Be a Star!
Michelle Sathe
Staff Writer
Sunday May 15, 2005
Looking back,Flip Kobler can pinpoint exactly when he found his calling. "High school theater is where it all began. Some kids had athletics or
sports, but my drama coach had a big influence on me. It was a turning point in my life," said Kobler.
Today, the Hollywood screenwriter and Valencia resident shares a successful career with wife Cindy Marcus, a director and actress who co-wrote
several scripts with Kobler, including "The Lion King II" and "Pocahontas, Journey to a New World."
They recently formed the Showdown Stage Company with friend and composer Dennis Poore, whose work can be heard in the play "An American
Cantata" and films such as "Earth Girls Are Easy."
Together, the trio are bringing the joys of theater to teens through their Showdown Theater Academy Teen Summer Camp at Santa Clarita's
Repertory East Playhouse starting July 18.
"Oftentimes, teens haven't decided who they are yet. They're questing, they're curious, and they're not afraid to show it. This camp is a venue for
them to express that in a positive way," said Marcus.
During the intensive four-week course, teens will learn all aspects of theater, from playwriting, composing, directing and design to acting,
culminating in a full-scale production of "Nottingham."
The original play, written by Kobler and Marcus, puts a modern twist on the classic "Robin Hood." In the new version, Robin is transformed into a
female high school student in the JFK era. Prince (formerly Little) John is class president at Saxon High, where the students are clearly under his
thumb.
The rivals clash as their schools merge, posing a distinctly teenage problem - can Robin steal from the rich, give to the poor and still make it to the
prom on time?
Poore enjoyed composing the tunes that accompany the comedy.
"It was a point in time where the music changed from being your parents to becoming yours," said Poore, who described the sound as ranging from
"doowop to Motown."
Working with the creators of an original play can have advantages for all involved, said Kobler.
"One kid came in and read for a role and it was so different from what I had seen it as. It added a whole different dimension to the character," he
said. Kobler recreated the part with the actor's input.
Potential divas beware, however. Attitudes have to be checked in at the door.
"It's not just about being in front of the audience. There's no complaining about cleaning up the theater afterwards. We're strong believers in
discipline and work ethic," said Marcus.
They're also big believers in fun. Describing the course as "brown bag theater,"
Poore elaborated on some of the impromptu activities that bring a true camp feel to the proceedings, ranging from movie nights to walk backwards
day.
"Once, students had to sing instead of talk. That was a crazy day. Then on silence day, we had a couple of kids show up in full mime makeup. They
took it to the next level," he said.
Besides the theatrical lessons, kids learn invaluable life skills during the exercises, said Craig Duswalt, founder and artistic director of the
Repertory East Playhouse.
"It builds confidence and self-esteem, takes the fear out of public speaking. It's just a great overall experience," Duswalt said.
And for some, like Marcus, Kobler, and Poore, the summer camp might even provide a launchpad for working under the bright lights of Broadway
or the sets of Hollywood. Like proud parents, Marcus and Kobler smiled as they reminisced about a graduate from their Florida summer program
who went on to become a professional screenwriter.
"Our mission is to take the kids from the page to the stage. In a perfect world, the kids from this summer will write a play for the kids next
summer," said Kobler.
Showdown Theater Academy Teen Summer Camp will be held July 18 to Aug. 14. Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. $425 per person.
Repertory East Theater, 24266 North San Fernando Road, Newhall. For more information, call 799-0758 or visit www.showdownstageco.com. Class
size is limited, early reservations recommended.
Bright Lights, Small City, Summer Youth and Teen Theater Camps in SCV
Canyon Theatre Guild
24242 San Fernando Road, Newhall
799-2702 or www.canyontheatre.org
CTG Kids
Ages 6 - 10
Two Week Session: June 13 - June 24, 12:30 - 4:30 p.m.; June 27 - July 8, 12:30 - 4:30 p.m.; July 11 - July 22, 12:30 - 4:30 p.m.; July 25 - Aug. 5, 8
a.m. - 12 p.m.; July 25 - Aug. 5, 12:30 - 4:30 p.m.
