Modern Folk Art Studios Summer Camps

In the shady grove of the Newport Back Bay, theater instructor Gemma Hebson and Waldorf teacher Crystal Hickerson are leading a 5-day theater camp to help children connect with their unique individualities as well as the local marshland. On Friday, we will take a group kayak tour through Newport Aquatic Center as a special journey through the bay area and initiation into our distinctive abilities, concluding with a final mask unveiling, and then swimming!

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Each child will leave the camp with a  beautiful, powerful mask that represents our combined powers (ours, our ancestors', those of the natural world). We will use meditation to design the plaster-cast masks and illuminate them with acrylic paint, natural objects, and personal mementos.

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Each day will begin with group games and dance, followed by theater and acrobatic activities. We will share stories about past cultural uses of masks in West Africa, Polynesia, South America, and our own local geography. Against the backdrop of the Aliso Creek/Back Bay area, we will engage in meditations, free play in nature, journaling, song-writing, mask-making, and role-playing.

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The activities at the Sacred Mask Theater Camp will assist each child in tapping into their personal obstacles and powers to define themselves as someone specially suited for this lifetime. In the course of designing and fashioning their own sacred mask, the children will acknowledge their unique desires and abilities, manifesting their powers through their artwork as they strengthen their feeling of connectedness with others as well as their responsibility towards our local natural environment.

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Find out more about Gemma's experience teaching theater and dance at OCSA for 20+ years and Crystal's Waldorf and yoga experience on our community leaders page.

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A snack-and-games time in the shade is available as aftercare for those needing to pick up at 5pm.

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Newport Back Bay

9am-3pm

Children ages 7-14

$325/child--includes kayaking tour and rental fee on Friday