by Chris Munzing
"Broadway at the Beach," a performing arts day camp, will run from Aug. 11-14 at Long Beach Regional Catholic School. The camp will feature singing, dancing and acting lessons given by Broadway professionals. Each camper and instructor will participate in a performance at the end of the week. The camp will feature a session for children ages 6-17 during the day and an adult session at night.
The camp is the brainchild of Long Beach High School graduate and current Broadway actress Amy Dolan, who has a business called Midtown Productions. Dolan, who can currently be seen in the hit musical "42nd Street," felt that a camp was needed for kids who were more interested in performing than sports.
"I think its so important for kids' self-esteem who don't have sports," she said. "We want to bring another opportunity to kids. It's such a big self-esteem builder."
Dolan grew up in Island Park and has been a performer since age 7. A child performer in the Long Beach Theater Guild, she quickly turned professional and starred in more than 100 commercials while acting in middle school and high school plays. Along with her current run in "42nd Street," Dolan has been featured in "Grease" and "Showboat," the latter in London's famed West End.
In "42nd Street," Dolan is a member of the ensemble as well as the understudy for Anytime Annie and Maggie, both parts she has played before. "In a company as big as that -- there's 50 people on stage -- you find your value," she said. Dolan is confident that no matter where life takes her, one thing will never change. "I think that I'll always be involved with acting and performing," she said. "It'll always be a part of my life."
Dolan hopes the day camp will have an enrollment of about 25 kids and 10 adults from Long Beach. She also encourages everyone to allow their inner performer to come out. "I think there's something in everyone that kind of wants to sing and dance," she said.
Camp fees for adults are $90. For children the cost is $160. For more information on the camp or Dolan, call Midtown Productions at (212) 875-7614.