$249 and $25 registration fee
Learn how to sing, dance, and act! Play improvisation games and learn theater terminology while making new friends and great memories. Free
public performance on last day of camp.
CTG Juniors
Ages 10 - 13
Three week sessions: June 13 - July 1, 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.; July 5 - July 22, 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
$349 and $25 registration fee
Experience how to audition, work on scenes, and develop a character while acting, singing, and dancing in a real production. Improvisational games
and theater history will also be covered. Culminates in a public performance.
CTG Stars
Ages 14 - 17
Five week session: June 27 - July 29, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
$499 and $25 registration fee
An opportunity to be a part of an intensive, entertaining theatrical workshop at a working theater. Make friends with others who have similar
interests and experience being in a show from auditions to production. Focus on acting choices, character development, scene study, and monologue
development. Participate in making decisions on make, costumes, sets, and sound and lighting design. Culminates in public performances.
Escape Children's Theatre
28200 Bouquet Canyon Road, Saugus
299-5264
www.escapetheatre.org
Musical Theatre Workshop
Ages 1st - 8th grade
July 11 - 23, performance on July 24
Monday, Wednesday, Friday evenings - 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
$150 for two weeks or week two only with performance, $75. Learn about musical theater while expressing creativity and gaining confidence. Build
self-esteem while increasing skills and improving ability to work in large groups. Performance will include numbers from "Grease," "Bye Bye
Birdie," and Disney favorites.
Vibe Performing Arts Studios
24460 West Lyons Avenue, Santa Clarita
255-7464
www.vpasonline.com
2005 Performing Arts Camp (PAC)
Ages 6 - 14
PAC 1, June 27 - July 1, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., $199; PAC 2, July 11 - July 21, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., $299; PAC 3, July 25 - 8/5, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., $299; PAC 4,
Aug. 8 - Aug. 12, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., $199
PAC provides an education in the performing arts, combining singing, acting, and dancing. Students will learn the process of putting on an entire
program including organizing musical selections, stage movements, technique, and much more. Build confidence and self-esteem as you deal with
the audition process and motivational skills. Each session ends with a show.
Copyright:The Signal
Michelle Sathe
Staff Writer
Sunday May 15, 2005
Looking back,Flip Kobler can pinpoint exactly when he found his calling. "High school theater is where it all began. Some kids had athletics or
sports, but my drama coach had a big influence on me. It was a turning point in my life," said Kobler.
Today, the Hollywood screenwriter and Valencia resident shares a successful career with wife Cindy Marcus, a director and actress who co-wrote
several scripts with Kobler, including "The Lion King II" and "Pocahontas, Journey to a New World."
They recently formed the Showdown Stage Company with friend and composer Dennis Poore, whose work can be heard in the play "An American
Cantata" and films such as "Earth Girls Are Easy."
Together, the trio are bringing the joys of theater to teens through their Showdown Theater Academy Teen Summer Camp at Santa Clarita's
Repertory East Playhouse starting July 18.
"Oftentimes, teens haven't decided who they are yet. They're questing, they're curious, and they're not afraid to show it. This camp is a venue for
them to express that in a positive way," said Marcus.
During the intensive four-week course, teens will learn all aspects of theater, from playwriting, composing, directing and design to acting,
culminating in a full-scale production of "Nottingham."
The original play, written by Kobler and Marcus, puts a modern twist on the classic "Robin Hood." In the new version, Robin is transformed into a
female high school student in the JFK era. Prince (formerly Little) John is class president at Saxon High, where the students are clearly under his
thumb.
The rivals clash as their schools merge, posing a distinctly teenage problem - can Robin steal from the rich, give to the poor and still make it to the
prom on time?
Poore enjoyed composing the tunes that accompany the comedy.
"It was a point in time where the music changed from being your parents to becoming yours," said Poore, who described the sound as ranging from
"doowop to Motown."
Working with the creators of an original play can have advantages for all involved, said Kobler.
"One kid came in and read for a role and it was so different from what I had seen it as. It added a whole different dimension to the character," he
said. Kobler recreated the part with the actor's input.
Potential divas beware, however. Attitudes have to be checked in at the door.
