During online school this year, my daughter’s teacher organized an online class musical. Parts were assigned, time was spent practicing the songs, and eventually they came together for an evening online Meet with parents to watch as the kids each performed from home, their individual lines (with a lot of muting and unmuting) and group songs.
It wasn’t a performance without glitches of course, but it was one filled with heart. For my daughter, who continues to show an interest in the dramatic arts, it has been an online school highlight.
It’s never been a secret that I love stage performances. Over the years on this blog, I’ve shared a lot of details about shows we attended, musical movies and television we love (um, speaking of, have you watched Julie and The Phantoms yet?) and I’ve partnered with organizations over the years to share with readers their upcoming events.
A former ad partner has returned this year, and I’m so please to share more details about the new summer season and their hybrid in-person and online workshop opportunity for kids aged 6-18 with The Academy for Musical Theatre.
About this summer’s workshop
While their summer programming usually includes day camps, The Academy for Musical Theatre is pivoting (along with so many others this year) to ensure a pandemic style musical theatre workshop experience combining online rehearsals (and community connection!) and a live season-finale performance at the Gladstone Theatre.
Of course, depending on circumstances in the City, and Covid guidelines, more changes or pivots may need to be made but they are putting care into creating a hybrid in-person and online workshop that kids will love.
Registration is open for two different age groups and experiences:
The All Ages Registration is for those who are wanting to participate and ready to learn, sing and grow! This is for ages 6-16.
The Advanced Teen Workshop is for ages 12-18 who may have previous musical theatre experience and are looking for a challenge!
This year’s workshop will take place from July 2 until August 14th. After an in-person or online Audition, lessons and rehearsals will take place weekly on Zoom, and include a all-cast rehearsal every Wednesday. At the end of the season, a live performance (if possible) will take place at the Gladstone Theatre in small groups.
Instructional videos where students can learn about blocking a scene, choreography, and at-home costume planning will also be available on demand to watch.
Here’s a bit about what you’ll receive when your child registers:
A special delivery package to your home
An in-person individual audition (with option for a video audition.)
Detailed audition feedback
A lead role in one section of the show, as well three chorus roles in the other three sections
Access to professional instructional videos
Live Zoom lessons and rehearsals
The Final Performance (with Covid-19 safety protocols in place)
A Professional Final Video
An epic outdoor end-of-summer Cast Party!
– From The Musical Academy for Musical Theatre website
And yes, there are auditions, but it’s not a ‘you are in or out’ type of audition. It’s one to offer feedback and create a true musical theatre experience!
What is the show about?
Here’s the fun part: The show this year is actually pieces of four different, popular movies and theatre shows that families will love. Musical performances and highlights from each show will be performed.
This includes: Hamilton, Frozen 2, The Greatest Showman, and Wicked.
How many of us have those soundtracks downloaded on our phones already and as a family have watched/listened to these songs?
You can visit the website to see which songs will be performed and all of the details about how your child will have a lead role in one of the performances, plus will participate in the all the others.
How to Register
Registration is now open and available online. The nearly summer-long experience is $345.
This summer is likely going to be somewhat different still for many of us. And as parents, it’s hard to imagine what it will all look like. But as we try to plan for some activities that our kids can really get lost in, and be creative and find something that they love that is new and exciting, this musical theatre workshop experience might be the perfect avenue for many families.
Find out more on their website!
