American Idol has always been a show with family appeal, but for those parents with children refusing to fully sing the gospel of Kelly Clarkson, there’s always Idol Camp.
The camp, located in northwestern Massachusetts, teaches hopeful Idols between the ages of 12 and 15 the fundamentals of celebrity singing, reports Reuters. A typical day begins with workshops held by everyone from dance choreographers to hair stylists, while the afternoon program is made up of electives, where campers can select from a diverse roster of activities, such as music video production, improvised acting and set production.
However, parents hoping to raise the next big singing sensation should start saving — a week of Idol Camp will set them back a cool $2,900 US (although there are scholarships available for low-income families).
Felicity Carr, a director at FremantleMedia, which co-produces American Idol and helps fund the summer camp, said that show’s producers are filling a gap left by budget cuts to scholastic art programs in the United States.
"So much funding for performing arts programs has been drying up over the last few years, so we are really just trying to fill that gap and encourage kids to extend themselves, take risks and pursue their dreams," Carr said.
At the end of each session, significantly poorer parents are treated to a concert by their talented tots. No word on whether punch is served.
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