It’s a little-known fact: Some great actors were not born. They went to summer camp.

At least, that’s the theory behind the Matchbox Children’s Theater’s summer camp, which begins Monday.

There will be two sessions in August. The first takes place Monday through Friday this week.

A second session will be offered Aug. 11 through 15.

The activities will take place 9 to 11 a.m. each scheduled day at Christ Episcopal Church in Austin.

A special program for parents will be held following the second camp session Saturday, Aug. 16 at the Paramount Theatre to demonstrate what the actors learned.

Krista Johnson is coordinating the summer acting camp.

According to Johnson, each camp will be focused on 15 young actors in grades 3 through 8.

Six of the 15 slots in the second session are already filled.

The agenda will include tips on acting, scene design, makeup and other aspects of the theater.

Guest speakers will visit the camp to share their insight.

“Any child, no matter what their experience, is welcome to attend. It will be fun for everyone,” Johnson said.

The camp coordinator promises the instruction will include “lots of hands on activities” for the campers.

Matchbox Children’s Theater teen actors will assist Johnson in presenting the curriculum.

The camp coordinator herself is a veteran stage actor in local community theater productions in Austin and Waseca.

And, she is a summer camp “graduate” too.

“I carry a little bit of my summer camp experience with me whenever I go on the stage,” she said.

Theater fans who saw her perform in “Over The River, Through The Woods” will attest to her acting abilities.

Among her other acting credits are productions with the Albert Lea Community Theatre and “Proof” and when she was younger “Anne Frank.”

The fee is $40 per camper and includes a souvenir T-shirt and all camp supplies.

For more information, e-mail Johnson at elsalancaaster@yahoo.com