The Hard Work of Show Business
Thursday, July 24th, 2025
TIPI CIRCLE circa 8:45pm—A creamy sherbet sunset shines over the tree line behind the Big Top, cutting crisp silhouettes of the oaks that shelter downtown Camp. The Rainbow Theater lighting rig causes the stage to beam with bright colors in contrast to the pastel tones of early evening. A camper songwriter bears their soul to a packed house while backstage an orderly line of clowns silently await their entrance.
For our two-week sessions, the lead-up to the Big Show consists of two nights of dress rehearsals, the so-called Cabar-A [see: Cabaret], and the even more so-called Cabar-B. On these nights the teaching staff get to show the fruits of their labors, showcasing all the skills taught over the course of the session. For the campers, it is their only chance to witness these performances, as during Saturday’s Big Show they will be safely sequestered in the Green Room while the grown-ups fill the theater seating.
The anticipation for tonight’s Cabar-A has only increased during the day-long slog of mandatory rehearsals. The pressure to perform is in the air, though today’s temperate weather afforded our efforts much more comfort than usual. After dinner I spent some time with young performers making their final preparations before showtime.
“I’m doing two tricks in the uni act,” said Yael, 13, Scarlet, walking her unicycle to the designated staging area. “I’m gonna do Self-Eating Snakes, which is sort of a reverse Pinwheel, and I’m also doing Boxcar with three other people. We have to bring our unis up here to be ready for the show. Before we get started, I’m gonna talk over the tricks with my fellow riders, check in with my teachers, and change out of these flip-flops into my Sambas. I’m excited to practice in front of a live audience!”
“I’m doing stage-handing,” said Teen Staff Books, bent over some intimidating piece electrical equipment. “It’s mainly setting up mics and organizing cables, but I’m also trying to make the handling of props go smoother. I’ve set up a special area for stagehands only. The most important thing in for a stagehand is experience. Knowing how to wrap cables, set up mic stands, knowing the difference between 57’s and 58’s—these are all things you learn on the job. You also have to communicate with the performers; things are always changing in theater. I’m also performing in Clowning and Singing I’m excited for all of it!”
“I’m trying to get my outfit ready, and then I’ll do some practice of the juggling,” said Kira, 14, Maroon Tipi. “I was going to dress as the Queen of Clubs, because I’m juggling clubs, but I love the color red so much, I think I’m going to do a mash-up with the Queen of Hearts. You gotta smile to let the audience know you’re happy. It’s okay if you mess up, just keep smiling! I’m a little nervous, but I’m very excited for the show.”
“I’ve been training all week for the Acrobatics act,” said Ayla, 10, Gold Tipi. “I just practice over and over and over again. I’m going to do a cartwheel, maybe a back-handspring, and maybe a kick-over. I have a good habit of doing cartwheels; I do like six a day. They make me feel talented and powerful.”
“I’m honestly just chillin’,” said Anna Marie, 13, Scarlet Tipi. “I’ve been thinking about how nervous I got last year before the show, but we ended up doing so well! Now I know that there’s nothing to worry about. It’s okay to mess up, just try harder next time. I’m going to do a 4-person Pinwheel in the uni act. I’m also really excited to see the songwriters. I love original music; it’s like a window to the soul.”
On my way toward the Theater I ran into Camp Founders Wavy Gravy and Jahanara Romney, peacefully sitting in their golfcart, soaking up the buzz of after-dinner activity. Their son, Jordan Romney leans casually with his hands on the roof of the cart, a large camera strapped across his shoulder.
“Are you guys looking forward to the show?” I asked.
“Forward, backward, and sideways!” quipped Wavy.
“Absolutely,” said Jahanara. “This session is swarming with our grandchildren, biological and otherwise. We have grandchildren who are campers, teen staff, and even adult staff! This might be the most of our progeny we have ever seen in one session. I love Camp. Kids say ‘hi’ to me every day—even the ones not related to me!”
“These kids make the hairs on my arms stand up at rigid attention,” said Wavy. “With all the thrills and spills that could possibly occur. It passeth all understanding.”
Moving on the theater I found Tech Lead Momo Calfe-Smith fiddling with an assortment of devices and instruments at the tech booth.
“I’m checking my phone storage and turning off my alarm,” she giggled. “This is my tripod,” she explained, wrapping three padded wires around the frame of the booth. “Last year I just balanced my phone on a box, so this is a big upgrade. I had to do like ten laps around Camp to find the chairs we need for tech and stagehands, but I finally found them. People don’t always see our work, but we work really hard to make the show look and sound good.”
Stay hydrated,
—J. Payseno, Editor
