Actors Camp Wraps Up its 21st Summer with Two Standout Productions

Actors Camp closed out its summer season with performances of Willy Wonka and School of Rock at its facility in Mountainside. Young performers learned their lines, songs, choreography, stage movements and multiple roles in just days before presenting two complete productions.

Founded by Paul O'Connor, Actors Camp returned to Mountainside for its 21st year with programs designed to give children of different ages and experience levels an opportunity to perform.

Before the evening presentation of School of Rock, O'Connor reminded the audience that the nonprofit camp has provided approximately $200,000 in scholarships and that families are never turned away because of cost. "Tell me what you can afford and I'll cover the rest. If you can't afford anything I'll cover the whole thing," O'Connor said while encouraging families to support the scholarship fund through tickets and concessions.

The younger cast performed Willy Wonka, stepping into a world of candy, Oompa Loompas and eccentric characters. James Mikula, a Mountainside teacher who joined Actors Camp for the first time this summer, said the production required discipline and a willingness from the children to step outside their comfort zones.

Camp counselor Miller Asch, a Syracuse University student studying acting and vocal performance, noted that one of the most rewarding parts was watching initially quiet children grow more confident.

For the older cast, Jared Rosenblum, who leads the musical theater program, told the audience that the cast ranged from fourth through tenth grade. Choreographer Lindsey Garnhart said the cast's focus allowed the group to move at an unusually fast pace. Before the show was even cast, the performers had already learned three musical numbers.

Lucca Riley took on the role of Dewey Finn, the energetic musician at the center of School of Rock. Riley said his three years at Actors Camp have included appearances in Frozen and Beetlejuice.

Rebecca Klemens has participated in Actors Camp for approximately seven or eight years. Madeline Ferreira, a Mountainside student participating in her first summer production, thanked the creative team for guiding the cast through acting, singing and dancing.

Registration information for next summer's productions will be announced in the coming months. Families interested in Actors Camp, which offers programs for students in grades K through 12, can learn more at theactorscamp.org or email theactorscamp@gmail.com.

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FAQ

Q: What is Actors Camp?
A: Actors Camp is a nonprofit summer theater program founded by Paul O'Connor that gives children of different ages and experience levels an opportunity to perform in complete musical productions.

Q: How long has Actors Camp been operating?
A: Actors Camp celebrated its 21st summer in 2026 in Mountainside.

Q: What productions did Actors Camp perform this summer?
A: Actors Camp presented two productions: Willy Wonka featuring younger performers and School of Rock featuring cast members ranging from fourth through tenth grade.

Q: How quickly do performers learn their roles?
A: Performers learn their lines, songs, choreography, and stage movements in just days before presenting complete productions. Before School of Rock was even cast, performers had already learned three musical numbers.

Q: Does Actors Camp provide scholarships?
A: Yes. Actors Camp has provided approximately $200,000 in scholarships. The camp operates on a pay-what-you-can model, and no family is turned away because of cost.

Q: What does Paul O'Connor say about the scholarship program?
A: O'Connor stated: "Tell me what you can afford and I'll cover the rest. If you can't afford anything I'll cover the whole thing."

Q: What age groups does Actors Camp serve?
A: Actors Camp offers programs for students in grades K through 12.