Gulfshore Playhouse Education Announces Summer Programs For Students 6-18

Gulfshore Playhouse, Naples' premiere professional regional theatre, is opening registration for its 2018 summer programs, serving students ages 6-18.

"The Little Mermaid Jr." for ages 6-14, runs June 11-29. The program allows students to 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 $350 for students 6-8, and $500 for ages 9-14.

The Teen Conservatory runs from July 9 to Aug. 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," directed by Gulfshore Playhouse Associate Artistic Director and Broadway star Jeffrey Binder ("The Lion King," "Mary Poppins"). Program concludes with a performance on Aug. 2 at 7 p.m. and Aug. 3 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

From June 4 through July 13, Gulfshore Playhouse will 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 7 p.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 scholarships are available for all programs, but a scholarship does not guarantee entry to a program for residents living outside the City of Naples if the program fills before April 15.

Students can register starting April 1 in person at any City of Naples Parks and Recreation facility or online at https://apm.activecommunities.com/naplesrec/Home.

For more information, contact Hester Kamin at 239-261-7529, ext. 207.

Gulfshore Playhouse is committed to enriching and strengthening the cultural fabric of our region by creating and producing professional theatre productions of a national standard that celebrates the diversity of our audiences, draws people together to discover a new understanding of oneself, and gives back in a spirit of outreach and service.

This focus is also at the core of its newest endeavor - the creation of a cultural 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. Final architectural renderings will be unveiled at the March 26 Bubbles, Baubles and Broadway Gala at The Ritz-Carlton, Naples.

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