“Empathy” and “humanity” are some of the first words from actor/teacher Charlie DelMarcelle when he speaks about the two new Pennsylvania Theatre Institute (PTI) programs WCU is offering this summer. It’s a hint that there is something special behind the theatrical curtain for the young students enrolled in these camps.

“Theatre is about empathy: listening to one another, working as a team, telling stories as a group,” camp director DelMarcelle said. “When we teach the fundamentals of acting and storytelling, we’re actually teaching how to listen to one another, communicate better, support one another as an ensemble.

“These skills are useful for people of all ages, but especially important to foster in developing brains. It can be critical for young people to feel that they ‘belong’ somewhere, and we strive to create a space of radical inclusion.”

“We are producing confident, empathetic human beings,” said Katherine Fritz, PTI managing director. “These programs are more about the process of learning about yourself and others, and less about the product,” whether that product is producing a play at the end of camp, an audition tape, a resume, or a college admissions essay.

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Young Company was the first camp. Youth ages 10-15 learned the craft from July 9-20. The second program, Pre-College Intensive, is hosting high school students from July 23-Aug. 10. Both use the Department of Theatre and Dance facilities on the lower level of E.O. Bull Center, South High Street at Rosedale Avenue.

The latter program is currently running on weekdays from 9 AM-4 PM and all students are welcome. No auditions are required, and no experience is necessary.

“We are just as much for the child bursting with confidence as we are for the ones struggling to come out of their shells,” said DelMarcelle. Building the community that becomes the theatrical ensemble for each camp means “using the joy of art to help each of our students to become a better person. … We’re not big on lots of rules, but we feel good about this one: We value ourselves and we value others.”

DelMarcelle is assistant professor of theatre at WCU, as well as a professional actor, director, and theatre educator who has been working with youth interested in the theatre since 1996.

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