Welcome to a thrilling summer with Camp Equinox!
Since 1996 Camp Equinox has been an exciting place for kids to learn all about the theater and to explore their own creativity! From musical comedy, to Shakespeare, to film acting, to mask-making, puppetry, play-writing, and comedy improv, it's a month of challenges, friends and intense fun!
The Equinox Mission:
Our goal is to give our students the opportunity to meet challenges, explore their creativity, build self-confidence, and see their success in final performances, all in the environment of a supportive community. The positive growth that takes place through the performing arts is thrilling. You may not recognize your kids after four weeks at Camp Equinox!
The Daily Schedule
Grades 3 - 8: 8:30am - 3:30pm, Monday through Thursday. Fridays are half-days, ending at noon.
Grades 1 & 2, "The Minispots:" 8:30am - noon, Monday through Friday.
A warm and entertaining Morning Meeting begins each day. This is a chance for the community to regroup, enjoy short skits presented by fellow campers or teen interns, sing together, and learn what the day's schedule will bring.
The Campers are then split into groups by age for the Morning Workshops. Each group is named after a theatrical lighting instrument. "Minispots" are kids going into grades 1 and 2. "Footlighters" are those going into grades 3 & 4, Ghost Lights are those going into grade 5, Gels are going into grade 6 and "Cycloramas" are the oldest group, going into grades 7 & 8. These morning hours are devoted to a vast variety of exciting workshops.
After a brown bag-lunch, we offer "Directed Free-Time" where the campers can choose to join in the group game or sport, or work on a creative project, such as a scene with friends in the Community Room or extra time with an art project in the Art Room.
The afternoon is time for organized Rehearsals, or a special performance and workshop with a guest artist. Here's a sample schedule, but every day is different!
Camp Directors:
Katie Goodman & Soren Kisiel are award-winning playwrights, actors, filmmakers, comedians, theater teachers and authors. A husband and wife team, they have been directing, acting and teaching together since 1989. They are the founders of Bozeman's Equinox Theatre Company (now the Verge Theater), where they were the Artistic Directors for 15 years, offering classes for kids in elementary and middle school, adult acting classes, and after-school Teen Theatre productions. Katie is an internationally touring musical comedian and she and Soren write comedy shows together. Soren has directed the Intermountain Opera in Bozeman and is a children's book author. Katie also teaches adults through her Improvisation for the Spirit workshops at retreat centers across the country, and her book by the same title. In Bozeman, Katie and Soren have directed and taught theater as guest artists at Longfellow, Hawthorne, Monforton, Sacajawea, Chief Joseph and Bridger Alternative Schools. Katie and Soren have been nominated for the MacArthur Foundation's 'Genius Grant' for their unique work in theater.
Staff:
Katie and Soren, together with a highly creative staff of experienced performing arts teachers and guest performers, bring to the camp their energy and enthusiasm, strong theatrical training, and a devotion to working with kids in the arts and helping kids to be a creative part of their community. These full-time staff are versed in many areas of the performing arts, some with specialties such as hip-hop dance or mime, and have years of experience with kids in elementary and middle school.
The Minispots Teacher: While the 3rd through 8th-grade campers move through the day with workshops and activities with our many staff, we've found the Minispots prefer the consistency of one dedicated teacher. Kayleigh Griffith, our Minispots teacher, is a music and theater elementary school teacher in Belgrade, with many years under her belt and is an absolutely wonderful presence with these younger campers.
Teen Interns: "The Gobos"
The teen interns, fondly referred to as "Gobos," are a vital part of camp. These interns have been trained in CPR, First Aid, child psychology, emergency procedures, and the theatrical arts. Most of them were campers for years before joining the internship program, and so know the culture of Camp Equinox inside and out. They are superb actors and are great with kids. The Gobos assist in teaching and directing the campers as well as bringing energy and fun to the daily camp atmosphere.
Or click here to download our brochure for more information!
And of course call Diana, our registrar, with any questions you may have: 406-522-7623