Delaware Arts and Entertainment Education: The New Candlelight Theatre in Ardentown, summer camp

The Candlelight offers two two-week camps each summer: an introductory camp for kids 7-11, and an intensive one for 12- to 17-year-olds with previous theater experience, which culminates in performance of the current mainstage show (“Annie” last summer). Mind you, “it all happens in two weeks, “which would be tough, even for adults,” says director Paul Goodman, who runs the camp with his wife, choreographer Shauna Goodman, and music director Deb Dehart. “There’s a lot thrown at them at once.” Some of the campers attend for the fun of it, but make no mistake: Some want careers on Broadway. “For someone going into the profession, the experience is absolutely invaluable,” Goodman says. “The things you learn at this stage you’ll use the rest of your life. For others, you’re learning social skills, how to follow directions, being part of a team. People are counting on you.” Ardentown, 475-2313, nctstage.org