SAN DIEGO – The world of drama can be kids' play, say Emily Calabrese and Sharla Mandere. The founders of outreach theater company Spotlight Ovations are dedicated to bringing performing arts into San Diego County elementary schools in creative ways.
“We want it to be a unique experience where the kids are creating the moments they remember,” Calabrese said.
Children take charge – under Calabrese and Mandere's careful guidance – during the majority of the company's programs, which occur during classes and after school. The children write scripts. They act. They design sets. They give directions to their peers.
“I liked it more than I thought I would,” said Shane Lenhoff, 11, who said acting helped him overcome his shyness. “New experiences can be good for you.”
He and his twin sister, Erin, both fifth graders at Ross Elementary School in San Diego, now hope to take drama classes in middle school.
Now Spotlight Ovations is getting ready to host five different day camps this summer, focusing on musical theater, circus arts, production and other areas of performing arts. The weeklong camps will be held between June 30 and Aug. 22 and will be available at schools and studios in North Park, Point Loma, Del Mar and Encinitas.
Spotlight Ovations uses theater to emphasize positive values or provide another teaching tool. Some plays are created to illustrate a specific character trait, such as honesty or kindness. Other scripts fit into class lessons, whether illustrating a moment in history or focusing on an assigned book.
Mandere and Calabrese founded the company in February 2007. They also direct an at-risk teen theater troupe, Teen Connection, through San Diego Youth and Community Services. Group members, ages 13 to 17, write their own scripts and perform the plays at various elementary schools.
For more information and to register, visit spotlightovations.com.
Rebecca Go is a Union-Tribune intern.
