Some years ago we were interviewed by a Princeton doctoral candidate whose thesis was about the positive impact that a theatre program has on children at a sports-oriented summer camp.  Don’t remember exactly how she found us, but we do believe she was spot on when it came to that thesis.

At Skylemar, it’s not your typical drama program.  Ours belongs to Suzie, the greatest Drama Director of All Time!

It all began decades ago, with a much-loved director named Craig Gerhard.  Craig was the first to make being in plays “cool” and fun at Skylemar, and did so for 40 summers.  When Craig passed on, those who replaced him just couldn’t get it right.  That is, until 2012 when Suzie joined Skylemar.

Although Suzie and Craig never met, it’s as if Craig’s been whispering in her ear.  There are secrets to running dramatics at a sports-oriented camp for boys, and Suzie knows all the tricks.  For example:

1. Certain things come first, like intercamp games, trips or World Cup soccer.
2. Rehearse in bits and pieces that fit into the puzzle of skiing to basketball to tennis.
3. From auditions to staging to scenery to props, its gotta happen in two weeks max.
4. Those backstage just have to peak out and make silly faces.  That’s how we roll.

Suzie has it all down and does it with a giant smile.  She can make the most off-key voice sound just right, and choreograph dance moves for those with no rhythm.  She inspires confidence, cooperation and radiates positive energy to everyone lucky enough to be in her presence.

A talented actress, singer and dancer herself, her role as a teacher is what makes her most impactful.  With Suzie as mentor, boys learn about teamwork, they build confidence, understand about responsibility, become comfortable with public speaking and improve focus. 

Most importantly, they have fun.

One of our many traditions at Skylemar is to be supportive of whoever’s on stage.  When they laugh, we laugh.  When they struggle, we’re patient.  No one ever comes across nervous.  After all, they’re performing for their brothers.

It’s not just the actors who get all the fame. Thanks to Ethan K, Nate and George H who run the lighting and sound.  There’re Suzie’s assistants Roxy and Jayden … and her her set designers, like Mary Beth and Layla.   And of course…there’s the stage crew.

It’s a coveted job to be part of the crew, and there’s often a line to sign up for the role.  Maybe the cast party pizza has something to do with it, but they do take their role seriously.  Each crew member has things to move at certain times, and they do so quite smoothly thanks to those backstage whispering “go! go! go!”.

As our Skylemar boys grow into adulthood and return as alum, they often tell similar tales.  It’s the plays and skits and the songs that they sang, plus the greatest collection of counselors and campers in the whole wide world that make them who they are today.