2020 has been a year of big changes. As COVID-19 has ushered in a season of mandatory face masks and social distancing, our favorite attractions have reopened with increased safety precautions or moved online. But pandemic or not, the show must go on — and The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati (TCT) is living out this mantra.
This summer, as many local organizations cancelled camps and activities, TCT got creative. They reimagined the summer camp experience, offering virtual, half-day camps. After participating in TCT Summer Camp the last two years, Julian was excited to experience Descendants Virtual Camp. I was apprehensive about how the virtual experience would compare to in-person — but shouldn’t have been. As always, TCT Camp offers a fantastic, low-pressure foray into the performing arts, and their virtual platform lets kids have a constructive, collective experience. TCT Academy is online for Fall 2020 – and totally worth checking out.
As many programs (and schools) have moved online this year, it’s become clear what works and what doesn’t. As a parent, it’s frustrating to have to troubleshoot technical issues or stand by to assist with virtual programs. TCT’s virtual offerings work; from start to finish, they’ve made the experience incredibly intuitive and easy-to-follow for both parents and kids. Before camp started, the instructors sent out an email with introductions, schedules, materials and links. Everything was clearly laid out and easy to set up. Camp was conducted via Zoom, and the instructors were energetic and engaging. During the week, Julian got to do crafts and projects, had “homework” and got to sing and dance with his fellow campers. He emerged from camp each day full of ideas and inspiration. Just like in-person camp at TCT, the experience bolstered his confidence and self-image. TCT Camp is a place for kids to reimagine themselves, and push beyond their self-imposed barriers and limits — and this can happen in person or virtually.
This fall, as parents wrestle with decisions about schooling and activities, let TCT Academy be an easy one. If you’re looking for an engaging and worthwhile extracurricular, TCT Academy is *the* place to go. TCT Academy offers top-notch performing arts instruction from a professional theatre company, introducing children to all elements of live theatre, incorporating educational aspects as well as important life skills and milestones. At its core, TCT Academy is about building confidence. And as we forge ahead in uncertain times, bolstering our kids’ confidence is perhaps the best thing we can do for them.
