Students Invited to 'STAR' in a Show at Gulfshore Playhouse

Gulfshore Playhouse, Naples' premiere professional theatre, is now accepting registrations for STAR Academy.

Providing after school and summer education programming focused on professional performing arts training in acting, musical theatre and playwriting, STAR Academy will offer new production opportunities for students in first through 12th grade. Students will have the chance to participate in two shows in the fall and spring as part of Gulfshore Playhouse's new STAR in a Show program and Teen Acting Company, components of STAR Academy.

STAR in a Show program will present "Twas the Night," an original musical theatre production for students in first through 12th grade. The program takes place Sept. 19 to Dec. 14 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., and culminates in a holiday show on the nights of Dec. 15 and 16. First and second-graders meet on Thursdays for rehearsal; third through sixth-graders meet on Fridays; and seventh through 12th-graders meet on Tuesdays.

STAR in a Show registration fees are $350 for first through third grade, and $400 for fourth through 12th grade and includes costume/accessories fee. All students will be asked to provide dance shoes and basic dance clothes.

Teen Acting Company is for students in seventh through 12th grade, and takes place Tuesdays and Thursdays from Sept. 19, 2017 through May 12, 2018. The Teen Acting Company will study acting, voice, and movement technique with Gulfshore Playhouse staff and guest artists, and will conclude with a presentation of William Shakespeare's classic comedy, "A Midsummer Night's Dream" in the spring.

The registration fee for Teen Acting Company is $650 and includes attendance at all Gulfshore Playhouse shows. Need-based scholarships are available.

Additional education programs this season include STARwrights, a behind-the-scenes professional theatre intensive where students work with Gulfshore Playhouse staff and guest artists to develop their writing skills, create a short play, and attend Gulfshore Playhouse productions, panel discussions and opening night parties. It culminates with a public reading of student works by professional actors. The program runs from September - May.

To apply, visit www.gulfshoreplayhouse.org and select Gulfshore Education.

Gulfshore Playhouse is committed to enriching the cultural landscape of the region by producing professional theatre to the highest artistic standards, and providing unique educational opportunities to diverse groups of people in a spirit of service, adventure and excitement. Gulfshore Playhouse's work is inspired by a belief in the magic of theater to expand the imagination, challenge the senses, provoke discussion, and revitalize in the audience an understanding of common humanity. This belief drives the respect with which Gulfshore Playhouse treats its artists, audiences, students, staff and members of the greater community. This focus is also at the core of its newest endeavor - the creation of a landmark facility in downtown Naples. Plans are currently underway for Gulfshore Playhouse's new 56,000-square-foot complex at Goodlette-Frank Road and First Avenue South on the northern end of The Shoppes at Naples Square that will include two theaters and an education wing to support programming for children, adults and families.

For more information about Gulfshore Playhouse or its new facility, visit www.gulfshoreplayhouse.org or call 239-261-PLAY (7529).