It will be “lights, camera, action” this summer in Southern Idaho.

The 7th annual Rise Up and Sing, a Vocal Summer Music Camp is featuring “Hairspray,” the award-winning musical with 1960s-style dance music and “downtown” rhythm and blues.

Kimberly Collier gets animated in her acting class.

The five-day event is hosted by Crafton Institute of Music, Fife Music Productions, and the Rise Up and Sing committee. Having fun with the arts, students learn to perform choir, musical theater, opera, acting, theory, choreography, technique, and participation in a master class.

With a comedy recital and student recital during the week, plus a final performance and concert at the end of camp, students will perform the skills they’ve learned.

Guest artist will be Dr. Marianne Saunders, jazz vocalist and professor at College of Idaho. With a doctorate degree from Eastman School of Music, Dr. Saunders is the founder and director of College of Idaho’s Jazz Vocal Festival.

Along with Dr. Saunders, a professional lineup of teachers brings a unique opportunity to Southern Idaho for children and adults of all ages. Those on the teaching curriculum include:

The 2010 Rise Up and Sing teaching faculty - Leslie Mauldin, Lori Willson, Robert Newman, Holly Steed, Dan Child, Danielle Matheson, Leslie Crafton, JanaRae Christensen

Leslie Mauldin, Master Class/Opera; Dan Child, Choirs Master Class/Theory/Composition; Danielle Matheson, Musical Theater/Acting/Theory; Sarah Edvalson, Children’s Chorus/Theory; Rob Newman, Master Class; Lori Wilson, Master Class; JanaRae Christensen, Theory/Master Class; Leslie Crafton, Master Class. (For a complete biography of each faculty member see  www.riseupandsing.blogspot.com.

Founded in 2004, Rise Up and Sing is a “labor of love,” according to co-founder Leslie Crafton. When Jen Fife, also co-founder, asked if she could create a summer music camp, Leslie took on the challenge. The first few years proved “almost overwhelming,” Leslie recalls. Each year brought more students and responsibilities. But the rewards were greater than the challenges. She says the community has been tremendously supportive.

Professional singer Rob Newman hosts a benefit dinner annually during Christmas for the Scholarship Fund, through which students can access tuition money for the camp. Many others donate time and money, enabling the camp to be a success year after year.

Elena Beck performs the song "My Johann"

The quality and professionalism of Rise Up and Sing makes it one of the most musically encompassing summer camps in Idaho. Held at Minico High School in Rupert, the camp has access to all the latest technology and equipment, including stage and lighting that will be under the direction of Jeff Collier, Minico’s music director.

“It’s a clean, safe, fun and an enriching activity,” says Lori Wilson, committee and faculty member. “The camp includes multiple genres… everything to be on stage.”

While the majority of students come from Southern Idaho, students also come from Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Utah and other parts of Idaho. Rise Up and Sing is an investment in a child’s potential and future. It’s an excellent place to make friends while developing confidence in their ability to perform.

Registration is now online at www.riseupandsing.blogspot.com. Sign up early for a discount. Scholarships are also available.