Gulfshore Playhouse Education Announces Summer Programs for 2019

Gulfshore Playhouse, Naples' premier professional regional theater, has finalized its 2019 summer programs for students ages 6 to 18.

Children who dream of going somewhere over the rainbow can take part in a production of "The Wizard of Oz" through the "Star in a Show" and "Star in a Show, Jr." programs. Both programs run June 10 through 28. The "Star in a Show" program is for students ages 9 to 14 and costs $550. Students ages 6 to 8 can participate in "Star in a Show Jr." for $375.

"Star in a Show" is a full-day program where students will take on the roles of Dorothy and the colorful characters she meets in Oz. Younger students who enroll in the half-day program take on triple roles as Munchkins, Flying Monkeys, and Crows in the musical. The experience concludes with performances on June 27 at 7 p.m. and June 28 at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Gulfshore Playhouse Education also offers one-week programs from July 8-12. At "Broadway Bootcamp" ($250 fee) for ages 9 to 14, students prepare a musical showcase featuring songs, scenes and dances from Broadway's biggest hits. "Broadway Bootcamp Jr." ($250 fee) introduces students ages 6 to 8 to musical theater as they work with professional teaching artists and rehearse scenes and songs. Both programs culminate in a recital on July 12 at 7 p.m.

The Teen Conservatory for ages 13 to 18 ($800 fee) runs from July 8 to Aug. 10. This pre-professional, by-audition only program, offers training in musical theater and concludes with performances of "Les Misérables," directed by Broadway veteran Becky Timms of "Thoroughly Modern Millie" and "Cats." Auditions take place March 3 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; performances are held Aug. 1-4 and 6-10 at 7 p.m. and Aug. 2, 4 and 9 at 2 p.m.

Registration for Gulfshore Playhouse Education summer programs is through the City of Naples and opens April 1 for City of Naples residents and April 15 for residents outside the City of Naples. 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 16. To register, please visit apm.activecommunities.com/naplesrec/Activity_Search.

For more information about Gulfshore Playhouse Education summer programs or to schedule an audition time for the Teen Conservatory program, contact Hester Kamin, director of education, at 239- 261-7529 ext. 207 or HKamin@gulfshoreplayhouse.org.

Gulfshore Playhouse is passionately committed to enriching the cultural landscape of our region by producing professional theater to the highest artistic standards and providing unique educational opportunities to diverse groups of people in a spirit of service, adventure, and excitement. The 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 its audiences an understanding of our common humanity. This belief drives the care 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 cultural landmark facility in downtown Naples. Plans are currently underway for the new Gulfshore Playhouse Theater and Education Center at Goodlette-Frank Road and First Avenue South, which will include two theaters and an education wing to support programming for children, adults, and families.

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