Theater boot camp in Henderson teaches aspiring artists about acting, singing and dancing

Broadway West Dance & Performing Arts Center, in partnership with The Stage Professional Dance and Fitness Studio, is offering its Summer Theatre Boot Camp for aspiring artists looking for training in singing, acting and dancing.

"Come in ready to sing and dance and act," said Susan Swanson, the boot camp's instructor and a staff member at Broadway West. "It is like an onion. Every day there is a layer you'll be peeling back."

Based in Henderson, Broadway West's mission is to enrich the lives of children through an arts education, Swanson said. From theater games to training exercises, Swanson said the camp is designed to expand upon the talents of participants.

Summer Theatre Boot Camp is open to 5- to 18-year-olds at The Stage, 2510 Anthem Village Drive. The cost is $125 a week.

The camp is scheduled from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Three sessions are scheduled.

The first session started June 12, and the next session is expected to start July 3. Participants can come and go to sessions as they please, but no new students will be accepted at the start of session three, scheduled to start July 31.

"When the world is in chaos, the arts help us heal," said Tracey Cutler, a dance instructor and owner of The Stage. "It is devastating to see (the arts) disappear from the schools. They are always the first things cut, but I think they are important to the human soul."

The partnership started when Swanson and Cutler met a few years ago and they bonded over their love for New York culture and their belief that there are two types of people in the business - talkers and doers.

"There are the people who are doing something and the people who just want to talk about themselves," Swanson said. "The people that are doing something stick together."

Cutler saw Swanson's teaching ability firsthand when she worked with Cutler's son.

"When he was 3, he had all this energy," Cutler said.

Cutler said Swanson filtered the energy and taught him about tap dancing.

"When I saw her ability to transform him, I was just mesmerized," Cutler said.

Her son, now 4, can't wait to come to class to practice.

Even as a dance instructor and choreographer, Cutler was impressed with Swanson's ability to convey dancing terms to younger children.

Swanson said they plan to split participants into two age groups.

"It's all the same material," Swanson said. "Just some of it is watered down for the little kids to understand."

Swanson said she has seen how good coaching can transform shy children into strong professionals.

Kayla Salehian, 11, has been acting since she was 4 and has been taking classes from Swanson for about three years.

Kayla said the classes have taught her techniques to enhance her singing and acting abilities. She has also learned different dance styles. Her goal is to be a singer, actress and dancer.

"I want to be a triple threat," Kayla said. "I want to do plays on Broadway, commercials and movies."

Swanson is writing a production for the participants to perform at the end of the camp.

"It has elements of 'Harry Potter,' 'Wizards of Waverly Place' and 'The Wizard of Oz,' " Swanson said.

Cutler said if participants want to be part of the performance, they have to attend all of session three of the boot camp.

The play gives the students a chance to practice what they learn, Swanson said.

"Everyone gets a line," Swanson said. "There are no trees."

Kayla is already excited to be a part of the production.

"I have done plays with (Swanson) before," Kayla said, "but nothing with a magical theme. When I heard it was going to be like 'Harry Potter,' I got excited. It's going to be fun."

Swanson said that around the time of the production, she hopes to unveil the new plan and location for the Broadway West Foundation, the new version of Broadway West that Swanson is developing. The group formerly held boot camps and acting lessons at the Winchester Cultural Center, 3130 S. McLeod Drive, before relocating to Henderson.

"We are doing a big unfolding in August," Swanson said. "Don't want to give away too much about it because we are still working on it."

Cutler and Swanson still hope to partner even when Broadway West sets up shop in its new place.

"Our partnership doesn't end here," Cutler said.

For more information or to register for the boot camp, visit broadwayweststudio.com or thestagestar.com.

Contact Henderson/Anthem View reporter Michael Lyle at mlyle@viewnews.com or 387-5201.