One of the questions we are sometimes asked by parents is: “Why don’t you just do a well-known musical?”
It’s a fair question. After all, children love familiar films and stage shows, and there’s definitely excitement that comes with recognising a title. But after running Summer Drama Camps for over 15 years, we’ve learned something really important:
The children don’t remember the title of the show nearly as much as they remember how the week made them feel.
That’s why, at StageAbility, we create our own specially-written productions for Summer Drama Camp each year, and honestly, it brings enormous benefits for the children involved.
We Can Create a Show Around the Children
When you license a published musical or play, there are often strict rules about what you can and can’t change. Characters are fixed. Scripts are fixed. Songs are fixed. Sometimes even staging and casting rules are fixed. That can work brilliantly for a school or theatre company who already know exactly who is in the cast months in advance.
But Summer Drama Camp is completely different.
We don’t know exactly who will walk through the door on Monday morning. We might have:
- confident experienced performers
- children who have never done drama before
- shy children building confidence
- energetic younger performers
- older children ready for a challenge
- children attending with friends
- children arriving knowing nobody
Writing our own scripts means we can create something that works beautifully for the actual group of children attending, rather than trying to squeeze children into roles that may not suit them. And that changes everything.
Every Child Gets the Chance to Shine
One of the biggest advantages of writing our own productions is flexibility. We can build:
- larger ensemble sections
- extra lines where needed
- fun comedy moments
- group songs
- smaller confidence-building speaking roles
- bigger opportunities for experienced performers
This means every child can feel successful. For some children, success means confidently carrying a major role. For others, success might simply mean speaking clearly in front of an audience for the first time. Both achievements matter equally to us. Because we control the script ourselves, we can make sure nobody feels left out and everybody has meaningful stage time.
It Creates a More Positive Atmosphere
Traditional productions can sometimes unintentionally create pressure.
Children may compare role sizes. Some may feel disappointed if they don’t get the “main character”. Others may become anxious about learning huge amounts of material very quickly.
Our Summer Drama Camps are designed differently.
Of course we still work hard and create exciting performances, but the focus is on collaboration, confidence and enjoyment rather than competition.
Specially-written productions help us create a more supportive atmosphere where children work together as an ensemble and celebrate each other’s successes. That’s a huge part of why the friendships form so quickly during the week.
We Can Use Music Children Already Love
Another huge advantage is flexibility with music.
Rather than being restricted to one official score, we can carefully choose songs that children already know and enjoy singing along to. That instantly creates energy and excitement in rehearsals. The atmosphere becomes less about “getting it right” and more about children throwing themselves into the fun of performing together. It also helps children settle in faster, especially those attending for the first time.
It Leaves More Time for What Really Matters
People are often surprised to hear that Summer Drama Camp is not simply five solid days of rehearsing. In fact, some of the most important parts of the week happen away from the script entirely.
Because our productions are written specifically for a one-week process, they are achievable within the timeframe. That means we can balance rehearsals with:
- drama games
- icebreakers
- confidence-building activities
- teamwork challenges
- friendship-building
- silly moments and laughter
Those activities are not “extras”. They are a huge part of why children grow so much in confidence during the week. They’re also why children often arrive nervous on Monday and leave with new friends by Friday.
The Show Is Only Part of the Magic
Of course, the final performance matters. Families love seeing what the children have achieved in just one week and the sense of pride on Friday is always incredibly special. But for us, the real success of Summer Drama Camp is much bigger than the performance itself. It’s:
- the shy child volunteering an idea
- the nervous child speaking louder by day three
- the friendship groups forming
- the teamwork backstage
- the laughter during games
- the child who suddenly realises, “I can actually do this.”
That’s why we continue to write our own productions year after year. Not because it’s easier. But because it allows us to create the very best possible experience for every child who joins us.
And after more than 15 years of Summer Drama Camps, we truly believe that’s what matters most.