In the Turnage Theatre on Friday, Dylan Ritch watched budding actors perform a whimsical tune from “The Jungle Book” as he offered energetic, helpful tips.

“That was perfect,” Ritch said.

“Great job with that,” he added.

Ritch, children’s programming director at Arts of the Pamlico, is directing 16 children in the production as part of Arts of the Pamlico’s three-week Broadway Kids Camp.

On July 28 at 7 p.m., the curtain will rise on opening night of “The Jungle Book.”

Ritch said he attempts to give the campers a realistic feel for what an authentic Broadway show opening night would be like.

“We sell tickets, it’s at night, and I put it up on the marquee. They feel like little Broadway stars. It’s great,” Ritch said.

The production will cap off nearly a month of rehearsals. The second week of camp ends today, and Ritch said the campers have worked very hard on the production so far.

“Once a child is here, and they realize that rehearsing is hard work, but it’s also really fun, they sort of enjoy something that is hard work. They take pride in themselves,” Ritch said.

Ritch said he chose “The Jungle Book” because it appeals to both boys and girls, and it also gives the children a chance to try something a little different. Since the characters are animals, it allows them to branch out in their acting skills.

“There is a lot of character acting, and these kids haven’t really done that, they’ve always played humans. That’s different, and I think an experience they need to have,” Ritch said.

As director, Ritch is able to teach young actors the ins-and-outs of the theatrical world. He said he tries to run rehearsals as realistically as possible and teaches them real Broadway lingo.

While he is excited to see the work come to life on opening night, he said it will feel a little different for him: next Friday, he will sit in the audience just like everybody else.

“Opening night is the night my job ends. It’s really their jobs now as actors. I can’t tell them to hold or do that again,” Ritch said. “It’s terrifying as a director.”

A second performance will take place July 29 at 7 p.m.

Tickets to the show are $5 at the door and can also be purchased via phone or in person. Cold beverages, candy and popcorn will be for sale.