ABOUT B.E.S.T.:

BEST is a theatre day-camp run at the Barrington High School.

Campers who sign up for 3 successive weeks (1-3 or 4-6) will work on shows to be performed in the evening on the Friday and Saturday at the end of that time at the Library.

When campers are not in rehearsals they take part in a variety of workshops and participate in theatre games with their peers - including our ever-popular Stage Combat workshop, the lip sync concert, competitive charades, and improv!

Campers who do not sign up for 3 successive weeks (formerly "1 week campers") will still participate in games and workshops, though not in the full show. They will, however, have an opportunity to perform in camp on Friday (this performance will vary in content from week to week) and are encouraged to invite their friends and family to see this in-camp performance.

As of last year, there is only a full day option; camp is from 8am-3pm.

From 11-12 there is a 1-hour lunch break during which the campers eat together and have free socialization time; please bring a bag lunch.

(please note that most in-camp performances will start at approximately 11:45)

B.E.S.T. 2019

Week 1 July 8-12

Week 2 July 15-19

Week 3 July 22-26* (PM shows July 26 & 27)

Week 4 July 29-Aug 2

Week 5 Aug 5-9

Week 6 Aug 12-16* (PM shows Aug 16 & 17)

Evening performances begin at 7pm and take place at the Library.

Campers may stay through on the Friday, or go home and return for call at 5:30 (Saturday call is 5:30 unless otherwise specified).

*The last 2 days of performance weeks, camp will take place at the Library and begin at 9am; if you need an 8am drop off, this can be accommodated without issue.

Please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have.

BEST is offered through Barrington Recreation Department

Pricing

$175 per week for Barrington Residents

$185 per week for Non-Residents

Session 1: BEST Camp (3 weeks)

July 1-22 2024 (performance July 19)

BEST is a fun, welcoming theatre day-camp for young actors of all experience levels!

Camp runs Monday - Friday from 8-3 at the Barrington Middle School (no camp July 4th)

Campers ages 8-18* will work on shows to be performed in the evening on the Friday and Saturday at the end of each session at the Library.

Through these fun games and workshops, new campers will learn theatre skills, and experienced actors will build upon the foundations they have developed.

Session 2: BEST Camp Advanced Program (2 weeks)

July 22-August 2, 2024 (performance August 2)

In this acceptance-based program for campers 12-18*, campers will utilize their foundation of skills to tackle a more challenging performance piece.

Workshops will be more in-depth rather than general overview and will tie in to the production (character development, movement skills as they apply to the show and specific characters, accents, etc); games will be more advanced and challenge ratings will be turned up.

Actors must audition for the program before they can register to ensure the program will be appropriate for all participating campers. Acceptance emails will include the link to the proper registration and payment.

Monthly auditions are open to walk-ins.
Separate auditions can be scheduled if needed.
February's Monthly audition is Monday, February 26, 2024.
Please prepare a 1-2 minute monologue, dress comfortably in something you can move (not dance) in, and be prepared to read from a variety of sides.

Technical Theatre

Campers wishing to be a technician rather than an actor for either session can be accommodated with notice - we do ask that they participate in games and workshops as appropriate.

Performances for both sessions begin at 7pm and take place at the Barrington Public Library.

Campers may stay through on Friday, or go home and return for call at 5:30.

Please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have.

Things to Note:

We may occasionally bring the campers outside for a workshop or lunch if the weather is particularly nice; if this would be a problem, please let us know.
The last day of session 1 and the last 2 days of session 2 are at the Public Library and start at 9am (if you need an 8am drop off, let us know so we can accommodate you)
Please bring a lunch.
Lunch break is at 11am, following lunch there is free time until 12. Campers are welcome to bring a book, game, or activity for this time if they would like.
Obviously, please do not attend camp if you are feeling unwell, call/email us and let us know.