Taking the stage
Performing arts camp at Graceland attracts kids from around the world
Children scampered around stage while attentively listening to Katelyn Nichols’ instruction during a game of charades Thursday at The Guest House at Graceland Theater. “Shark attack,” Nichols, 27, ordered. Her choreography class responded by flailing their arms wildly, like fish out of water.
The activity was one of many afternoon workshops at the first Graceland Performing Arts Camp, which began Wednesday and concludes Sunday. More than 60 children ages 6-15 from around the world received music, art and dance instruction from local and Broadway professionals.
Nichols, camp director and founder of K. Nichols Studio in New York, said the timing was finally right for Graceland to host the camp.
“I think Graceland has talked about doing something like this for a while, and it just kind of came down to finally doing it this year,” said Nichols, a University of Memphis graduate. “There was a question of not wanting to compete with the local theaters and really make this something different, something special, so I think this was finally the year where everything fell into place and we were able to make it work.”
In addition to participating at The Guest House at Graceland Theater, campers also honed their skills at Graceland Soundstage and on production sets from the “Sun Records” television series.
When campers weren’t too busy learning and playing, they explored Graceland’s vast campus with their families and learned about Elvis Presley’s life and storied performing career.
The children also received an opportunity to participate as extras in Hallmark’s “Christmas at Graceland” movie, which coincidentally filmed at Graceland during the camp. Joel Weinshank-
er, managing partner of Elvis Presley Enterprises, is an executive producer in the film. His association with both parties gave Nichols and her students an unexpected perk.
“I think it all came as a coincidence, but it certainly is a plus for the campers because they get the option to participate on the set on Saturday after the show,” Nichols said. “They’ll get to experience a live set, see what it looks like to deal with all the lights and the crew and watch the cast — it’s going to be a really cool experience.”
Jonathan Crane, 6, eagerly traveled from Biggar, Saskatchewan, to attend the camp. The huge Johnny Cash, Elton John and Elvis fan said it “feels great” to learn from Broadway professionals and he has enjoyed his time at Graceland.
“(Exploring) Elvis’ mansion with the pianos was part of my favorite (things to do at Graceland), and the horses because my sister likes horses,” Jonathan said. “I also like horses because I’m watching some cowboy stuff.”
Jonathan’s mother, Jennifer Crane, 36, said she never would have visited Memphis without her son’s love for Elvis and “the older genre” of music. Now, due to her positive experience in Memphis and at Graceland Performing Arts Camp, she’s already planning a return trip well before her current one has concluded.
“I am just super impressed with the true Southern hospitality,” Jennifer Crane said. “Everybody is just super nice — their passion and love for not just Elvis, but the music and performing arts and helping kids and just the history of the city, the culture and everything, it just keeps going.”
As a native Memphian, Nichols is all too familiar with the culture and said cultivating the untapped talent in the Memphis area is important to her. She wants to use her experience and position in the industry — working with the Jonas Brothers, Demi Lovato and Jordin Sparks — to introduce as many children to agents and casting directors while offering guidance.
Nichols said the point of the Graceland Performing Arts Camp is to impart that wisdom to her students and leave them feeling positive about the future.
“Not everyone is going to grow up and be an Elvis impersonator or grow up and be a rock star, but what they are getting is how acting can translate into public speaking skills, building their confidence, their self-esteem,” Nichols said. “So even if they decide not to be actors, they still have these lifelong skills that translate into any career path they go into.”