"Why Are Numbers Down at the Moment"? I Must Realize: I'm Not Here to Compete with Other Companies. I'm Here to Do My Part and Trust the Process.

Do you ever have a moment where you're thinking and you go, " That is definitely not from me", yet it's a valid point? Why are numbers down with the recent Summer Music Theater Camps? Why am I not getting the numbers like the past? Why does it feel more confusing? What am I missing? What am I not doing or seeing that could help?

Some people, the summer time is a great time to keep your kids very busy each day, each week. Yet I ponder, are there people out there who take the whole summer off and don't do a single thing or people that take a three month vacation. (The last one is a potentially delusional concept, yet it's possible that some families leave for the summer since the school year is intense). The other thing is when I started doing summer music theater camps over 9 years ago, the numbers were low, yet was able to accomplish some amazing camps that provided confidence, creativity and community. What I must continue to realize is that it's all about: word of mouth, social media and realizing that I'm not here to compete with other theater companies. Yes the economy could be an issue, yet I believe parents are still providing opportunities for their kids.

When Encanto arrived in the theaters in November 2021, I was trying to identify summer camps and I believe my kids suggested that an Encanto Show Choir Camp would be great. In fact another company was doing a camp that included crafts, food and music. I may not have much information about South American dances, yet I took a risk and I can humbly say that Encanto Camp was the largest camp attended through the business. I was overwhelmed in the best way with the participants and outcome. Even after that we did another Show Choir Camp of music from Broadway Shows: Hamilton choral medley, Newsies and The Greatest Showman music, where the attendance was outstanding and the effort was top notch. Three years a camp didn't work out and then my son suggested an 80's Show Choir Camp. Within a few hours people signed up and had a large turnout. Two summers I did a play adaption of James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl, adapted by Richard George, including music fom the Broadway Show. This was the first "big play" I did through the business. It was so overwhelming in the best way that those who attended were outstanding. Even the show choir camp of music from Back to the Future, Dear Evan Hansen and Wicked were mind blowing.

Yes Dig It, a suggestion from my kids didn't work, and at this point I have 5-6 signed up for the Sister Act 2 Show Choir Camp. I'm still moving forward with camp, hoping and believing for more people to participate. I'm working hard on getting costumes for the camp. Plus I'm working on a High School Musical Show Choir Camp through Parks and Rec. They are supposed to advertise soon and I'm doing my part. Again I'm not here to compete with other music theater companies. I'm so blessed to serve those who attend.

If you're interested in the Sister Act 2 Show Choir Camp, here is the FB link:

https://www.facebook.com/events/904911875312092/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22your_upcoming_events_unit%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22bookmark%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D

Hopefully more information will be available for this camp soon.

I'm not here to guilt anyone, I just ponder and inquiry why camps may or may not work out. Yet I must focus on the current work and not live in disappointment for so long. I have to get up and move forward. What are you doing as a small business that you ponder about? I would certainly like to know. I believe in faith that the next two camps in July will work out beyond imagination, comprehension. I just have to do my part, trust the Lord and others to do their part. Thanks for your support. Blessings.