Gulfshore Playhouse Announces Summer Conservatory Programs and Productions

Naples, FL – Steven Calakos, Director of Education at Gulfshore Playhouse, is thrilled to announce the summer youth Conservatory programs, four of which culminate in full productions. The Conservatory’s pre-professional training through theatre productions, classes, and summer camps gives students the opportunity to grow as performers and as people. The programs are built to improve performance skills, build confidence, encourage self-expression, and inspire artistic growth. Whether an experienced performer or a first-time actor who has never set foot on stage, Gulfshore Playhouse Education prepares students for every stage in life.

For both productions, this immersive Conservatory program offers an extraordinary opportunity for aspiring actors, singers, and dancers to delve into the whimsical characters and vibrant music of beloved plays and musicals.

The first Conservatory program, Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka JR., is tailor made for students ages 8-13 and begins June 3, 2024, with performances June 21 through 23. The second, Seussical JR., is perfect for ages 8-18 and begins July 1, 2024, with performances July 26 through 28.  

For students ages 5-7, The Conservatory is offering two, two-week half-day programs where students will learn select music and dance numbers from Willy Wonka JR. or Seussical JR. and then will be integrated into the larger productions for a unique opportunity to perform live on stage. 

Across the multi-week programs, participants will engage in intensive rehearsals, specialized workshops, and creative sessions designed to enhance their performance skills. Led by seasoned instructors and industry professionals, students will embark on a thrilling journey, while honing their acting, singing, and dancing abilities.

Throughout this experience, performers will collaborate, build teamwork, and nurture their artistic talents, all while preparing for an unforgettable production. The program culminates in awe-inspiring performances where our young talents will showcase their hard work and dedication on stage, captivating audiences with their vibrant portrayal of beloved characters. 

ABOUT WILLY WONKA JR. 

The delicious adventures of Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory light up the stage in this captivating adaptation of Roald Dahl’s fantastical tale, under the direction of John Perine. Featuring the enchanting songs from the 1971 film, in addition to a host of fun new songs, Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka JR. is a scrumdidilyumptious musical guaranteed to delight everyone’s sweet tooth!

Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka JR. follows enigmatic candy manufacturer Willy Wonka as he stages a contest by hiding golden tickets in five of his scrumptious candy bars. Whomever comes up with these tickets will win a free tour of the Wonka factory, as well as a lifetime supply of candy. Four of the five winning children are insufferable brats, but the fifth is a likable young lad named Charlie Bucket, who takes the tour in the company of his equally amiable grandfather. The children must learn to follow Mr. Wonka’s rules in the factory — or suffer the consequences.

ABOUT SEUSSICAL JR. 

Horton the Elephant, the Cat in the Hat and all of your favorite Dr. Seuss characters spring to life onstage in Seussical JR., a fantastical musical extravaganza from Tony®-winners, Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, and directed by Victoria Ostroski.

Transporting audiences from the Jungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus, the Cat in the Hat narrates the story of Horton the Elephant, who discovers a speck of dust containing tiny people called the Whos. Horton must protect the Whos from a world of naysayers and dangers, and he must also guard an abandoned egg that’s been left in his care by the irresponsible Mayzie La Bird.  Although Horton faces ridicule, danger and a trial, the intrepid Gertrude McFuzz never loses faith in him.  Ultimately, the powers of friendship, loyalty, family and community are challenged and emerge triumphant!

PROGRAM INFORMATION

The Willy Wonka JR. Conservatory program for ages 8-13 is currently sold out. Willy Wonka JR. for ages 5-7 is still available for registration and costs $600 for two weeks. Seussical JR. for ages 8-18 is available for registration and costs $1200 for four weeks. Seussical JR. for ages 5-7 is available for registration and costs $600 for two weeks. 

Scholarships are available for these summer Conservatory programs. 

PERFORMANCE TICKETING INFORMATION

Tickets for Willy Wonka JR. and Seussical JR. are available online at gulfshoreplayhouse.org or over the phone at 239-261-PLAY. Tickets are $25 for all tickets.  

Registration for all Conservatory programs is available through the city of Naples at https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/naplesrec/activity/search?activity_select_param=2&activity_keyword=theatre%20camp&viewMode=list

Photos available at https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/hxwc5ii34fb1wn8a2ymll/AAMbQVIXYgudQoCREJ5ZrtQ?rlkey=m9xio1o6f7ylq6e370veai6wf&st=64uo4l06&dl=0

Gulfshore Playhouse Education

Education is a true priority for Gulfshore Playhouse, as demonstrated by the upcoming slate of new (and ongoing) theatre education programs for people of all ages. Gulfshore Playhouse will continue work in the community with the ArtReach programming, educating in the schools with ThinkTheatre, and training pre-professional students through The Conservatory, all while creating new opportunities for the entire community on the Gulfshore Playhouse campus. Expanded educational programming will give all the opportunity to learn theatre arts from professionals, grow self-confidence, and engage with a community of fellow theatre lovers.

ABOUT GULFSHORE PLAYHOUSE
Gulfshore Playhouse is passionately committed to enriching the cultural landscape of our 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. The work of Gulfshore Playhouse is inspired by a belief in the magic of theatre 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.

Gulfshore Playhouse is now producing in the state-of-the-art Baker Theatre and Education Center. Located at the corner of Goodlette-Frank Road and 1st Avenue South, the gateway to downtown Naples, the facility houses a 350-seat mainstage theatre and a 125-seat studio space, in addition to numerous events, rehearsal, and educational spaces. Naming opportunities are still available.

For more information about Gulfshore Playhouse or its new facility, or to make a contribution, visit www.gulfshoreplayhouse.org or call 239-261-PLAY.