TUTS Students Perform at National Theatre Festival

Students from Theatre Under The Stars' (TUTS) Humphreys School of Musical Theatre (HSMT) recently showcased their outstanding musical theatre abilities at the 10th nationwide Junior Theater Festival, January 16 - 18. A total of 4,800 students from 26 states, the District of Columbia and two countries participated in the celebration of musical theatre presented by iTheatrics at the Cobb Galleria in Atlanta, Georgia. "I had the great pleasure of witnessing the HSMT students' superb artistic talent and an incredible standing ovation of 4,800 of their peers when their performance in the New Works Showcase was complete. I am proud that TUTS has the Humphreys School and am in awe of its accomplishments," said Bob Lawson, TUTS' Director of Education.

The students from HSMT were one of four educational musical theatre groups chosen by iTheatrics to perform selections from a soon-to-be-released musical for attendees in the festival's New Works Showcase. They were specially selected by Disney to present The Lion King JR. and The Lion King KIDS at this event. With creative choreography recreating iconic numbers like the "Circle of Life" and "I Just Can't Wait to be King", the students took the audience on a memorable journey through the Pride Lands of Africa during their performance.

Appearing as young lion cub, Simba, was Scott Fonseka with Fernell Hogan taking on the role of Simba in his older years. Matthew Smith provided the voice of Simba's father, Mufasa, while Chase Callahan acted as the wise lion. Rafiki - the one and only baboon, was played by Joi Pierre. The musical number also included Sarah Klein as young Nala, Gerra Gistand as Simba's mother and Mufasa's wife, Sarabi, and Sam Linda as the noble hornbill, Zazu.

"The students from Theatre Under The Stars in Houston were the perfect group to launch The Lion King Experience with their performance of selections from The Lion King KIDS and The Lion King JR. at the Junior Theater Festival," said Lauren Chapman, Disney Theatrical Group's Resident Teaching Artist. "Their performance was filled with infectious joy and energy, as well as incredible dance technique and show stopping solos. These young professionals captivated the audience and proved what young artists are capable of when given the opportunity."

In addition to the New Works Showcase, the HSMT students also participated in the festival's Adjudication where they performed a 15-minute piece from Disney's High School Musical 2 JR. for a panel of distinguished theater professionals. They received rave reviews, along with awards for Outstanding Student Direction (Dylan Lambert) and Outstanding Student Choreography (Matthew Smith). Click here to view the additional honors awarded to the HSMT students.

To learn more about TUTS' Humphreys School of Musical Theatre (HSMT), visit TUTS.com/HSMT.