The number of pandemic-
era students has fallen off a
bit, says Lechter, noting that
600 youth participated in
summer camps this year,
compared with 800 to 900
in a typical year. Camp
programs were offered both
online and in person. Scene
blocking got trickier to ensure
actors were at least 6 feet apart,
and enunciation through masks took
some practice, according to Lechter.

The status of after-school programs this fall
was still in flux in mid-August. The same is true
of AFYP’s free Time to Shine program, held after
school at three Fairfax County Title 1 elementary
schools. The program, funded with support of The
Community Foundation for Northern Virginia,
offers acting classes and a snack for children
at schools where many students have low-
income families.

Hailey, 13, says she is excited to return to
in-person classes. “AFYP made me love acting,
singing and dancing. The environment is super
fun and happy and positive,” she says. “And while
I like performing online, it’s not the same as
seeing everyone in person.”
Hailey played Simba in AFYP’s production of
“The Lion King.” Rehearsals started in person in
spring 2020 but quickly transitioned to online.

She also cites AFYP’s teachers as an inspiration.

The program uses professional actors and
theater education students from George Mason
University, where Lechter is a faculty member.

“They are a combination of folks like me, career
professionals in arts, and students. I know within
a couple days of seeing these students interact
— their clarity in explaining, their generosity in
wanting to help others — if they might be right
for AFYP,” says Lechter, who is also the associate
director of Mason Community Arts Academy.

Some AFYP participants, like Hailey, hope to
go on to a career onstage, and some alumni have
been in local productions at Ford’s Theatre and
Monumental Theatre Company
in Alexandria. A few have been
in independent films.

However, the program has
benefits for a range of youth,
Lechter says.

“We see a growth in
confidence. Acting is hard.

Students come out of their
shell, speak a little louder, become
a little more sociable with their
peers. We hear from parents that grades
have improved because their presentations went
really well,” she says. “When in a production,
there are always problems to solve, and it helps
them think quickly and creatively.”
Noah’s mother, Leigh Campbell, says, “They
are learning public speaking skills, learning how
to act in front of other people. I think they’ll
carry this with them their whole life: how to be in
the spotlight and not be uncomfortable.”
Noah, who admits he doesn’t need much of a
confidence boost, describes his AFYP summer
camp experience in this way: “Some kids were
super shy and quiet, but by the end of the week,
they were super loud and happy!” T
MARY LECHTER
To learn more, visit afyp.org or call 703-554-4931.

Fall showcase rehearsals are held on Saturdays, starting
Sept. 11. The fee ranges from $275 to $450,
depending on the age group.

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