STAN Online in Schools: PAN RISING August Camps Abound

'Boogie with Boogsie' theatre camp

While the Community School of Arts at the Department of Creative and Festival Arts, Gordon Street in St Augustine welcomes children aged 4-12, to register for its innovative courses, we take a peek at a popular, unique theatre camp in Port of Spain.

The Patrons of Queen’s Hall hosted their annual Camp for those aged 6-16 at the modern facilities of the Queen’s Hall in St. Ann’s in July/August. Several part-time tutors and students from the UWI teach music, dance and art to the talented campers. After three weeks of activities the event climaxes with a production. This year the theatrical production celebrated award-winning pannist and arranger, Boogsie Sharpe. The “Boogie with Boogsie” production gave the children an opportunity to show-off all they had learnt at Camps, from playing the steelpan to singing, acting and dancing. In the past the camp has focussed on celebrating the work of iconic West Indian artists, including Andre Tanker and Peter Minshall. This year was another proven success for all, including a particularly touching moment during the curtain call, when the unassuming Boogsie was invited onstage by Noble Douglas. There he received an impromptu group hug by about 90 of his young fans.