Why the Alliance Theatre Summer Camp is more than just performance—and a guide to life lessons
By Michael J. Pallerino
Creativity. Confidence. Connection. The Alliance Theatre is more than just a camp. With a philosophy that emphasizes “process over product,” Kristen Silton says the Alliance Theatre Summer Camps offer a unique experience for campers—one that sets it apart from other performing arts programs. Being a part of the action encourages young artists to explore their creative potential, develop new skills, and build lasting friendships in a supportive and nurturing environment.
“Recognizing that every child comes with unique strengths and comfort levels, we help each student find their strength, and encourage them to build each other up and step out of their comfort zone,” says Kristen, the Alliance’s Head of Education Advancement. “The skills they learn can carry into their everyday life.”
The heart of its approach, which is rooted in inclusivity, is fostering artistic growth rather than focusing solely on the final performance. Campers engage in exercises that enable them to express themselves freely, take creative risks and discover their unique artistic voices.
Beyond the stage is where the real lessons are developed. More than just a vehicle for performance, the camp seamlessly translates into an academic setting where campers learn to strengthen their communication skills, enhance problem-solving abilities and learn the art of collaboration.
“Each camper develops empathy by stepping into the shoes of different characters, learning to understand and portray diverse perspectives,” Kristen says. “Collaboration is essential in theater, teaching them to work effectively as part of a team, respect others’ ideas and contribute to a shared goal. Most importantly, they build self-confidence and learn to express themselves authentically, skills that are invaluable in any aspect of life.”
Watching how each child grows, Kristen says the culminating performances become more than just a skills showcase; they serve as powerful tools for building resilience. The end-of-camp performances are a chance for the young actors to showcase the skills and confidence they’ve developed.
“Our young actors learn that mistakes are not failures, but opportunities for growth,” Kristen says. “Whether it’s a forgotten line or an unexpected mishap, they develop the ability to recover, improvise and support one another. The applause they receive is not only for their performance but for their courage, effort and perseverance throughout the week.”
As the final bows are taken and the applause fades, what remains are not just memories of lines delivered or costumes worn, but the transformative power of discovering one’s voice in a supportive community. The program reminds us that the most important performance isn’t the one on stage, but the one that continues long after the curtain falls.