"It's not just about being in front of the audience. There's no complaining about cleaning up the theater afterwards. We're strong believers in
discipline and work ethic," said Marcus.
They're also big believers in fun. Describing the course as "brown bag theater,"
Poore elaborated on some of the impromptu activities that bring a true camp feel to the proceedings, ranging from movie nights to walk backwards
day.
"Once, students had to sing instead of talk. That was a crazy day. Then on silence day, we had a couple of kids show up in full mime makeup. They
took it to the next level," he said.
Besides the theatrical lessons, kids learn invaluable life skills during the exercises, said Craig Duswalt, founder and artistic director of the
Repertory East Playhouse.
"It builds confidence and self-esteem, takes the fear out of public speaking. It's just a great overall experience," Duswalt said.
And for some, like Marcus, Kobler, and Poore, the summer camp might even provide a launchpad for working under the bright lights of Broadway
or the sets of Hollywood. Like proud parents, Marcus and Kobler smiled as they reminisced about a graduate from their Florida summer program
who went on to become a professional screenwriter.
"Our mission is to take the kids from the page to the stage. In a perfect world, the kids from this summer will write a play for the kids next
summer," said Kobler.
Showdown Theater Academy Teen Summer Camp will be held July 18 to Aug. 14. Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. $425 per person.
Repertory East Theater, 24266 North San Fernando Road, Newhall. For more information, call 799-0758 or visit www.showdownstageco.com. Class
size is limited, early reservations recommended.
Bright Lights, Small City, Summer Youth and Teen Theater Camps in SCV
Canyon Theatre Guild
24242 San Fernando Road, Newhall
799-2702 or www.canyontheatre.org
CTG Kids
Ages 6 - 10
Two Week Session: June 13 - June 24, 12:30 - 4:30 p.m.; June 27 - July 8, 12:30 - 4:30 p.m.; July 11 - July 22, 12:30 - 4:30 p.m.; July 25 - Aug. 5, 8
a.m. - 12 p.m.; July 25 - Aug. 5, 12:30 - 4:30 p.m.
$249 and $25 registration fee
Learn how to sing, dance, and act! Play improvisation games and learn theater terminology while making new friends and great memories. Free
public performance on last day of camp.
CTG Juniors
Ages 10 - 13
Three week sessions: June 13 - July 1, 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.; July 5 - July 22, 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
$349 and $25 registration fee
Experience how to audition, work on scenes, and develop a character while acting, singing, and dancing in a real production. Improvisational games
and theater history will also be covered. Culminates in a public performance.
CTG Stars
Ages 14 - 17
Five week session: June 27 - July 29, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
$499 and $25 registration fee
An opportunity to be a part of an intensive, entertaining theatrical workshop at a working theater. Make friends with others who have similar
interests and experience being in a show from auditions to production. Focus on acting choices, character development, scene study, and monologue
development. Participate in making decisions on make, costumes, sets, and sound and lighting design. Culminates in public performances.
Escape Children's Theatre
28200 Bouquet Canyon Road, Saugus
299-5264
www.escapetheatre.org
Musical Theatre Workshop
Ages 1st - 8th grade
July 11 - 23, performance on July 24
Monday, Wednesday, Friday evenings - 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
$150 for two weeks or week two only with performance, $75. Learn about musical theater while expressing creativity and gaining confidence. Build
self-esteem while increasing skills and improving ability to work in large groups. Performance will include numbers from "Grease," "Bye Bye
Birdie," and Disney favorites.
Vibe Performing Arts Studios
24460 West Lyons Avenue, Santa Clarita
255-7464
www.vpasonline.com
2005 Performing Arts Camp (PAC)
Ages 6 - 14
PAC 1, June 27 - July 1, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., $199; PAC 2, July 11 - July 21, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., $299; PAC 3, July 25 - 8/5, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., $299; PAC 4,
Aug. 8 - Aug. 12, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., $199
PAC provides an education in the performing arts, combining singing, acting, and dancing. Students will learn the process of putting on an entire
program including organizing musical selections, stage movements, technique, and much more. Build confidence and self-esteem as you deal with
the audition process and motivational skills. Each session ends with a show.
Copyright:The Signal