Why should kids have all the fun? This summer, Vashon Center for Arts (VCA) is offering a summer theater camp experience for older adults.

Youth musical theater is a vibrant and popular part of the education curriculum at Vashon Center for the Arts (VCA). In fact, about 80 students annually enroll in intensive classes and summer camps to participate in productions on the big stage in Kay White Hall.

Musical director Marita Ericksen started VCA’s musical theater program for youth more than 20 years ago and has taught hundreds of children and teens since then. Marita’s daughter, Elise, joined the program in 2017 as assistant director, bringing an extensive dance and theater background to her role. Since then, the musical theater program has continued to grow, and in 2021 formed a partnership with Vashon’s Drama Dock.

Now, Marita and Elise want to provide older adults with the same creative experience they’ve been offering to kids and teens.

The dynamic mother-daughter duo plan to offer a VCA musical theater “summer camp” for ages 50 and over that will culminate in a one-hour performance of “Fiddler on the Roof, Jr.” in July.

“We want to provide an opportunity for adults to feel vital, creative and inspired,” Marita said. “Everyone who signs up will be in the show, regardless of experience.”

Establishing a senior musical theater program at VCA has been a long-held dream of Marita’s, ever since she was invited by her sister and musical director for Tacoma Musical Playhouse, Debbie Hushagen, to watch a performance with its “Young at Heart Players” — a cast of 20 adults, ages 50 and over.

“I’ve worked with so many community theater people in my peer group on Vashon, and I encourage them to come to join in the fun. What better way to work on remembering lines, learning to sing in harmony, and dancing than by coming to ‘theatre camp,’ said Marita. “I also look forward to building relationships with people who want to try something new.”

VCA’s youth musical theater performances of “Mary Poppins,” “Willy Wonka,” “Footloose” and “Shrek” have been big hits in the community. The Ericksens expect “Fiddler” to create a similar response.

The show already holds a significant place in Elise’s heart: singing in the chorus of Drama Dock’s 1995 “Fiddler on the Roof” production was her first multi-age, community theater experience.

“My dad, John, was the Rabbi, and Marita was the music director,” Elise recalled. “I fell in love with theater in general then, but I especially found my love for the magic of theater with family and community. When Marita and I work with kids, they can audition for any character type. Likewise, with senior musical theater, actors can play a teenager or the leading role. There are no limits, and all are welcome.”

Elise encourages anyone who is interested to take part in the experience, regardless of their theater experience.

“I look forward to connecting with the Vashon community and opening the door to adults who want to come play on stage,” she said.

More Information

In VCA’s theater program for adults, participants ages 50-plus will learn acting skills, four-part harmony and choreography. All levels of experience are welcome, and everyone who registers will be in the show. Auditions for lead roles will be held by appointment on July 8, in person or via Zoom.

The class will run from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, July 17 to 28, and from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, July 22. Performances for “Fiddler on the Roof, Jr” will be at 7 p.m. Friday, July 28, and 2 p.m. Saturday, July 29.

The registration deadline is May 15.

Tuition: $430 General and $390 VCA members. Scholarships are available.

Location: Kay White Hall

Sign up here.

For more information, visit vashoncenterforthearts.org or call 206-259-3005.