Two decades of youth theatre in Laval
Chroma Musica’s VoiceCamp in Laval is marking its 20th anniversary this summer with an original, high‑energy production titled Return to Oz. The 30‑minute musical blends elements of The Wizard of Oz, The Wiz and Wicked into a disco‑inspired story about friendship, forgiveness and teamwork, performed by campers aged six to 14.
The show is the culmination of an intensive three‑week programme in which campers spend the first two weeks learning songs, lines and choreography, then put the production together in the final week. Organizers say the costumes and much of the set design are created by the campers themselves.
Young performers, fast turnaround
The production was assembled rapidly: the 30‑minute piece was put together in just two weeks of concentrated work before the final week of performances. That pace underscores the camp’s focus on practical, hands‑on learning in a short summer window.
- Camp ages: 6 to 14
- Production length: 30 minutes
- Creative model: campers build costumes and set, learn music and choreography
- Anniversary: 20th season in Laval
“I love VoiceCamp because for me I’m a theater kid and I love singing and dancing. I love acting,”
— 10‑year‑old camper Cassyanna Ilceus, who plays Oz in the current production.
Camps director Dimitris Ilias and his wife founded the Broadway‑style summer programme two decades ago. He said he is continually impressed by the campers’ progress and talent. The camp also highlights generational continuity in Laval’s arts sector — the show’s stage director and scriptwriter, Juliana Theos, is a former VoiceCamp participant who has returned after completing a theatre degree at Concordia University.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Camp duration (weekly structure) | 3 weeks (2 weeks rehearsals + final week performances) |
| Typical camper age | 6–14 years |
| Current show | Return to Oz (original, disco‑inspired) |
Parents and local audiences who attend summer performances in Laval can expect a family‑friendly, fast‑paced musical with original songs and a strong emphasis on ensemble work. For many campers, VoiceCamp provides early stage experience — from costume construction to leading roles — and, in some cases, a pathway to further arts study, as illustrated by Theos’ return as a director and writer.
As the camp celebrates its 20th year, organisers say they hope to keep nurturing young performers and maintaining a community space where practical theatre skills and creativity are taught within a compact summer schedule.
