 8 week program is the best and most economical way to give your child a summer they’ll never forget. Before and after care is available.
Camp, Tech and Teen Scenes
SESSIONS I, II and III: June 28-August 20
8 Weeks Full-Day, Monday-Friday, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm = $2,050 (includes 2 snacks per day)
8 Weeks Half-Day, Monday-Friday, 8:30 am – 1:00 pm = $1,150
SESSION I Only: June 28– July 16
3 week session
Full-Day, Monday-Friday, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm = $850 (includes 2 snacks per day)
Half-Day, Monday-Friday, 8:30 am – 1:00 pm = $450
Show Productions:
Week 1 – The Legend of Bully Jo
Week 2 – Theater Camp Variety Show
Week 3 – Puss in Boots
SESSION II Only: July 19 – August 6
3 week session
Full-Day, Monday-Friday, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm = $850 (includes two snacks per day)
Half-Day, Monday-Friday, 8:30 am – 1:00 pm = $450
Show Productions:
Week 4 – Oliver Twist
Week 5 – Rapunzel & the Wicked Wizard (NEW SHOW)
Week 6 – Hansel & Gretel
SESSION III Only: August 9 – August 20
2 week session
Full-Day, Monday-Friday, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm = $650 (includes 2 snacks per day)
Half-Day, Monday-Friday, 8:30 am – 1:00 pm = $300
Show Production: The Broadway Spectacular
5% Sibling Discount will be available. 1 Hour Before care and 1 Hour After care also available.
Counselors in Training (CIT) Program Requirements:
CITs must register for a minimum of 2 sessions. Admission is by application only.
To qualify to be a CIT, you must be at least 15 years of age or entering sophomore year of high school. As a CIT, you should possess leadership qualities and conduct yourself as a good example for campers. It is important that you have endless enthusiasm, individual maturity, moral character, team qualities and communication skills. All CIT applicants must write a letter to our director, Michael Taubenslag, detailing these skills and experiences and reasons for wanting to be a CIT at Theater Camp. APPLICANTS MUST INCLUDE HOME PHONE NUMBER AND EMAIL ADDRESS. Accepted applicants will be personally notified by Michael Taubenslag. All letters should be emailed to theatercamp@optonline.net or michael@taubenslagproductions.com.
CIT Session I: June 28 – July 16
2 week session- Camp closed July 5th for Independence Day Holiday
Monday-Friday, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm = $325 (includes 2 snacks per day)
CIT Session II: July 19 – August 6
3 week session
Monday-Friday, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm = $325 (includes 2 snacks per day)
CIT Session III: August 9 – August 20
2 week session
Monday-Friday, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm = $220 (includes 2 snacks per day)
Junior Counselor Program Requirements:
JCs must register for the full-day, full summer. Admission is by application only.
To qualify to be a JC, you must be at least 16 years of age or entering junior year of high school. JCs must have an understanding of how Theater Camp works and because of this must have at least one summer of experience as a Theater Camp CIT. JCs must have shown some leadership ability and use of sound judgment, a demonstrated patience and desire to work with children, a positive outlook and enthusiasm for the Theater Camp program and ability to be a positive role model for campers. It is important that you have endless enthusiasm, individual maturity, moral character, team qualities, and communication skills.
All JC applicants must email our director, Michael Taubenslag, for specific registration information. INCLUDE YOUR HOME PHONE NUMBER AND EMAIL ADDRESS and send to: theatercamp@optonline.net or michael@taubenslagproductions.com.
REGISTRATION IS EASY!
Registration details for summer 2021 will be posted soon.
When you are ready to sign your child up, registration is an easy process – details, fees, schedules and payment options will be posted soon.
Standard health forms and child's immunization records will continue to be needed when registering and must be completed and returned before your child starts camp.
If you have any questions about Theater Camp call Taubenslag Productions at (732) 422-7071.
