JCC Performing Arts Youth Theatre
Fall/Winter Theatre Workshop
- Tuesdays, 5:00 - 6:30 PM
- Students in Grades 2 through Grade 10
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JCC Member Fee: $500 per participant
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Community Fee: $525 per participant
During the workshops, students will:
- Play theater games
- Practice and learn short scenes and monologues
- Learn improvisation skills
- Explore theater movement
- Choose and memorize one monologue that could be used at a future audition
- Learn audition techniques
- More!
Program Dates:
- October 6, 13, 20, 27
- November 3, 10, 17, 24
- December 1, 8, 15
- January 5, 12, 19, 26
- February 2, 9
π Some activities will be with performers of all ages, as theater is a lifelong endeavor.
π Some activities, like scene performance and skill development, will be with small groups based on age and developmental needs.
π At the end of the course, there will be an open rehearsal performance for friends and family. We will also arrange a performance at one of our partner nursing
homes to share with local seniors.
Workshop Taught by Sheri Smith and Emily Bengels
Sheri Smith is a 4th grade teacher in Bernardβs Township. Previously, Sheri directed the drama club at her school, and more recently, she has been directing musicals at Camp Ruach and the winter musicals at the JCC. She is so excited to offer this very exciting workshop opportunity to young performers in the community.
Emily Bengels is a teacher in Readington, where she has directed drama clubs both for elementary and middle school students. She has been the musical director at a variety of shows in community theaters throughout Central Jersey, and has been thrilled to lead the music directions for the JCC Camp Ruach Summer Shows for the past two years.
Summer 2027 Show Details Coming Soon!
Summer 2026 Β· Musical Theatre Intensive
The Little Mermaid Jr.
Join JCC Camp Ruach this summer for an all-new Musical Theatre Intensive! In just 4 short weeks, campers in grades 2β9 will develop real performing arts skills through acting, singing, and dancing β then bring it all together in a full production of The Little Mermaid Jr.
The best part? It's still summer camp. Alongside intensive rehearsals, campers enjoy daily swim, weekly electives, special programming, and the Camp Ruach community every single day.
Summer 2026 Production
What Campers Do Every Day
Every day is packed with performing arts activities, musical rehearsals, summer camp classics, and Camp Ruach traditions.
Theatre Arts
Theatre games, scene work, and performance technique led by experienced directors every day.
Vocal Training
Learn complex musical ensembles and solo techniques with the songs of The Little Mermaid Jr.
Choreography
Master musical theatre movement and full-production choreography from "Under the Sea" to the finale.
Daily Swim
It's still summer camp! Campers enjoy daily pool time in our heated saltwater pools.
Special Events
Weekly electives, special programming, Entertainments, and full Camp Ruach community spirit.
Trips (Grades 4+)
Campers in grades 4 and up go on 3 exciting excursions beyond the campgrounds during the intensive.
Track Record
Broadway-Worthy Productions, Season After Season
Our campers have brought beloved stories to life with full productions, costumes, choreography, and live audiences. Here's what we've staged so far:
Summer 2026: Join us as we bring Disney's The Little Mermaid Jr. to the Camp Ruach stage β performance on July 16 and 17, 2026.
