What do you get when you cross the joy of jumping up and acting with diving into a cultural Spanish language summer camp?  Why, Cuentos y Teatro of course!
           
Cuentos y Teatro is Miracle Theatre Group’s summer camp program for children, ages 9 to 12 years old, who speak Spanish or who share an interest in learning the language, art and culture of Latin America.  Led by Ecuadorian performing artist Omar Vargas and artistic director Olga Sanchez, participants will explore Latin American folktales, build masks, learn performance skills and share a final presentation for their families and friends at the Milagro Theatre.  
           
Each year we’re struck by how much can be accomplished in two weeks.  Through interactive games, and cultural activities, boys and girls learn about art that represents Latino culture.  But perhaps the most important development is the building of communication skills that enable children to express themselves in whatever language they wish.
             
Cuentos y Teatro meets from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. from Monday through Friday, July 14th through the 25th, at El Centro Milagro (525 S.E. Stark Street).  The cost $100 per child.  For more information and a registration form, please call Omar Vargas en el 503-236-7253, ext. 114 or via email to omar@milagro.org.

Omar Vargas
Assistant to the Artistic Director

Omar Vargas is originally from Ecuador, where he managed both his own arts company, Al Mimo Tiempo, as well as performed with several regional theatre groups. He toured his one-man show, Sobreviviendo, throughout Latin America, Mexico and the U.S. Locally; he has shared his talents as an actor and a mime with the Miracle Theatre Group in 13 productions, and with Portland Parks and Recreation, the tri-county Library Arts-in-Education program and the Regional Arts and Culture Council.  As well as performing in the Teatro Milagro touring shows since 2001, Omar has been an artist-educator for PUENTES (Bridges), the Teatro Milagro bilingual literacy program in residence at schools where the company tours. In 2005 he joined the Miracle staff as Community Liaison, strengthening relationships with the Latino community and its educational, social service and media organizations. Since 2005, Omar has led Miracle’s Spanish-language summer camp theatre training programs for children. As of January 2007, Omar has served as Assistant the Artistic Director of Bellas Artes, which includes involvement in Teatro Español, Pluma Nueva and Radio Milagro.