Triple Threat Boot Camp: A Summer Tradition Built on Growth, Creativity, and Confidence
For many students, Triple Threat Boot Camp is one of the highlights of the summer. It’s a week filled with singing, acting, dancing, new friendships, and unforgettable memories. For this year’s instructors, it’s also an opportunity to help young performers challenge themselves, discover new skills, and grow both on and off the stage.
“I have told many people that TTBC week ranks right up there with Christmas morning excitement in my household,” says Camp Director and Acting Instructor Mindy Holthaus. “My own kids have been participating in boot camp since 2015!”
Triple Threat Boot Camp has a long history at Quincy Community Theatre, with many different instructors, themes, and shows covered throughout the years. However, one thing has remained the same: “TTBC is a week-long celebration of theatre and allows all participants to learn and grow in their singing, acting, and dancing skills,” Mindy shares.
This year’s team of instructors is excited to bring their experience and passion for theatre education to the program. Vocal Director Megan Masterman loves the process of transforming music from the page into a fully realized performance. “I love working in an environment where we take the poetry and notation, mix it with character objectives, and then literally hear the magic pop off the page,” she says.
With a week packed full of music, movement, and storytelling, Megan is ready to dive into this year’s material. “We have lots of harmonies to hit, stories to tell, and choreo to nail, and just enough time to master it all!” she says. She also knows the energy students bring each day is what makes Boot Camp so special. “The sheer energy and enthusiasm that 75+ students bring entering the building each day is enough to get us through a week of crazy schedules, stretching skill sets, and memorizing a ton of material.”
For Choreographer Ben Dombroski, theatre and music provide students with opportunities to express themselves, build confidence, and become part of something bigger than themselves. “The camaraderie formed when performing alongside others has the ability to create deep, meaningful relationships that can last for years,” he says.
Ben believes dance, in particular, encourages students to step outside their comfort zones. “Whether you are trained or completely new to dance, you still have to build up that courage to be a certain character or move in a specific style that may feel unnatural to you,” he explains. “This type of confidence that allows you to put yourself out there, even when it may not be comfortable, is a skill that translates to all areas of life.”
After hearing students talk about their experiences with Triple Threat Boot Camp for years, Ben is excited to experience the program firsthand. “Every single student has areas they can grow in, and I look forward to finding ways for each kid to improve throughout the week!” he says.
For students considering signing up, Ben’s advice is simple: “DO IT! Life is full of opportunities, and we can only learn from them if we are willing to put ourselves out there!” Triple Threat Boot Camp provides a safe, supportive environment where students can try something new, learn from experienced instructors, and create memories with peers who share their passion for performance.
As Mindy says, “TTBC 2026 is going to be EPIC!!”