In the Shade Camps
“In the Shade” is the name of Runaway Moon’s week-long arts camp in which we explore a theme through various artistic media, culminating in a presentation. While valuable as a stand-alone experience, “In the Shade” is usually linked to a larger community-engaged performance with Runaway Moon. It has been a context in which we have tried out ideas that have then become part of the larger community event. The work with children is as valuable a part of the research and development as is the work with adults.
Origins of “In The Shade” Art Camps
In the Shade originated as an incubator for a larger project in the community. Often some of the artifacts we create have been used in the spectacle. In this way, the camp is of value on its own, but also leads directly into the large community spectacle.
Runaway Moon’s practice is to make collaborative art, rather than supporting the making of things that people do individually. Things are part of a larger whole. Generally, this follows into “In the Shade”.
While offered for children, participation in In the Shade Arts camp is intergenerational.
When asked, we give an age range of 8-12, but this is not a fixed parameter. For example, a grandparent bringing a child in from town asked to stay and observe sometimes. We welcomed her to stay and participate, not merely observe. A parent came along to support her shy child; our condition was that the adult participate as well. One of our lead artists brought along a very small child and a teenaged sibling to support him. Older siblings became helpers, laying out snacks but also taking part. We welcomed children under 8 as long as they had an older sibling or adult with them. Parents may stay with us, as participants (not observers) “modeling participation”, and we often ask them to share their skills. And, the lead artists always participate when another is facilitating. So ultimately we can have quite a range of ages.
Coming Soon!
“In the Shade” Handbook
In the Shade Arts Camps Archive
Institute of Spectacle, an adult workshop - 2005
made possible through a grant from Legacies 2010 ArtsNow
These workshops focused on large spectacle-based theatre practices, including choral speech and movement, large puppetry, shadow, ribbon dancing, Balkan singing (outdoor vocal projection), community research, stilts, and group percussion. Led by our core artists and visiting artists, these were open to artists, teachers, and community workers, with a desire to learn new skills, to practice integrating different media into a culminating workshop presentation, and to participate in a forum for the exchange of ideas and experiences. The “Institute” was designed as a Masterclass for those who attend, although it was also of value to those with varying degrees of experience.
The workshops coincided with the first week of a three-week rehearsal of a community spectacle, “By the River”.
“Open Air” - 2006
“In the Shade” Theatre Arts Camp, at Enderby Curling Rink July 10-14th for children ages 6-12. We explored mask movement, mask making, sound with found objects, round singing, making wings and hats. More about “Open Air'“.
Food for Thought, 2007 - 2008
This “In the Shade” Art Camp used local fruits and vegetables as inspiration for masks and inventive and funny skits.
Water - 2010
This “In The Shade” Arts Camp focused on water as explored through a variety of mediums. We learned about water through fabric movement (Kristi), storytelling (Teresa Christian and Jimmy Ouma Okello), puppetmaking (Cathy Stubington), sound (Murray MacDonald), and stilt walking (Varrick Grimes). Part of Water / Sawllkwa.
Birds - 2012
This “In The Shade” Arts Camp focused on birds and made simple masks and costumes, listened to and told stories, learned the movement and songs of the birds, make banners, and created a performance together based on the true and imagined lives of our feathered neighbours. Led by dancer Kristi Christian, plant lover Teresa Christian, actor Julie Ross, and puppet maker Cathy Stubington.
Bees - 2013
This “In The Shade” Arts Camp focused on bees and explored everything to do with them. How they locate food. How they construct a hive. Even eat bee snacks. From everything we learned we created a performance based on the true and imagined lives of the bees. Led by dancer Kristi Christian, plant lover Teresa Christian, visual artist Molly March, and puppet maker Cathy Stubington. Part of Calendario.
Tuwitames - 2014
This “In The Shade” Arts Camp focused on “Who Lives in the Woods?” — What’s it like to be a bush? How do trees move? What is the music of the woods? How can we recognize plants with senses other than our eyes? During the week we made a puppet and some special things needed for the upcoming “Tuwitames” Community Play, as well as treasures to take home. The camp will conclude with a simple presentation based on the true and imagined life of the woods. Led by dancer Kristi Christian, plant lover Teresa Christian,and puppet maker Cathy Stubington.
Calendario: Farming - 2015
This “In The Shade” Arts Camp focused on the creation of an outdoor sculpture that will be decorated with birds, trees, bugs, flowers, and things that people do, in different times of year. During the week we created lino prints to be part of it, and everyone will take home a set of handmade cards. We also explored the farming seasons through choreography, leading to a set of dances based on our tasks and games. Led by dancer Amanda Wooden Papillhau, who had been teaching dance with children and adults in France, Teresa Christian who inspired us to notice what takes place around us, as well as Deb Humphries and Cathy Stubington helping with design activities, and musician Hana Friedman, our Youth Assistant. Part of Calendario.
Suitcase show - 2016
This “In The Shade” Arts Camp focused on the question “How did you get here?” and explored answers to this question through participants creating their own puppet show, based on their own story, or their family’s story! Guest facilitator Ewa Sniatycka of Vancouver Island joined us, along with two Runaway Moon artists.
Eventful Picnic - 2017
“In the Shade” specially for families with pre-school children, led by Jasmin Wright and Michaela Cannon in June 2017. Parents and children explored elements of nature and its surprises, using some of our stash of props and costumes.