CURTAIN RISES ON KIDS’ THEATRE SUMMER PROGRAMS

A summer filled with vibrant art, singing, acting and dancing awaits Southwest Florida’s brightest young artists ready to take the stage.

This summer, Gulfshore Playhouse Education will engage students ages 6-18 with fun and imaginative productions and one-week programs in musical theatre, acting and Shakespeare.

Led by Gulfshore Playhouse’s brilliant Director of Education, Hester Kamin, the summer programs include the production of “The Little Mermaid Jr” for ages 6-14.

From June 11-29, students will dive into the magic of musical theatre as they tell the tale of a young mermaid who is trying to find the place where she belongs. The program will conclude with performances on Thursday, June 28 at 7 p.m. and Friday, June 29 at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Program fee is $350f or students 6-8, and $500 for ages 9-14.

Gulfshore Playhouse’s summer education programs also include the by-audition only Teen Conservatory, for students ages 13-18. This intensive musical theatre conservatory was created specifically for students looking to learn or hone their acting, dancing and singing skills.

Gulfshore Playhouse associate artistic director and Broadway star Jeffrey Binder will direct the program. After living in New York City for 20 years and starring in four Broadway productions, including as Zazu in “The Lion King” and Mr. Banks in “Mary Poppins,” Binder found himself wanting to dig deeper into the inner workings of theater.

Since 2015, he’s been doing just that at Gulfshore Playhouse by becoming more involved in fostering the growth of the arts in our community.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming students this summer in the Teen Conservatory program, which provides the opportunity to not only learn about acting, singing and dancing, but also how to engage with other performers, produce ideas and learn to take risks,” said Binder.

“The intense conservatory program is a wonderful way for students to make lifelong friends, develop confidence and learn what it is to be part of a true theatre ensemble.”

The Teen Conservatory runs from July 9 to August 3. This pre-professional program, which students enter by audition, offers training in musical theatre and concludes with performances of the Tony Award-winning musical, “The Secret Garden.”

From June 4 through July 13, Gulfshore Playhouse will also offer one-week programs for ages 6 through 18, including the following:

• June 4-8, ages 6-8: “The Velveteen Rabbit” Students will perform scenes from the Margery Williams’ beloved story about a boy, his rabbit and the meaning of friendship. Concludes with a recital on Friday, June 8 at 7 p.m.. $200 per student.
• July 9-13, ages 6-8: “Broadway Bootcamp Jr” Students will learn to sing and dance as they rehearse and perform pieces from the musical theatre canon that will be chosen specifically for their group. Concludes with a recital on Friday, July 13 at 7 p.m. $225 per student.
• June 4-8, ages 9-12: “The Lorax” Young performers become an ensemble as they act out scenes from Dr. Seuss’ classic tale about caring for the world around us. Concludes with a recital Friday, June 8 at 7 p.m. $200 per student
•  July 9-13, ages 9-12: “Broadway Bootcamp” Performers will learn songs and dances that are chosen specifically for their group during this one-week musical theatre intensive. Concludes with a recital Friday, July 13 at 7 p.m. $225 per student.
• June 4-8, ages 13-18: “Acting Shakespeare” All the world’s a stage as teens learn classical acting and perform an evening of Shakespeare scenes. Concludes with a recital Friday, June 8 at 7p.m. $300 per student.
• June 11-15, ages 13-18: “Musical Theatre Intensive.” Teens will learn singing, dancing, acting and audition technique in this week-long intensive. Program concludes with a recital on Friday, June 30 at 7 p.m. $325 per student.

Need-based scholarship forms will be available March 1. For more information about Gulfshore Playhouse Education or to register, contact Hester Kamin at 239.261.7529, ext. 207 or visit www.gulfshoreplayhouse.org.