Registration opens Sunday, Feb. 1, for Gateway Playhouse’s “Gateway to the Arts,” the annual eight-week summer camp program for children ages 7 to 18. The educational program will take place at the Somers Point theater from June 22 to Aug. 15.
Gateway to the Arts is an intensive educational program that is unlike any other summer camp program in the region. Divided into three age groups–“Musical Munchkins,” ages 7-9; “Shining Stars,” 10-13; “Rising Stars” 14-18–the program empowers kids through theater and encourages students to develop a strong comfort level for performing. Each session culminates with a different, full-blown production complete with costumes, choreography, vocals, and live music.
This year’s theme, “When Timeless Tunes Meet Tomorrow’s Stars,” will be exemplified through three shows:
- “Disney Through the Decades: A Musical Revue” for Musical Munchkins.
- Focuses on key Disney songs from the past 70 years. The object is for students to witness and experience the range of Disney songs from the classics to today’s modern music.
- “Newsies Jr.” for Shining Stars.
- A 60-minute, one-act adaptation of Disney’s Broadway musical based on the true 1899 New York City newsboys’ strike. The show empowers kids to find their voice and fight for justice.
- “Crazy for You” for Rising Stars.
- “Crazy for You” is a musical romcom with the book by Ken Ludwig and music and lyrics by George and Ira Gershwin, respectively. It is based primarily on the songwriting team’s 1930 musical “Girl Crazy,” but incorporates popular songs from other productions, as well.
“I always want to give our students a broad theatrical experience,” said Gateway Playhouse’s Artistic Director Phil Pallitto. “(Last year) ‘Rent’ was super modern and edgy. This year, beloved Gershwin and Disney classics will allow our students to experience Broadway at its finest. These shows don’t just bear popular titles, but they are each a masterclass in storytelling, character and dance. So, when young performers take on these roles, they’re fully learning, developing and growing their theater skills.”
Children with any performance experience—whether new to the stage or not—are encouraged to sign up to work with instructors who are not just educators, but professionals in the industry whether choreographers, musicians or designers.
“A misconception of summer camp is that it’s just about one thing–this program is the whole shebang. We challenge students with full vocals, full choreography and live musicians, and work with them to step out of their comfort zone and perform on stage,” said Pallitto. “And these classics will allow our students to understand where musical theater comes from, so they can envision where it’s going.”
Cost for the sessions are $325 for Musical Munchkins and $500 for Shining and Rising Stars. Limited scholarships are available for each session. Groups are limited to 35 students. Information about programming, scholarships and more info can be found at GatewayToTheArtsSPNJ.org. Gateway Playhouse is located at 738 Bay Ave. in Somers Point. Go to GatewayByTheBay.org for more.
