MADISON – Youngsters and teenagers can experience the adventure of a stage show with two summer camps at Bob Jones High School.

Bob Jones is hosting the camps for Fantasy Playhouse Children’s Theater and Academy. Campers will rehearse and then deliver a live show for either “The Little Mermaid Jr.” or “Hamlet Thrill-Ma-Geddon.”

Fantasy Playhouse has qualified teaching artists who are professionals in their fields. Their goal is to help students develop their bodies, voices, minds and imaginations to flourish and grow, both as artists and people. (fantasyplayhouse.com)

In addition, summer is an optimum time to form friendships, explore plays and expand the child’s talent.

“The Little Mermaid Jr.” by Disney, the selection for Advanced Musical Theatre Showcase, will feature two casts, divided in age-appropriate groups. Actors from eight to 18 years old will rehearse for two weeks for the full musical to produce a fully developed production.

Campers will meet for “The Little Mermaid Jr.” on July 12-16 and July 19-23 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Bob Jones. Child care before and after rehearsal is available.

“The Little Mermaid Jr.,” based on a Hans Christian Andersen story, explores the under-the-sea journey of Ariel and her aquatic friends. The young mermaid yearns to leave the ocean. However, she must defy her father, King Triton, conspire with the evil sea witch, Ursula, and convince Prince Eric that they are a perfect match.

Cast A’s performance time will be July 23 at noon. Cast B will perform July 23 at 2 p.m. Camp fee is $475.

Another camp option is the Teen Acting Showcase, “Hamlet Thrill-Ma-Geddon!” Actors will answer the legendary inquiry, “To act? Or not to act? That is the question.”

Teenagers will audition, rehearse and perform a full-scale production while polishing their acting techniques. The camp will introduce them to procedures in professional theatre and the process of bringing a script to life.

The play by Don Zolidis shows the desperation of the Drama Club when their budget is slashed. They turn to corporate sponsorship and mid-play commercial advertising. The result is bizarre Shakespearean acting with high-kicking dancers and zombies.

The ‘Hamlet’ cast, ages 13-18, will convene on July 5-10 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Bob Jones. Their performance date will be July 10 at 1 p.m. Camp fee is $275.

To register for a camp, visit bit.ly/SummerCampFPCTA2021. For more information about both camps, email EducationDirector@FantasyPlayhouse.com. For tickets, visit info@fantasyplayhouse.com.