Theater Camp Interview: Ben Platt, Jimmy Tatro, Noah Galvin and More
64“You can't really make fun of something without it coming off as mean unless, deep down, you truly love it, and I think that really comes across.” That’s how Jimmy Tatro described Theater Camp during our Sundance 2023 interview, and that description is spot-on.
Inspired by the short film created by Molly Gordon, Ben Platt, Noah Galvin, and Nick Lieberman, the feature reunited that foursome and added a number of new creators to the team including Tatro, Patti Harrison, and Owen Thiele. Gordon, Platt, Galvin, and Thiele all play teachers at an Upstate New York theater camp. When the founder of that camp unexpectedly falls into a coma, her son (Tatro) who knows little to nothing about that world must step in to keep things up and running. Trouble is, the camp is in financial ruin and corporate vultures like Harrison’s character are eager to swoop and capitalize on the camp’s struggles.
The filmmakers certainly go all out poking fun at a slew of theater camp and industry cliches, but they find great success in delivering those laughs with respect, reverence, and passion for the world they’re playing in. In fact, not only will Theater Camp likely appeal to those with similar experiences, but the film's ability to welcome outsiders in and share in the magic of creating in such a safe space could be the key to moving and inspiring a wide audience.
In celebration of Theater Camp’s Sundance Film Festival premiere, Gordon, Platt, Galvin, Lieberman, Thiele, Tatro, and Harrison all visited the Collider Studio Presented by Saratoga Spring Water to talk about their experience making a movie about a place they love with people they love.
Special thanks to our 2023 partners at Sundance including presenting partner Saratoga Spring Water and supporting partners Marbl Toronto, EMFACE, Sommsation, Hendrick’s Gin, Stella Artois, mou, and the all-electric vehicle, Fisker Ocean.
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