What is the Youth Theater Workshop?

Orange City Arts has partnered with local instructors Leanne Bonnecroy and Amanda Lemke to bring this week-long theater learning experience to the community.

Designed for students at all levels of theatre experience, campers will audition, rehearse, and perform a musical in one week!

About High School Musical Jr

Disney Channel's smash hit movie musical comes to life on your stage in Disney’s High School Musical JR. Troy, Gabriella and the students of East High must deal with issues of love, friends and family while balancing their classes and extra curricular activities. The show’s infectious, danceable songs are sure to engage performers and audiences alike.

Our week-long workshop is open to students of all backgrounds, experience levels, and training.

What makes this workshop special?

We believe theatre is for everyone. Each student receives a role, a costume, and the support they need to shine in this performance. Our team has decades of experience creating welcoming, engaging children's theatre programs. From the first rehearsal to the final curtain, we believe theatre should be educational. We teach every student skills like projection, improvisation, creative problem-solving, and how to work together to tell a story.

Who can participate in the production?

Students going into grades 5 - 8 participate. No theatrical experience is necessary!

How does the play get cast?

Auditions will be held on Saturday, May 24 where each child is cast in their roles. Every child has an important role in the show. We're pros, and we are great at assessing students' strengths and assets quickly in auditions and casting them accordingly. Each child will have an opportunity to shine and grow during the workshop week!

Should the students prepare anything for auditions?

Nope! We have a fantastic system that allows us to guide students through an easy step-by-step audition that allows us to observe their comfort with basic lines, movement, and singing.

My child is shy. How will the theatre residency help my child? Will they feel comfortable?

The program has been developed to give each student a support network onstage and off. They work in groups and are supported onstage by the other members of the cast, as well as by the three adult actor/educators who perform alongside them. This level of teamwork usually helps alleviate most students' initial fears and concerns.  It encourages the students both to feel safe and to grow throughout the week.

My child has never been in a play/musical; is that okay?

Absolutely! This program is designed to be customized and flexible to suit a wide variety of ages, experience levels, and talents. This is a great way for your child to have a fantastic week-long immersion in theatre.

My child is a veteran of the stage.  Is this program still right for them?

Since this program is designed to be customized and flexible to a variety of ages, experiences, and talents, the educators can adjust the teaching and guidance as well as the level of difficulty for each student, which means even if you have a budding star on your hands, they'll be glad to help nurture your child, challenge them to further growth, and give them another wonderful theatrical experience.

If my child is not available for the entire week or would need to miss the performance, can they still enroll in the program?

We understand you and your child are both busy individuals and have outside commitments from rehearsals; however, because of the very collaborative nature of the program, students are not excused from rehearsals or performances.

May I stay and observe?

Definitely! We understand parents' desire to be sure their student is well-adjusted to a new environment and for guardians to get familiar and comfortable with the staff. As long as your presence is not a distraction to the students, your student included, you are more than welcome to observe throughout the duration of our residency. However, please note that if at any time a staff member deems your presence may be hindering the student's ability to learn or focus, you will be asked to wait outside of the rehearsal space in a common area.

What does my family need to provide for the week?

For the whole week:

• • Small breaks will vary slightly from day to day. A one-hour lunch break will be from noon to 1 pm.

• • A water bottle. It is important that the students can stay well-hydrated during rehearsal.

• • Comfortable clothes. We will be up dancing and moving a lot and it is important that students dress accordingly. We also request for students' safety that they only wear shoes with closed toes and heel. No flip-flops or sandals, please.

What play will the students be doing?

During our week students will learn, play, and perform HS Musical Jr

When is the theatre workshop?

Auditions will take place on Saturday, June 28 from 9 am - 12 noon at the First Reformed Church in Orange City. The workshop will take place the week of July 23 - 30, 2025. Rehearsals will be from 9:00 am to noon and 1 pm - 5 pm. The performance will be on Wednesday, July 30 at 7 pm.

Where will the workshop be taking place?

Rehearsals will take place at the First Reformed Church in Orange City, IA. The performance will be at Windmill Park.

Schedule:

July 23- 9 am - 12; 1-5 pm July 24- 9 am-12; 1-5 pm July 25- 9 am-12; 1-5 pm July 26 – 9 am-12pm July 28- 9 am-12; 1-5 pm July 29- 9 am-12; 1-5 pm  + Dress Rehearsal July 30, 7 pm Performance

 

How much does it cost to participate, and how can I register my child(ren)?

$75 registration fee per student which includes a t-shirt.

Download the forms or Register online. Questions or need help? Contact us at  info@orangecityarts.org to request information.

How much are the tickets for the performance, and how can I get tickets?

The performance will be free and open to the public.