If the third time is a charm, then the third Summer Spotlight: Creative Drama Camp at Troy University is going to be incredible because the first two camps have been amazing.

In the planning stages of the first creative drama camp, the measure of a successful camp was set at 30 campers. The camp attracted nearly 75 and is now topping out at 100.

2011 Summer Spotlight applications are available at the Troy School of Dance, WTBF, The Messenger and at the Troy University Department of Theater and Dance.

The Summer Spotlight: Creative Drama Camp is sponsored by the College of Communication and Fine Arts-Department of Theater and Dance.

“Summer Spotlight is an important component for serving the arts, children and youth and the community, as well as advancing our new theater education program,” said Adena Moree, director of the Troy University Department of Theater and Dance.”

The Summer Spotlight Camp is directed by Tori Lee Averett with Grace Collins as camp leader and assisted by Roy Hudson, head of Theater Education.

Moree said Summer Spotlight Camp teaches children to “play with a purpose.”

“The campers learn to express themselves through play as they interact with other children,” she said. “They learn through the arts, music, movement and writing. They also participate in the Summer Spotlight Showcase, in which they have ownership because they are involved in the writing and performance of the stage presentation.”

Campers have the option of participating in classes, activities and workshops that interest them. The choices including acting, choreography, stage management, singing, makeup, creative movement and dance, crafts, musical theater, costume design, improvisation, creative writing, theater games, performing for an audience and sets, props and lights.

Moree said that Summer Spotlight has continued to grow and this year has expanded to include stage combat, which is a technique designed to create the illusion of physical combat without causing harm to the performers.

“We wanted to add something new and fun for the campers and I’m sure that stage combat will generate a lot of interest and enthusiasm,” Moree said.

Summer Spotlight is for children and youth, ages four through eighth grade.

The four- and five-year-olds attend the mini-spotlight session from 8 a.m. until noon July 11-14. The Mini Spotlighters participate in movement, dance, storytelling and arts and crafts sessions.

The Mini Spotlight Camp is $100 and includes a light breakfast, snack, t-shirt and supplies.

The Spotlighters Camp is designed for rising first through eighth graders and offers a wide array of activities including workshops and group and individual coaching. Faculty, staff, students and alumni in the Department of Theater and Dance program will be leading and instructing Spotlighters.

The Spotlight Camp will be from 8 a.m. until 5:15 p.m. July 11-14. The fee for the Spotlight Camp is $150 and includes lunch, snacks, t-shirt and supplies.

A $50 family discount is offered for each additional child after the first full paid sibling.

The Mini Spotlight and Spotlight camps will conclude with the Summer Spotlight Showcase at 6:30 p.m. July 14 at the Trojan Center Theater. Admission is free. “The Summer Spotlight Showcase features all of the campers in both age groups,” Moree said. “It’s always a delightful performance that showcases what has been accomplished during camp. All of the campers look forward to being on stage and the audience really appreciates their efforts.”

For more information call 334-808-6142.