McGucken Theatre weekend

All the world’s a stage, and here’s your chance to stand on it, performing for the most appreciative and supportive audience ever assembled. At the McGucken theatre camp for adults, all levels of skill and talent are eagerly welcomed. Act, sing, dance, play music, do standup, read poetry — solo or with people you meet at camp. Or help with lighting, sound, or props. Or just sit back and enjoy the shows. No pressure.

Two actors in old-fashioned striped prisoner uniforms singing.

In a tradition going back to 1975, people involved with community theatre have gathered over Labor Day Weekend for the annual 4 day, 3 night McGucken Theatre Weekend for 21 and over. 2024 will be our 46th year. This year’s theme is McGucken of OZ.

In the morning, one-and-a-half-hour workshops in theatre arts provide an opportunity to immerse yourself in the performing arts world and expand your skills. Workshops may be serious, silly and fun, or somewhere in between. They’re included with your registration, open to everyone, and completely optional. If you prefer, go out and play.

A woman in a red dress stands in a spotlight in front of a red velvet curtain. She holds a microphone and sings.

You can try your hand in the McGucken workshops, activities or you can strut your stuff in your finest costumes as you parade around the camp. Afternoons are free time. If you like, rehearse for the evening’s shows. This year there is Drag Bingo as well as a poolside Zumba class, a big favorite. You can also just enjoy some leisure. Options include swimming or sitting by the pool (when the lifeguard is present), hiking through the redwoods, water-volleyball, basketball, relaxing with a book, or hanging out with friends old and new. Guest Wi-Fi is available in the Main Lodge. There’s also the Cabin Crawl, a traveling party with drinks and snacks where McGucken guests are the hosts and cabins are decorated for the year's theme. Plan ahead with your buddies to share a cabin and decorate it with some aspect of the OZ theme. There’s a brief spiritual gathering for anyone interested.

Two actors in Nineteenth Century costumes.

Saturday and Sunday night feature our variety shows, where you are invited to perform or crew.  Or just be part of the audience. Sign-ups are taken at camp. An accompanist is available in the afternoons for a short rehearsal. 

After the shows, options include hanging out at at after show lounge, dancing, and singing at the piano bar. If you prefer something quieter, join others playing dominoes, your board game of choice, or other activities such as putting a jigsaw puzzle together in the Main Lodge.

The people of McGucken are warm and welcoming. This is an amazing way to relax and renew your energy.  We hope you will join us. 

People dancing Zumba next to a swimming pool.

For more views of what McGucken is all about, take a look at our gallery. And check out our Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/McGuckenTheatreWorkshop

Dates: Labor Day Weekend, August 30-September 2, Friday evening thru Monday afternoon.

Location: The Northern California Redwoods of Sonoma County, 60 miles north of San Francisco.

A beautiful multi-acre redwood forest setting with miles of wooded hiking trails, two pools — a swimming pool and a shallower water-volleyball pool — softball field, basketball & volleyball courts, horseshoe pit (most sports equipment is available on-site), and a private lake with dock (sometimes the camp staff can be persuaded to get out the canoes).

Our Meeting Place: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=oa.380397295340528

Two actors. One sits in a folding chair. The rest of the stage is bare.

Accommodations: Modern bunk-bed cabins sleep up to 12 each (max camp occupancy of 288). McGucken attendance is limited to around 100, so cabins are never full (unless you want them to be). The cabins have hardwood floors, modern lighting and heaters. Cabin buildings are paired with wooden decks and benches. Mattresses are provided. Attendees should bring their own towels, pillows, and bedding. Bathrooms with private hot showers are a short outside walk away. Which cabin you occupy is first-come, first-served. Scout around and take possession by moving your stuff in.

Food & Drink: Meals (with vegetarian options) are included with the registration fee — prepared for us and served cafeteria-style in the Main Lodge from Friday dinner thru Monday brunch. An open bar is also included. (If you have a particular favorite premium brand, we encourage you to bring a bottle along.)

McGucken Theatre Weekend is a production of the McGucken Performing Arts Committee, a 501c7 nonprofit social club. Please note that donations are not tax-deductible. All photos © Mark Decker.

To contact us for more details click here:

Please note: No one under 21, no smoking in the buildings, and no pets.