JCompany Theatre Summer Intensive: Dive in Deep to Disney

By Lindsey Grant

For many kids, the primary goal for their summer plans is to relax and enjoy all of their extra free time playing games and hanging at the pool. For theatre kids, it’s often quite different. An ideal summer is kicking things into high gear and getting to work doing what they love most — putting on a show! “During the school year, our young people are so busy that it is difficult to find the time to focus on their passions,” says JCompany director Joey Landwehr. “That is how the JCompany Theatre Summer Intensive at Camp Jaycee came to be. This is a way for young artists to not only learn but freely grow in a safe and nurturing environment. Most importantly, it gives kids a chance to do what they love most while improving their skills.”

The JCompany Theatre Summer Intensive is unique in that its focus lies in creating a well-rounded theatrical expert, ready for whatever life (or a potential future career in the theatre) may throw at them. With specialized classes in not only acting and dance but also tech, music, and auditioning, JCompany students leave their summer with a breadth of knowledge that will give them a strong foundation for whatever theatre subject they choose. A lot of their growth comes from being alongside working with professionals from the field who oversee their learning and help prepare them for the wide world of theatre.

Last year was the inaugural Theatre Summer Intensive and the feedback was outstanding. One participant said “It was super fun and I enjoyed every single minute of it! Another camper said “Morning warm-up was helpful, made me
feel stronger, more flexible, and have better balance. The intensive was super fun. Loved the show choreography and music. The day was full but just the right amount of full. Overall, it was a blast!” One parent added, “We loved this camp and would definitely do it again!”

This upcoming Theatre Summer Intensive is particularly exciting because the JCompany Youth theatre program was lucky enough to have been chosen by Disney Theatrical Productions to bring students a Disney Pilot Production of “In This Together.” This means that JCompany will be the first theatre company to ever bring this production to life! The creation of Jr. productions from Disney’s mainstage shows gives young people an opportunity to be a part of these heralded and award-winning Broadway spectacles. But before these scripts are sent to stages around the world, someone needs to test them!

Disney continues to work with JCompany because of its stellar reputation. “Productions are so professional that my son has gone on to perform in two professional shows in San Diego, all the while continuing to do shows with JCompany,” one parent said. “The program has given my children a sense of confidence and poise, along with empathy and kindness. If you are considering this program for your child, I highly HIGHLY recommend it.”

For theatre lovers and Disney lovers alike, this is a one-of-a-kind summer experience that promises a lifetime of memories. For more information, visit www.lfjcc.org/intensive.