There’s something for every child at the Nepean Creative Arts Centre
Music, drama, visual arts, theatre – the Nepean Creative Art Centre has something for every age and interest. And after partial closures for renovations, the centre was back to a full schedule after the March Break. “We’re excited to be back at full-speed,” says Lisa Zanyk, the programmer for the NCAC. “There are so many programs and workshops available that kids from pre-school age to adults will find something to suit.” There are plenty of workshops for family involvement as well – Bollywood dancing is particularly popular. The session starting after the March Break will carry through until May or June, depending on the length of each program or workshop. Then beginning in July, the NCAC will offer eight continuous weeks of arts camps for kids.
“The Centre is jam-packed with kids all summer,” says Zanyk. “And the instructors really make sure that they are exposed to the many other activities going on.” And there is so much to be exposed to. For the board game fan there’s Board and Table Top Game Inventing – kids learn how games work along with game layout and making their own playing pieces. They then get to challenge other campers to play their game. One workshop that has proven to be very popular is My Costume, My Fashion, My Style. This camp is geared to kids who love costume design. They learn how to design patterns and sew them, or ‘upcycle’ old clothing items from a professional costume designer. “It’s amazing what gets designed,” says Zanyk. “Kids often bring their own fabric or an old gown and there’s a fashion show at the end of the week. Kids learn how to make fashionable items with recycled clothes – it’s a huge hit.”
Is there a dramatist in your household? They might enjoy Shakespeare Theatre Camp. “This is a two-week camp,” says Zanyk, “and geared to kids that are serious about theatre.” Shakespeare can be daunting but instructor, Ian Campbell, has edited a series of books that make the Bard kid-friendly. Budding thespians will also learn stage combat and Shakespearean insults. There are camps for singers, writers, painters, sculptors, movie makers, dancers, musical theatre and more.
Check out all the camps at the Nepean Creative Arts Centre at Ottawa.ca/artscamps.
Sign up today for a summer of creativity.
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