During my high school years, I loved being involved in theatre. I performed in seven productions including The Nitwits, Les Miserables, Flowers for Algernon, MacBeth Did It, Get Smart, Sense and Sensibility, and The Music Man. When I saw the film Theater Camp, it allowed me to relive my younger days when I was in a community of theatrical enthusiasts learning acting and other important stage skills. I was reminded of trials and errors during auditions, but more importantly the positive feelings which come from being connected to many friends working together on a production. Theater Camp is a one-of-a-kind sensation that features voices that span all ages. It is a real treat for those who are aspiring to have a voice.

Theater Camp focuses on camp counselors Amos Klobuchar (played by Ben Platt) and Rebecca Diane (played by Molly Gordon). They are best friends who live for the arts and the theatre. The duo run a theater camp in upstate New York which is bound to be closed due to financial conflicts. The risk of the camp shutting down prompts Amos and Rebecca Diane to influence their students to be as lively as they possibly can be. With Platt and Gordon playing camp counselors who have loads of acting experience, they are perfect in these roles. They are the voices of this inspiring film which will appeal to audiences of all ages.

There are moments of frustration in the rehearsals for their show. This story line does, however, find its light. It reminds viewers that actors can have their moments of struggle. The movie also reminds viewers that any form of acting is a process, but it is ultimately about enjoying the craft and each stage of the work itself. Theater Camp is a positive retrospective that reminds us how theatricals can create memories to cherish forever.

Emotions experienced during the rehearsal process is where Theater Camp finds its vital connection to the world of the arts. There are times when the camp hits plateaus. The film shows how these hardships are overcome and they serve to make the camp stronger with better voices, innovative minds, and creative ideas. The joy of Theater Camp reminds me of the saying, “There are no small roles, only small actors.” Konstantin Stanislavski is credited for this comment and this quote was mentioned every time I walked into an audition. This quote correlates to Theater Camp because everyone is a winner. No matter how big their role, their craft, or their thinking are, each person is going to be successful in their own unique way.

I hope that those who see Theater Camp embrace the appreciation they experience through the performances of Platt and Gordon. It reminds us that in acting or any performance art, the importance of the mentoring from the directors. Theater Camp illustrates for viewers that the ones who deserve the attention for an amazing performance are those who are in charge but are often behind the scenes. This film is about community and appreciation of the arts. It is also about being an advocate for those who are passionate about the arts. Four stars for Theater Camp.