Producing the next young stars, the Youth Theatre Workshop camp, is so much more than acting helping students with confidence and creativity.

First started with Daniel Frith 12 years ago, the workshop which runs for two months every summer, focuses on the youth enjoying theatre and expressing themselves.

To talk to the young people who have been involved, however, the camp seems to provide so much more than a place to go for a couple of hours every day.

Ryanne Bardgett said this was the second year she had attended the camp and can't wait until next year.

"I had always like acting but I hadn't actually every felt comfortable doing it," the 14-year-old said, "I actually really enjoyed it because I felt like I could express myself.

"I think it's because they accept everything you do and embrace what you do, so you feel comfortable."

She is referring to the two who help run the camp- Daniel Frith and Harrison Pink.

In fact Harrison, who now attends the Savannah College of Art and Design, was a former student of Daniels who stuck around and now helps devise the fantastic plays at the end of each session.

The theatre camp is broken into two age groups with 8 to11-year-olds attending morning programmes and the 12 to 16-year-olds coming in the afternoon. It's during these camps that the students are taught varying aspects of theatre life from juggling to improv and basic acting.

The camp culminates in a 20 to 25 minute play that is written by Daniel and Harrison. These plays give the students a chance to be comfortable in front of an audience and to flex their acting skills, according to Daniel.

"We don't mount a huge production, but out of a four-week program we probably only spend 10 to 15 hours practicing.

"With so few hours to rehearse I am always amazed at how the kids can execute the play in such a polished way. These give them a chance to really showcase their comedic skills and timing."

The two plays this year continued in the tradition of comedy as the older students performed the original play 'Murder most Fowl' and as Daniel said: "It was as ridiculous as it gets."

Featured around a dinner party with a crazy chef and a recording artist who is out of his mind, the characters finally realise they are stuck in the murder mystery genre.

For the younger group Harrison and Daniel complied a play titled: 'Dream Spinner' about a mad scientist who is stuck between this world and another creating dreams and nightmares.

In the August groups, however, the plays will change because the organisers said they try to build projects around the variety of personalities in the classes.

After two-weeks of theatre games, juggling and improv the students are finally ready to take the stage, though Erin Hill said she was nervous.

"I was really nervous at first, but when I heard everyone laughing I wasn't as worried," she said. Laughing is what she seemed to do a lot of. "It was easy to make friends and both of the directors- Daniel and Harrison are really fun."

She will be going back next year, which will be her fourth year, but that speaks to the strength of the camp which has a loyal following of students who have come back even seven years.

Anthony Bicchieri is one of those repeat campers. He was introduced to the theatre camp seven years ago because his family is friends with Daniel and can't stop going.

"It was my seventh year there. I do it every summer and I would like to pursue acting in the future," he said, "I just like the atmosphere and working with the other people."

The August session is only three weeks because of Cup Match and students need to return to school, however, Daniel said there are still spots available.

If anyone is interested in information contact Daniel at: 236-8667 or Doug Frith at: 735-8667.