Manatee Players Offers Young Performers Their Time in the Spotlight

Manatee Players’ Youth Theatre Training Programs are specifically designed to offer young actors the opportunity to participate in a professional theatrical experience. Manatee Players offers expert theatrical training to those children aged 8 - 17 who are seriously interested in performing on stage. Instruction in dancing, acting, musical performance, auditioning, improvisation and theatre etiquette are presented by professionals in a working theatre environment. In addition to giving serious drama students the skills needed to audition for and perform in future school and community theatre productions, the programs also provide creative thinking, problem solving, group dynamic, socialization and esteem building situations, from which all youngsters can benefit. Camp programs run for 1 or 3 weeks. For the younger potential performers, there is also a junior week-long camp.

The cornerstone of the youth programs is Broadway Boot Camp, a three week intensive training session that culminates in four public performances of a full-scale musical (July 24 - 26). This summer the play will be High School Musical 2. Every camper will have a singing and dancing role in the production and will also be involved in the technical aspects of the performance. Campers who perform in this summer production go on to obtain roles in Manatee Players’ 8 mainstage season plays. This full-day program, which runs from July 6 - 24, only accepts 60 participants and there is always a waiting list. Cost for Broadway Boot Camp is $600. A deposit of $200 will reserve a space. Limited scholarship assistance is available.

Manatee Players also offers a week-long specialty Pirate Camp June 15 - 19. This program for campers 8 - 12 years costs $200 for one week. Pirates-in-training will select their own name, costume and create a treasure map while learning theatre conventions and etiquette. Participants will also learn Pirate songs and dances which will be presented as a performance at the end of the week. Pirate Trickery (magic) will be taught and Pirate lore will be learned.

Camp programs run 9am to 5pm Monday through Friday. Snacks are served in the morning and afternoon and campers bring their lunch. A Junior Princess Camp is also offered June 8 - 12 for ages 5 - 7. This half-day camp from 9am to noon, offers theatre games and improvisation techniques which allow younger performers the opportunity to explore the world of acting as their imagination takes flight. A performance for parents will be presented on the final day of camp.

For more information, please contact the Educational Coordinator at 941-748-0111. Registrations may be made and tickets for High School Musical 2 may be purchased by phoning 941-748-5875.