ABOUT CAMP W

Greetings,
My passion for performing arts began when my parents took me to the movies. I’d emulate the actors by reciting dialogue with my brothers. I’d marvel at how actors slid into their roles with such precision, which transported me into another world filled with conflict and tremendous problem-solving.  I absolutely loved observing how people could step into other people’s shoes and turn it into some form of entertainment. My camp will encourage students to lose themselves inside the roles of different people, creating a world of inspired imagination. 

After graduating from Cal Poly. San Luis Obispo ('98), I began my career at Corte Madera School in Portola Valley. I quickly noticed that my classroom instruction was driven by my thirst for the performing arts. Improv, interpreting lyrics, singing songs all helped underscore great teaching points in character education. Using a U2 song to teach about Dr. Martin Luther King inspired my 4th graders to look deeper at his contributions to the world. I thought there must be a way to weave all of the performing arts strategies together. Alas came, FREDERICK’S FOLLIES.

What was Frederick’s Follies? Over the last 14 years, I've conducted this performance-based activity for my students. It is an engaging way to incorporate music and life-skills into a program that every student can enjoy.  It primarily involves singing, dancing, public speaking, and theater. Students perform in the MUR to a varied audience of parents, faculty, and Corte Madera students of all ages. The camp will help build self-confidence by giving every student, with or without drama skills, the chance to perform before an audience.

Camp W will surely capture the hearts and minds of many students. It makes no difference if one is a beginner or aspiring to be the next Paul Newman. I want it to be a camp that allows students to step out of their comfort zones in a safe manner. I’d also want it to be a camp that I’d send my own children to. I’m honored to have the opportunity to help children learn many life-skills in an engaging manner that will serve them well in this theatrical play we call LIFE!

William Frederick