SFX MAKEUP MAGIC

A camper leans toward the mirror, blinks, and meets a character who was not in the room ten minutes ago. In SFX Makeup Magic, campers become special effects artists, designing and planning each character. Campers mix custom colors until the shade is right, layer in texture for added depth, sculpt prosthetics to continue the transformation, and add scars and bruises that look believable but, fortunately, are not. Each technique builds on the last, so skills grow step by step. Counselors demonstrate every technique, guide each step, and teach careful handling of professional palettes and tools.

At the end-of-week showcase, campers present the transformations they designed and head home with new techniques ready for anything from Halloween to the stage.

This hands-on SFX Makeup Magic program teaches the foundations of color theory, how light and shade create effects, and how different materials behave behind the looks seen on stage, all through the story of bringing characters to life. Campers discover that the creativity and patience it takes to develop their look carries into every part of life, from a school project to the way they see the world around them.

Achievers (rising grades 3-4) watch counselors demonstrate each technique then off they go to practice color mixing, layering, simple prosthetics, sharing ideas and feedback with classmates along the way. First-time Achievers start with the fundamentals, while returning Achievers take on harder techniques and new character concepts.

Navigators (rising grades 5-7) watch counselors demonstrate each technique, but then off Navigators go to work more independently, coming up with their own concepts, researching references, sculpting and applying prosthetics, and refining realistic aging and scars. They share ideas and feedback with classmates along the way. First-time Navigators start with the fundamentals before moving into their own designs, while returning Navigators keep refining their techniques and developing new concepts.

CAMP BROADWAY MYWAY (2-WEEK SESSION)

2027 SHOWS: Peter Pan (Haverford and Lawrenceville) and Madagascar Jr. (Haverford only)

Somewhere between the first warm-up note and the final bow, a camper stops saying, “I could never…” and starts saying, “Watch this!”

In DEAN’s Camp Broadway MyWay, campers become actors who come together to build a musical from first read-through to finished production. DEAN partners with the Broadway Education Alliance, a Broadway-affiliated organization, to bring its time-tested methodology, teaching theater fundamentals and the life skills performers need on and off the stage. All campers have the opportunity to take on different parts of the show, from singing and learning choreography to curating costumes and building set elements. They can perform onstage, take a backstage role, or do both. No experience is needed. Counselors guide each step of the process. Beginners and seasoned performers are challenged together.

Over two weeks, the cast prepares a 30-minute performance where families and friends fill the performing space and cheer on our actors.

This hands-on Camp Broadway MyWay program teaches stage presence, vocal projection, and ensemble listening behind live musical theater, all through the story of a cast putting on its own show. The skills carry into everyday life, from the perseverance to learn a long song to the focus to see a big project through.

Achievers (rising grades 3-4) work alongside Navigators (rising grades 5-7) and are guided by supportive counselors as they get comfortable and ready to perform. Counselors lead vocal warm-ups, teach choreography in short sections, and walk campers through every part of the show. First-time Achievers learn the fundamentals of singing, movement, and stagecraft. Returning Achievers come back year after year to expand their skills, try a new kind of performance, or focus on a different role.

Navigators (rising grades 5-7) work alongside Achievers (rising grades 3-4) and begin to have more independence while still receiving guidance from supportive counselors as they gain confidence and prepare to perform. Counselors lead vocal warm-ups, teach choreography, and walk campers through every part of the show. First-time Navigators learn the fundamentals of singing, movement, and stagecraft. Returning Navigators come back year after year to expand their skills, try a new kind of performance, or focus on a different role.