Every great adventure begins with a first step. A day at a musical theatre camp opens long before the first note of music, in an atmosphere of warmth and palpable excitement. This initial contact is a fundamental moment, designed to transform each child's apprehension into gentle anticipation. The goal is to weave together a united group, a true cocoon where every young person will feel perfectly safe to dare, explore, and reveal their artistic potential. Through ice-breaker games and team-building exercises, bonds are formed and laughter erupts.
Every great adventure begins with a first step. A day at a musical theatre camp opens long before the first note of music, in an atmosphere of warmth and palpable excitement. This initial contact is a fundamental moment, designed to transform each child's apprehension into gentle anticipation. The goal is to weave together a united group, a true cocoon where every young person will feel perfectly safe to dare, explore, and reveal their artistic potential. Through ice-breaker games and team-building exercises, bonds are formed and laughter erupts. This group work is the foundation for everything that follows, because musical theatre is a celebration of the collective. It is by building this deep trust that the joy of performing on stage will take on an unforgettable dimension. These first thirty minutes sow the seeds of a joyful collaboration that will blossom throughout the camp.
The energy born from these first moments is precious. These fun activities are actually the first lesson: they introduce the children to mutual listening, respect, and teamwork—essential skills for both theatre and singing. Each child is invited to find their place, allowing the more reserved to open up gently and the more extroverted to channel their energy for the benefit of a shared artistic project. A simple gathering of individuals then metamorphoses into a real troupe, ready to create the magic of a show.
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM: The Singing Workshop: Letting Your Voice Bloom on Stage
Once trust is established, it's time to make way for the first discipline: singing. This 90-minute workshop is a gentle immersion into the art of voice, much more than a simple rehearsal. It's a genuine class where technique is taught with a pedagogical approach, adapted to the age and sensibility of the participants. The session begins with a complete vocal warm-up, a gentle ritual to prepare the voice. Breathing, posture, and projection exercises are explored to allow each child to sing with fullness and accuracy, without ever risking strain. The pleasure of feeling one's voice blossom is the vibrant heart of this learning process.
The heart of this singing workshop beats to the rhythm of music. The young artists explore a repertoire from famous musical comedies, from timeless Broadway melodies to more contemporary gems. Each song is chosen for its ability to teach interpretation, rhythm, and emotion. The child then learns that their voice is a wonderful instrument for telling a story, a fundamental skill for the stage. This solid vocal training is the key that will allow them to deliver a touching and masterful performance during the final show. It's an intense learning experience that awakens the musical ear and, above all, confidence in one's own voice.
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM: Time for Theatre: Bringing Emotions to Life on Stage
After the soaring heights of song, the energy is channeled to explore the art of theatre. This workshop is a place of transformation, essential for embodying the characters that populate musical comedies. The ambition is to unleash each child's creativity, to offer them the keys to express themselves fully on stage. The work often begins with games and improvisation, which encourage spontaneity, listening, and quick wit. It's an exhilarating learning phase where the young people discover the joy of acting and building a story together.
The teachers' coaching then guides the group towards more structured work, where everyone can flourish. The children explore character creation, body language, and the art of diction. Meticulous work is done on the dialogues and scenes that will weave the narrative thread of the show. Whether through individual work to polish a role or group exercises to perfect a line, each young person receives tailored attention. This theatrical training is a foundational experience for cultivating public speaking skills and self-awareness—treasures that will radiate far beyond the stage.
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Dance and Choreography: Telling a Story with the Body
The afternoon breathes new life into the day with the dance and choreography workshop. It is here that the visual energy of the show takes body and soul. There is no need to be a seasoned dancer; the class is designed to welcome every child, regardless of their starting level, and help them progress with joy. The session begins with a full-body warm-up, preparing the body to move safely, before diving into learning the choreographies that will light up the show.
The steps are taught with method and patience, allowing the entire group to master the movement together. The styles can be varied, from modern jazz to playful nods to tap dancing for certain numbers. The focus is on synchronization, awareness of stage space, and, above all, the artistic expression that emanates from the body. It is demanding but profoundly rewarding work, where the children watch, amazed, as the grand scenes of the show come to life. Dance is one of the three pillar arts of musical theatre, and this workshop guarantees a vibrant and visually captivating final performance.
3:00 PM - 4:30 PM: Integrated Rehearsal: The Alchemy of Musical Theatre
This is the most fascinating moment of the day, when the magic happens: the integrated rehearsal. The skills patiently acquired in the singing, theatre, and dance workshops finally come together. This is where the true heart of musical theatre work beats. The children discover the exhilarating challenge of singing while dancing, of gliding from dialogue into song, and of maintaining the soul of their character in the heart of a complex number. This phase of artistic work requires immense concentration and perfect synergy within the group.
Under the artistic direction of the teachers, the staging of the show is refined and brought to life. Every transition is orchestrated, every intention is magnified. It's a craftsman's work that transforms a series of numbers into a coherent and emotionally vibrant story. The young artists then realize the importance of each role and how the different arts intertwine to create the enchantment of a musical. This experience of fusing disciplines is the very essence of musical theatre training and prepares the group to shine for the big day of the show.
The Climax of the Week: The Emotion of a Shared Performance
An entire week of intense work, shared laughter, and passionate learning converges on this single, suspended moment: the final show. On the last day of the camp, the children live the dream of stepping onto a real stage to present their creation to their loved ones. The excitement is at its peak. Backstage, the young artists encourage each other, transform their stage fright into pure energy, and prepare to give their very best. It is the culmination of their training and their wonderful collaboration.
This show is much more than a simple presentation; it is a true artistic performance, the vibrant fruit of the work of an entire group. For each child, standing in the spotlight is an incredibly validating experience, a powerful boost to self-confidence. The pride that illuminates their faces under the applause is a memory that will remain etched in their hearts. This moment of sharing often becomes the highlight of their holidays, sometimes even of their year, and perfectly embodies the pleasure and magic of the performing arts.
How to Choose the Right Camp and Give This Unforgettable Experience
Giving your child the ideal musical theatre camp experience is a process that deserves gentle attention. First, it is essential to check the recommended age range to ensure your child feels perfectly comfortable and stimulated. Make sure you know the required level; most camps warmly welcome beginners, but a confirmation is always reassuring. The quality of the training is the heart of the experience. Do not hesitate to inquire about the teachers' backgrounds and their approach to coaching. A good school will always prioritize professional and deeply human-centered learning.
The registration process is generally designed to be smooth and accessible. Once you've made your decision, signing up is simple. The price, often listed in CHF, should be reviewed to understand what it includes. Many arts schools in Switzerland, whether in Lausanne, Geneva, or elsewhere in French-speaking Switzerland, offer exceptional camps during school holidays. These camps are specifically designed for children and young people, not for adults. A word of advice: as spots are often sought-after, it is wise to plan ahead. Choosing a reputable school guarantees an artistic and human experience that will positively impact your child. For example, organizations like Apolline offer holiday camps in Geneva and Lausanne, providing structured training for young artists.