Tomato Patch Visual and Performing Arts Workshops

2008

The longest running, most successful summer arts program in central New Jersey, now in its 35th year!

Tomato Patch Visual and Performing Arts Workshops, held annually on the West Windsor Campus of Mercer County Community College, is one of the longest-running and most successful multi-disciplinary summer arts programs in central New Jersey. Since 1973, over 4,700 junior and senior high school students have spent several weeks of their summer exploring the visual arts, dance, theater, and vocal music under the guidance of a highly qualified staff of teaching professional artists.

A few weeks can last a lifetime! — as graduates of Tomato Patch over the years have proven. Many Tomato Patchers are now professional artists, have appeared on Broadway, or have decided to teach the arts as they were taught in Tomato Patch. Many have gone on to fulfill different life ambitions yet maintain lasting friendships formed in Tomato Patch.

Students select a major concentration in either the performing or visual arts, and spend two morning classes in these areas. After lunch, they are free to choose electives in other areas. Afternoon course offerings for 2008 may include stage combat, children’s theatre, computer art, "Who's line is it anyhow?", painting, drawing, jazz, musical theatre, tap dance, vocal ensemble, comedy, and video production.

Click here for course descriptions for 2008

SESSION I
... is a 4-week session designed for students entering grades 8-12 in the fall. Classes will meet Mondays through Thursdays, June 23 to July 17, 2008 from 8:45am to 4:15pm (no classes on July 4). The camp will conclude with a Festival of The Arts on Wednesday, July 16, 2008 at 7:00pm and Thursday, July 17, 2008 at 7:00pm. Tuition is $625 plus a non-refundable $25 application fee ($650 total*) which includes a free t-shirt, pizza party on performance dates, 2 tickets for each performance and DVD of the art exhibit and performance.

SESSION II
... is a 3-week session designed for students entering grades 5-7 in the fall. Classes will meet Mondays through Thursdays, July 21 to August 7, 2008 from 8:45am to 4:15pm. The camp will conclude with a Festival of The Arts on Wednesday, August 6, 2008 at 7:00pm and Thursday, August 7, 2008 at 7:00pm. Tuition is $525 plus a non-refundable $25 application fee ($550 total*) which includes a free t-shirt, pizza party on performance dates, 2 tickets for each performance and DVD of the art exhibit and performance.

MASTER CLASS 2008
Students entering grades 8-12 in the fall, who have attended Tomato Patch Session I, TP On & Off Screen or had other formal theatre training may sign up for this special 3 week Master Class in Theater, July 21 to August 8, 2008, Monday through Thursday, 9am-4pm. This Master Class will focus on preparing a polished audition piece and resumé for each student. Students will learn all the ins and outs of show business; how to find jobs and how to audition for theatre, television, and movies. A final performance will feature their work on Friday, August 8, 2008 at 7:00pm. Master Class Tuition is $475 plus a non-refundable $25 application fee ($500 total*)

BEFORE/AFTER CARE AVAILABLE

*Price includes: T-shirt, pizza party on performance dates, 2 tickets for each performance and DVD of the performance and gallery exhibit.

If you have questions, email to projects@mccc.edu or call (609) 570-3566.

Register Online!

Or Print Tomato Patch Registration Form

Funding for Tomato Patch has been made possible in part by the Mercer County Cultural and Heritage Commission through a grant from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State.