Our Exciting 2021 Summer Theater Camp Show Schedule
You're invited to join in the fun and attend Taubenslag's Theater Camp performances! Every Friday Taubenslag's Theater Campers perform their musical productions and our shows are always open to the public. All productions have scenery, colorful costumes and many special effects. It’s fun & exciting for children of all ages! There are 6 shows to choose from – attend 1, 2, 3 or ALL! Shows are performed every Friday at 9:30 am and 11 am. Each show is approximately 1 hour. Tickets are only $3 each. Box Office opens at 9 am on show days. Only cash is accepted. No credit or debit cards. Anyone over the age of 2 years old must have a ticket to enter the theater. So come on out, see a great show and help support our Theater Campers. You are sure to have a wonderful theater experience!
2021 SHOW SCHEDULE
| Friday – July 2 The Legend of Bully Jo |
| Friday – July 9 Theater Camp Variety Show |
| Friday – July 16 Puss in Boots |
| Friday – July 23 Oliver Twist |
| Friday – July 30 Rapunzel & the Wicked Wizard |
| Friday – August 6 Hansel & Gretel |
| Friday – August 20 The Broadway Spectacular |
Attention Neighboring Camps and Schools
Neighboring camps and schools are also invited to attend ALL of our shows. This is a unique opportunity to add a field trip to your summer curriculum – bring your kids to a live theater show – parents will love it and your kids will love it even more! If you want to bring your camp or school to see a performance, just give us a call to reserve your show tickets in advance. Remember its only $3 a ticket to see a live performance. Call us today to RESERVE seats or let us know if you need for more information.
Kids Succeed at THEATER CAMP!
We are so proud of our Theater Camp program which builds self-esteem and confidence while enhancing the creativity and theater skills in children of all ages. Our motto, “When you try your best, you can do anything”, truly embodies the spirit of our camp. We are very proud of the countless letters and thank you notes received each summer as a testament to our campers’ success. Here are just a few:
I credit my passion for theater to Michael Taubenslag and the wonderful program that the Taubenslag family has been offering the community for decades. As a professional actress now living in NYC and pursuing theater as a career, I can safely say that my summers with Michael at Theater Camp instilled in me a love for theater and performing that I will never be without. THANK YOU, MICHAEL!
Don’t know whether you receive many thank yous but if you don’t, you really should. My son absolutely loves theater camp. And it is because of the wonderful group of people you have working with/for you. I notice that you have quite a strong presence about you which sets the tone for the actors, counselors and also for the audience. I have enjoyed all of the shows (there is an incredible amount of talent up there on stage) and he has looked forward to every single one of them – I have too. Thank you for selecting him to receive an award for a well-behaved and conscientious child. I am blessed w/2 wonderful children and my son really, really has a good heart. And while I realize that this award could have been given to any number of these children, I need to tell you that being recognized meant the world to him and is something he will undoubtedly remember for the rest of this life.You’re a good man! Thank you again.Take Care,
What I learned at Theater Camp last year…
- That passion for the things you love will drive you to strive for excellence, especially if those around you are giving you unquestioning support and encouragement
- That you don’t have to swim everyday if you don’t want to, instead, you can sit with counselors and CITs and learn about leadership and kindness by simply observing them interact with each other’s and their campers
- That EVERYONE matters, because even the 55th dwarf can get a laugh!
- That at Theater Camp you can be yourself and be loved, encouraged, and celebrated by a group of people that will become lifelong allies and supporters of everything you do
- That whether you are performing in your local school, in regional theater or sailing the high seas on the cast of a Disney Cruise line… your lifeline and biggest fan base will always be the Theater Camp crew
- That even the smallest camper can have a big impact, taking away everyone’s breath as he bravely steps out onto a dark stage, alone… carrying a strike sign and singing “Open the gates and SEIZE THE DAY!”
As parents, we cannot think of better lessons our son Noah could have learned and taught us in his first year at Theater Camp. Like him, we have been looking forward all year to another summer of great experiences, fantastic performances and new lessons for all of us. His registration for 2013 is in the mail!
Regards,