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!”
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