The Arts Association's first Musical Theatre Camp will present a medley of Broadway songs and choreography at 7 p.m. Friday at Newton High School's Porter Auditorium.

The two-week drama camp began on July 11, with 36 students from grades six through 12. The recital performance by students on Friday will be directed by Mary Lynn Luke and Jay Tryall.

The songs were chosen based on the abilities of the students; the TV show "Glee" was an influence in the choice of music.

"We're going to be performing a variety of excerpts and ensembles from various musicals," said Ric Chiapetta, the artistic director at the Arts Association who is also managing the camp. "Everybody involved has been having a great time."

According to Arts Association Executive Director Buncie Lanners, the camp was the outgrowth of two programs, Oxford Singing Children and Oxford Youth Singers. The camp was designed to provide students with an in-depth focus on musical theater, specifically singing and dancing.

Chiapetta saw the demand for such a camp has increased over the years. Their decision to start the camp proved to be a success, and both Lanners and Chiapetta plan to continue the camp.

"We want to make sure what we present is of the highest artistic integrity," said Lanners. "This program will help give children some education opportunities they can't get anywhere else."