Disney’s Beauty and the Beast premiered 32 years ago (yes, we feel old, too, after reading that), but it’s still undeniably a classic. And this summer, theatre kids in Tampa Bay will get to play Belle, the Beast and other favorites. For the first time ever, campers will present this classic tale in two different, three-week camps focused on cultivating their performance and technical skills.
The camp is for students ages 13-17 and will be divided into two sections: one for the performers and one focused on stagecraft.
Why two camps?
The performance camp will be about the work on stage. Students will audition for roles, work on character development, learn the music, blocking and choreography, which will finally culminate in performing the show.
The design camp is for those who enjoy the technical side of theatre. Here students will work to designs, costumes, and props and see how the behind-the-scenes elements help bring the story to life.
“It really does take a village, and it is beautiful when our staff and parents come together every summer to create magical and long-lasting memories of friendships, camaraderie and art that our campers will remember forever,” says José Avilés, American Stage Director of Education.
Avilés feels this is the right time to introduce Beauty and the Beast, after last year’s success with Disney’s Descendants.
It’s not a coincidence that the camp show mirrors this year's production in Demens Landing. Doing the junior version after the professional production allows for working artists to teach the campers. For example, Juan Rodriguez, is serving as music director for both the professional version and the camp.
“Beauty and the Beast is my favorite Disney musical,” said Rodriguez. “What draws me to the music is the beautiful, simple, catchy melodies. The musical themes have a classical romantic French sound to them. The orchestration is very rich in color - I believe this is a Disney masterpiece.”
“It's a tale as old as time. It was relevant when I was a kid, and with each incarnation, whether animated or live action, each generation has had a timely connection with the characters and the universal lessons in this story,” Avilés says. “The messages ‘to never judge a book by its cover’ and ‘to recognize that beauty lies within’ will alway be invaluable lessons for a young person to take into the world as young adults.”
When: Beauty and the Beast Jr. camps run June 24 - July 20 (excluding the week of 4th of July). Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Where: First Presbyterian Church, 701 Beach Dr NE, St. Petersburg.
Financial Aid: American Stage offers weekly financial aid for summer camp in increments of 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%. Deadline to submit online is April 19.
Find more information online at americanstage.org/summer-camp
Take the Quiz: Are You an Actor, or a Designer?
Find out which camp experience you should choose.
Take this quiz to find out if you want to be part of the center stage production, or if you’re more of a backstage wizard type. We have two simultaneous experiences of Beauty and the Beast Jr.
We know you might have a sneaking suspicion about where your theatre kid fits in, but hey, quizzes are fun.
What does the thought of being called up to do a full karaoke performance of a Disney hit in the classroom make you feel?
a) Dancing in the grand ballroom, the center of attention? Love it. Even if you flop, it’ll be a laugh.
b) That’s not happening. Not without a fight.
Your mom/dad/sibling/friend asks for help putting together a magical Ikea wardrobe. What do you do?
a) I’m the moral support. I’ll hang around, but I’m not lifting a single screw unless pressured. b) I’d rather bring that wardrobe to life using my hands and the tools around me.
It’s Halloween. You’re going as Belle. What’s the costume situation? How do you handle the magic of transformation?
a) I’m going to get 100% into character and embody her.
b) The costuming is everything. Not a seam out of place. Whether it’s from the Halloween store or homemade, I’m going to make it special with the details.
If you mostly chose (a), you may have a flair for on-stage drama and should take the performance camp. If you leaned towards (b), your magic might be in the art of production, and you should take the technical camp.
Either way, we hope to see you there, campers.