Put 21 kids together in a room and usually you'll get a cacophony of varied interests and wants ... unless they have a mission. During 4 intense weeks, the Musical Theater Development Summer Camp's class of 2003 came together to create What's Wrong & What's Write. The youngsters -- ranging in age from 7 to 15 -- wrote, choreographed, performed, and designed the set for this original musical with just a little guidance from a bevy of professionals including actors, directors, songwriters, and choreographers. Run by Shores Performing Arts Theater artistic director Rich Simone, the camp's purpose is to provide children (including 2 scholarship students) a chance to test the waters in all aspects of theatrical production while learning to work as an ensemble. Picking a theme proved interesting. Instead of selecting something they all "liked," the kids focused on an important "dislike" -- discrimination. Bringing together the students' experiences, the show centers on a fed-up nerd, who discovers a magical book. Shortly thereafter a high school bully is transported to a fantasyland where he discovers exactly what it feels like to be singled out for being different. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. at the Shores Performing Arts Theater, 9806 NE 2nd Ave., Miami Shores. Tickets cost $5. Call 305-751-0562. -- By Margaret Griffis
Monday August 4
Camp Jam
Summer program perks up history
Tropical Explorers Summer Camp: sounds like a place for budding Indiana Joneses and Carmen Sandiegos. But this week-long day camp at the Historical Museum of Southern Florida (101 W. Flagler St.) is less about treasure chests and more about jewels of local culture. The theme for the camp is History Beat, where campers from ages 6 to 12 learn about South Florida's history through music, the visual arts, and dance. They will even create their own instruments. All activities lead to a grand finale musical jam by all participants. The camp runs today through Friday, August 8. Admission costs $100. Call 305-375-1492. -- By John Anderson
