Thirty Years of Transforming Children’s Lives Through Theatre: Irene C. Edmonds Youth Theatre Camp Celebrates Final Season
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida A&M University's Irene C. Edmonds Youth Theatre Camp, affectionately known as ICE Camp, will celebrate its 30th anniversary and conclude its final season this summer, ending three decades of artistic excellence, youth development and community impact.
The milestone will be commemorated with the camp's final production, "Rotten to the Core," the culmination of the five-week summer program that began June 8. Performances will be held Friday, July 10, at 10 a.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Saturday, July 11, at 2 p.m. in Charles Winter Wood Theatre (Edmonds Stage) in Tucker Hall on FAMU's campus. The production explores leadership, accountability and the courage to do what is right when the answers are not easy. Ticket information is available at famu.edu/essentialtheatre.
The ICE Youth Theatre Camp was the brain child of CSSAH Dean Valencia Matthews, Ph.D.
(Photo special to FAMU)
Founded in 1997 by Valencia E. Matthews, Ph.D., dean of FAMU's College of Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities and director of FAMU Essential Theatre, ICE Camp was established to honor the legacy of pioneering children's theatre educator Prof. Irene C. Edmonds. During the past three decades, the camp has introduced hundreds of young people to the performing arts while preserving and extending Edmonds' vision of using theatre to educate, inspire and empower youth. “
“After 30 years, I know that there is nothing as beautiful and inspiring and fulfilling as seeing our children reach their potential, knowing that they are being fortified and influenced by a community of artists to positively impact our society,” Matthews reflected. “What a privilege this has been.”
Each summer, approximately 30 children ages 7 to 16 participate in the camp's intensive program focused on artistic development, personal growth and character building. The program emphasizes the values established by Edmonds and embraced by generations of participants, including professionalism, discipline, responsibility, collaboration, commitment, tradition and respect for the art of theatre.
“Irene C. Edmonds was a visionary who believed deeply in the power of theatre to expand children’s horizons and transform lives,” said Matthews, who serves as dean of the FAMU College of Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities (CSSAH). “Her commitment to excellence, discipline, and nurturing young people inspired the creation of this program and has guided us throughout our journey.”
Irene C. Edmonds, the namesake of the ICE Youth Theatre Camp, was a pioneering children's
theatre educator. (Photo special to FAMU)
The camp honors Edmonds (1908-1968), one of the nation's earliest pioneers in children's educational theatre. After establishing the first children's theatre at a historically Black college or university at Dillard University in 1935, she brought her expertise to Florida A&M, where she organized and directed the nationally recognized FAMU Creative Children's Theatre from 1948 to 1960. Her work helped establish theatre as an educational tool for children and young people nationwide.
Inspired by Edmonds' legacy, Matthews revived children's theatre at FAMU in 1997 by founding the Irene C. Edmonds Youth Theatre Camp. Under her leadership, the program became known for producing quality theatrical performances while helping young people build confidence, creativity, leadership skills and lifelong friendships.
Over three decades, hundreds of campers have participated in ICE Camp, with many pursuing careers in the arts, education and other professions while carrying forward the lessons they learned through the program.
“I know that in today's world, as before, it is essential to make a case for the importance
of the arts in our lives,” Matthews said. “Our mission has been exposing youth to
the performing arts in a nurturing, disciplined, and artistically rich environment
with quality as our trademark.” Matthews, who also serves as director of the FAMU
Essential Theatre, added that the camp has also been an opportunity for FAMU theatre
majors to hone their craft and enhance their interpersonal, technical, and administrative
skills.
James Webb, Ph.D. (Photo special to FAMU)
James Webb, Ph.D., a resident playwright and director who has worked with the program for years, has
witnessed its influence across multiple generations of campers. A 2002 graduate of
FAMU's theatre program, Webb said ICE Camp has consistently helped young people discover
their voices both on and off the stage.
“I have watched students grow from shy, soft-spoken children into accomplished performers,
college students, educators, and community leaders,” said Webb, who is a 2002 graduate
of FAMU’s theatre program. “The camp has created a space where young people take risks,
collaborate across differences, and experience the transformative power of theatre.
It has taught discipline, empathy, teamwork, and self-expression while building lifelong
friendships and memories.”
As ICE Camp celebrates its 30th anniversary and final season, Matthews reflected on the many people whose dedication sustained the program over three decades.
There has been a variety of students who have honed their acting chops at the ICE
Youth Camp over the years. (Photos special to FAMU)
“It has been my great pride and privilege to serve as founder and artistic director of the Irene C. Edmonds Youth Theatre Camp,” Matthews shared. “However, let the record reflect that from day one, it has been the collective energy of a dynamic group of committed individuals who have nurtured and sustained this youth theatre. A perfect example is Mr. David Wiley who, from the establishment of the program, served as the assistant director for more than 10 years. His expertise in children’s education was extraordinarily instrumental in us being able to form a team and develop such an impactful program.”
For Webb, the final season is a moment to celebrate a legacy that extends far beyond the stage.
“The 30th anniversary and final season is bittersweet,” he said. “While it marks the end of an extraordinary chapter, it is also a celebration of a legacy that will continue to live on through the hundreds of young people whose lives were shaped by this program.” He continued, “The stories they tell, the confidence they carry, and the communities they strengthen are a testament to the vision of Dr. Valencia E. Matthews and everyone—from counselors, instructors, directors, designers and staff—who helped sustain this remarkable institution over the past three decades.”
About the Irene C. Edmonds Youth Theatre
Founded in 1997 by Valencia E. Matthews, Ph.D., the Irene C. Edmonds Youth Theatre Camp, also known as ICE Camp, is a 5-week performing arts camp designed to introduce and expose children ages 7-16 to the arts — theatre, music and dance. The program culminates with a theatrical production on the campus of Florida A&M University. Named in honor of pioneering educator and children's theatre advocate Irene C. Edmonds, the program has impacted hundreds of youth throughout its 30-year history.
About Rotten to the Core
Written and directed by James Webb, Ph.D.
A middle school election becomes a battle for the soul of a school. When Corey Rivers
promises to bring fun back to Westbrook Middle School, students rally behind his campaign
and usher in a new era of school spirit. But as questions of fairness, truth, and
artificial intelligence begin to divide the student body, Westbrook finds itself facing
a choice far bigger than any election.
About the Florida A&M University Essential Theatre
The FAMU Essential Theatre is a highly acclaimed, pre-professional performance and training program that serves as both an academic program and premier cultural destination for the greater Tallahassee community. Operating under the FAMU College of Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities, the foundation of the theatre department dates back to legendary figures like Dr. S. Randolph Edmonds, a pioneer in educational theatre who helped establish the first drama degrees at FAMU in 1947. The formal program was renamed the FAMU Essential Theatre by Ronald O. Davis, Ph.D. in the 1980s.
About the Florida A&M University College of Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities
The Florida A&M University (FAMU) College of Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities (CSSAH) is the largest college at the university. Offering multidisciplinary bachelor’s, master’s, and online degrees, CSSAH is comprised of eight degree-granting departments plus Army ROTC. Majors include: Criminal Justice, English, Global Security and International Affairs, Interdisciplinary Studies, Music, Political Science, Psychology, Social Work, Sociology, and Theatre.
Media Contact
Rachel James-Terry
Senior Director of Strategic Communications
rachel.jamesterry@famu.edu
