Published by New Jersey Stage
originally published: 01/15/2025
(SOMERS POINT, NJ) -- Registration opens Saturday, February 1st for Gateway Playhouse's "Gateway to the Arts," the annual eight-week summer camp program for children ages 7 to 18. The program will take place at the beloved Somers Point theater from June 23 to August 16, 2025.
Gateway to the Arts is an intensive educational program that sets high goals for a summer camp program. Divided into three age groups – “Musical Munchkins,” ages 7-9; “Shining Stars,” 10-13; “Rising Stars” 14-18 – the program empowers kids through theater and encourages students to develop a strong comfort level for performing that they may ultimately transcend onto the stage, as each session culminates with a full-blown production.
“We take kids with all different performance experiences,” said Phil Pallitto, Gateway’s artistic director and director of educational programming. “For some kids, this could be their first exposure to theater, while others may be veterans. No matter their experience, we will work with them over the weeks to build singing, dancing and overall performance skills to help them shine in their final production.”
“Throughout the eight weeks, the students will start to recognize how the role of art, theater and music can help them to become better citizens in the ever-changing world around them,” Pallitto said.
Cost for the sessions are $300 for Musical Munchkins and $475 for Shining and Rising Stars. Limited scholarships are available for each session. Groups are limited to 35 students. Information about programming, early-registration discounts, scholarships, and more info can be found at GatewayToTheArtsSPNJ.org. Gateway Playhouse is located at 738 Bay Ave. in Somers Point, NJ.
The embodiment of this year’s theme, “Dream Big, Stand Strong, Find Home,” will be exemplified through three shows:
* “Destination America: A Coast-to-Coast Musical Tribute” for Musical Munchkins. From Nashville to Seattle, New York to L.A., and everywhere in between, the heart of America is beating in its music, whether you're a fan of rock ’n’ roll, Country, Broadway, Motown, and more.
* Roald Dahl’s “Matilda Jr.” for Shining Stars. The story of a young girl who dreams of a better life and the "revolting children" out to teach grown-ups a lesson.
* Broadway’s smash hit “Rent” (the school edition) for Rising Stars. “Rent” tells the story of young people that are encased in a world filled with anger, hatred and uncertainty. Yet, instead of succumbing to their fears, they instead unite and find strength in their differences. (Note: this show explores several mature themes.)
Gateway to the Arts is the premier summer theater experience in South Jersey. Gateway to the Arts is, first and foremost, an intensive educational program that sets goals above that of a run-of-the-mill summer camp program. Gateway to the Arts lives to create a program that will empower kids through theater. Kids from all different experiences are welcome. During the eight-week program, students develop a strong level of comfort in their own bodies that will transcend onto the stage. The program culminates with a full-blown performance. Students will begin to recognize how the role of art, theater, and other activities can help them to become better citizens in the ever-changing world around them.
Since its reopening in 2017, Gateway Playhouse, a 501-(c)3 nonprofit, has provided quality and affordable year-round entertainment to residents and visitors alike, as well as offered educational opportunities to grammar and high school students, in the hopes of creating future generations of actors, directors and audiences. Aside from an annual mainstage season, the Gateway also produces a variety of comedy and cabaret shows throughout the year. As the saying goes, “see you at the Gateway!”
EVENT PREVIEWS
ArtYard presents a performance of "You, Me and the Algorithmic Sea on Thursday"
(FRENCHTOWN, NJ) -- ArtYard presents a performance of You, Me and the Algorithmic Sea on Thursday, July 23, 2026 at 7:00pm. This is a sharp, funny, and slightly unnerving live performance from NYC duo Xn0rmL, poet Mark Svenvold and musician/producer Ted Sabety.
The Montclair Theater Festival takes place on Saturday
(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- The Montclair Theater Festival takes place Saturday, July 25, 2026 from 2:00pm to 8:00pm in Brookdale Park. Step into a day of theater magic, live performances, and community fun! Presented by Vanguard Theater, this vibrant one-day event features family-friendly shows like Suessical: The Musical and Shakespeare’s The Tempest, alongside performances from local artists, food trucks, and hands-on activities for all ages.
Nutley Little Theatre presents "The Worst Fairy Tale Ever"
(NUTLEY, NJ) -- The Narrator is ready to start the show, but how is that supposed to happen when nobody else in the cast has read the script and the costumes haven't even arrived yet? Children, families, and the young at heart will find out when Nutley Little Theatre presents The Worst Fairy Tale Ever by Todd Wallinger July 25-26, 2026.
The Theater Project presents Kaleidoscope Kabaret
(UNION, NJ) -- Kaleidoscope Kabaret (that's Kabaret with a K), The Theater Project's annual festival of live music and short comedic plays, will liven up the stage of DMK Black Box Theatre in Union Township's new Arts Center from July 24-26, 2026.
Aspire Performing Arts presents Disney's "Descendants: The Musical"
(MONTVILLE, NJ) -- Aspire Performing Arts Company, an award-winning performing arts company based in Wayne, will present Disney's Descendants: The Musical from July 24-26, 2026 at the Barn Theatre in Montville. The production features two casts of young performers and is directed by Joey Nasta with musical direction by Shannen Lynn and choreography by Charlize Dominguez.
Mile Square Theatre presents "Urinetown: The Musical"
(HOBOKEN, NJ) -- Mile Square Theatre (MST) is proud to present its first-ever Pre-Professional Theatre Program production, Urinetown: The Musical, book and lyrics by Greg Kotis, music and lyrics by Mark Hollmann. The entire production is led by a team of professionals - the assistants and cast are all young artists ages 18 to 25, based in Hudson County and from across North and Central New Jersey. The production runs from Friday, July 24 through Sunday, July 26, 2026.
Country Gate Players presents "The Addams Family Musical" (Youth Production)
(BELVIDERE, NJ) -- Country Gate Players presents The Addams Family Musical (Youth Production) from July 24-26, 2026. This is the spectacular culminating production of their 2026 Summer Youth Performance Workshop.
Award-Winning "5 Lesbians Eating a Quiche" Returns for One-Day Fundraising Preview Before Edinburgh Fringe Debut
(GARWOOD, NJ) -- Before taking their award-winning production to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in Scotland this August, Cheese Platter Productions will present one final hometown performance, and one final opportunity for audiences to help send the company overseas.
Woodbridge Community Players present "9 to 5, The Musical"
(WOODBRIDGE, NJ) -- The Woodbridge Community Players present 9 to 5, The Musical from July 23-26, 2026 at The Theater at Woodbridge Middle School. Three unlikely friends take control of their office and learn there is nothing they can't do, even in a man's world.
The 1964 Civil Rights Act Takes Center Stage with "All The Way" at Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey on July 27th
(MADISON, NJ) -- The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey (STNJ) continues its acclaimed Revolutionary Voices play reading series with Robert Schenkkan's Tony Award-winning drama All the Way on Monday, July 27, 2026 at 7:30pm at the F. M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre on the campus of Drew University. This special one-night-only event brings together an exceptional cast to dramatize one of the most pivotal periods in American history.
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