Luna Stage – a West Orange theater – is offering an affordable summer camp to accommodate some of the financial hardships caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

While the theater cannot offer in-person performances due to the virus, they will now offer virtual summer programs using a “pay what you can” model. Students will be able to learn about performing and writing.

“You get to choose what camp costs for you this summer. It can be free, it can be a number of different price points,” says Luna Stage artistic director Ari Laura Kreith.

Kreith says that parents can designate what they will pay when enrolling a child for the virtual camps to be held in July and August. The camps will be taught by entertainment professionals like Todd Flaherty, whose own film project scheduled for this summer was postponed.

“I was scheduled to be filming my first feature film this May and June,” he says. “Unfortunately, with the pandemic that just wasn’t possible.”

The camp is for third grade students and up, with programs for high school students aptly named “The Strangers Summer.” It is taught by actress Athena Colon.

“While it is a strange summer, I am just super happy I still get to do my part. I still get to do what I love,” she says.

Luna Stage is a professional regional theater with a mission of producing plays that address social issues. A grant to cover a conservatory and touring summer production – now canceled – is being used to help pay for the camps.

More information about the camp can be found on the Luna Stage website.