Western New England University’s campus came alive in August as more than 100 students participated in the 2025 Performing Arts Camp, an early arrival program designed to connect Golden Bears through music, theater, dance, and performance.
The camp, which welcomed 58 first-year students and 43 returning students, gave participants the chance to rehearse with one performance group of their choice—ranging from chorus to theater to dance—while also trying beginner-friendly workshops in other areas. Evenings featured community-building activities like Pajama Karaoke Night, Performing Arts Family Feud, Movie Night, and a final celebratory Showcase.
From Music Camp to Performing Arts Camp
Originally founded as Music Camp featuring Golden Voices, Golden Bear Bands, and Drumline, the program expanded in 2022 to include The Stageless Players, Improv on the Rocks, and Dance Team under the name Performance Camp. In 2025, the addition of the Cheer Team marked the camp’s largest evolution yet—and inspired the new name: Performing Arts Camp.
“This camp gives new students a chance to arrive on campus early, build friendships, and immediately find a sense of belonging through the performing arts,” said Leah Cunha, Assistant Director and Project Coordinator for the Senior Vice President of Enrollment Management and Student Life, who served as Camp Coordinator and Golden Voices Director.
Week of Arts, Activities, and Connection
Students spent their days in rehearsals and workshops, then came together for themed evening events:
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Pajama Karaoke Night – Karaoke in the Campus Center, complete with desserts.
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Performing Arts Family Feud – A spirited trivia contest in the Campus Center, followed by a pizza party dinner.
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Movie Night – Screening of Pitch Perfect in Wood Auditorium with movie theater snacks.
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Final Showcase – A lively performance on Commonwealth Lawn attended by families, highlighting the week’s work across all groups.
For many, the camp balanced familiar interests with opportunities to explore new passions. “Performing Arts Camp is a really fun experience for practicing activities you’ve done before and also trying new things,” said Michael Lamb, Class of 2029. “I would highly recommend signing up even if you haven’t done anything that has involved the performing arts. It is also a fantastic way to meet new people and make new best friends!”
The Showcase program featured performances by:
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Golden Voices (directed by Cunha) with songs including Stand By Me and Valerie.
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Drumline with rhythmic sets like Shots and Drop It.
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Golden Bear Band (directed by Ted Levine) performing works by Dallas C. Burke and Fred Sturm.
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Dance Team (coached by Sara Hazeltine) with a Pitbull mashup, Talk to ’Em.
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Stageless Players (advised by Professor Hillary Haft Bucs) presenting the short play, The 42nd Annual Pie-Rating Convention by Noah S. Brown.
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Cheer Team (coached by Kaitlyn Feyre) leading Everybody Yell WNE and a pom routine to Rock That Body.
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Improv on the Rocks (advised by Professor Hillary Haft Bucs) performing games such as Dr. Know it All and Courtroom.
Building Community Through the Arts
For many students, the camp was their introduction to WNE’s vibrant performing arts scene and to friendships that will last throughout their college careers.
“This August’s Performing Arts Camp had the largest participation of First Year students I have seen in a number of years,” said Hillary Haft Bucs, WNE’s Director of Theater. “It has been so delightful to have Cheer join the Performing Arts umbrella. It was so exciting to see Drum Line thriving. Stageless Players and Improv on the Rocks had record First Year participation, and many of the participants have already auditioned or expressed interest in the student-directed Fall Show, Almost, Maine.”
First-year student Ty Quirk, Class of 2029, echoed this sense of belonging: “I came into this camp terrified. I didn’t know anyone and I didn’t know if I had the confidence to go up and talk to people. But everyone made sure you felt welcome and accepted. And I met a lot of people who I never would have if it weren’t for the Performing Arts Camp. Truly one of my favorite moments of the summer by far.”
Performing Arts Camp 2025 was made possible with the support of the Steerage Rock Fund for the Arts, technical assistance from Ronin Audio Productions, and the Fox Hill School of Music who loaned instruments.
