Published by New Jersey Stage
originally published: 09/18/2023
Photo from a production of Fiddler on the Roof, photo courtesy of bergenPAC
(ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- Young performers can register to take part in the bergenPAC Performing Arts School’s production of Disney’s The Lion King JR. The year-long Showtime Jr. program is for students ages 9-14 and culminates with a performance on the bergenPAC stage on Saturday, May 18, 2024.
“As the director of Lion King JR., I'm thrilled to bring this incredible Broadway classic to the bergenPAC stage to inspire the next generation of Broadway stars! This production has the potential to be a life-changing experience!” Diana Gonzalez-Morett says. “Through their roles, they'll learn about courage, family, and discovering their own potential. Join our amazing creative team on this journey and witness the transformative power of theater in the lives of our talented young cast.”
Showtime Jr. welcomes students of all skill levels and serves as an outstanding launching pad for those aspiring to pursue a professional performance career. Need-based scholarships are available.
Students start by learning the basics of dance, acting, singing, and audition techniques to prepare to audition for their roles in Lion King JR. After being cast, students participate in weekly rehearsals while honing their acting, singing, and dance skills.
The program explores all aspects of theater production, including props, costumes, make-up, and design. This experience helps build self-confidence, improve literacy, nurture empathy, encourage imagination, teamwork, critical thinking, self-discipline, and community awareness.
Additionally, students enjoy a unique opportunity to collaborate with bergenPAC’s professional technical crew, providing an invaluable experience to work alongside industry experts and deepening their understanding of the theatrical arts.
To register, visit the webpage for bergenPAC's Performing Arts School or email [email protected] for more information.
The Production of Lion King JR.
The performance will be held Saturday, May 18 at 6:00pm in bergenPAC’s theater.
The rehearsal classes meet Tuesdays from 5:00pm-6:00pm and Fridays from 4:00pm-6:00pm, with additional Saturday rehearsals announced closer to the production date. Auditions take place during class time mid-fall.
The Creative Team: Diana Gonzalez-Morett – Director; Samantha Colon – Musical Director. Their amazing Choreography Team: Roberta Mathes, Artistic Director of Dance at the bergenPAC Performing Arts School, and Choreographer/Teaching artist, Esther Lee
Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) is located at 30 North Van Brunt Street in Englewood, New Jersey. Founded in 2003, the 1,367-seat bergenPAC, is the area’s cultural mecca. Housed in a historic Art Deco-style theater boasting one of the finest acoustic halls in the United States, bergenPAC attracts a stellar roster of world-class entertainment. The jewel in our crown is The Performing Arts School at bergenPAC – the innovative, educational performing arts initiative that, through programs, classes, outreach, school shows, and main theater presented shows, reach more than 30,000 students and community youth annually. The Performing Arts School provides community youth, age 2 months to 21 years, with unique, “hands-on” training in music, dance and theater by industry professionals. It is through the ongoing generosity of sponsors, donors, members, and patrons that the not-for-profit 501 (c)(3) corporation bergenPAC and The Performing Arts School are able to thrive and enrich our community.
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