Central Illinois presents quite a lot of summer season theater packages for teenagers and youths, offering alternatives to discover the performing arts in enjoyable and supportive environments. Here is a abstract of theater arts alternatives for younger folks this summer season.
Youth reveals
101 Dalmatians KIDS
Might 23-25
Hoogland Heart for the Arts
Primarily based on the basic animated Disney movie, this present encompasses a high-spirited rating and lovable characters with a stage adaptation sure to attraction and delight all audiences. It follows a London couple, their Dalmatians, Pongo and Perdita, and their expansive litter of puppies. Their pleased lives are upended by the monstrous Cruella De Vil who plots to steal the puppies for her new fur coat. The Dalmatians rally all of the canine of London for a daring rescue of the puppies from Cruella and her bumbling henchmen.
These productions are a part of the Hoogland Performing Arts Training Creators Program and can function actors in seventh and eighth grades.
The Promenade
June 27-July 6
Hoogland Heart for the Arts
Additionally a part of the Performing Arts Training Program, this musical play tells the story of a lesbian couple and their struggles to attend promenade collectively in a small, conservative city. The story is loosely primarily based on the real-life case of a Mississippi scholar who was initially denied the best to carry her girlfriend to promenade. The play, which is able to function space teenagers and undergrads, discover themes of acceptance, LGBTQ+ rights and the significance of combating for what you consider in.
Shrek The Musical
Springfield Muni Opera
Aug. 1-3, 6-9
A fun-filled stage adaptation of the animated movie Shrek, this manufacturing will function a youth refrain and themes interesting to younger and previous alike. It tells the story of a grumpy however good-hearted ogre who units out on a quest to rescue the feisty Princess Fiona. With the assistance of a hilarious speaking donkey, Shrek and firm uncover the true which means of friendship, love and embracing who you might be. Shrek The Musical guarantees to ship laughs, life classes and a great deal of enjoyable for audiences of all ages.
Moana, Jr.
Theatre within the Park
June 12-15
Disney’s Moana, Jr. can be offered by Studio on the Sq. in its second collaboration with Theatre within the Park. The musical tells the story of an adventurous teenager who sails out on a daring mission to save lots of her folks. Moana Jr. explores themes of self-discovery, bravery, perseverance and the significance of following one’s goals. It additionally emphasizes teamwork, respect for tradition and the ability of believing in oneself.
Summer season camps and lessons
The Springfield Theatre Centre’s PAVE is the long-standing fashionable arts camp for college students getting into third by ninth grade. Campers will be taught first-hand what it takes to stage a reside manufacturing and undergo every little thing from audition and try-outs to placing on an unique play, together with: make-up, costumes, dance, choreography and solo/choral singing. Every two-week session will give attention to a theme. This yr’s themes embrace California Dreamin,’ New York, New York, and There’s No Place Like Residence.
The Hoogland Performing Arts Training program is shifting into its second decade of offering space college students with excellent schooling within the performing arts. Coming this summer season are quarterly lessons for younger college students. Courses are held as soon as per week on Thursdays.
The Legacy Theatre just lately launched its summer season camp for teenagers known as StageRats. Crafted by a group of educators and humanities professionals, the StageRats program is designed for college students getting into grades 6-9 and can expose individuals to all areas of the theatrical arts: appearing, singing, dancing and improv, in addition to scenic design, costuming, props and make-up.
The Studio on the Sq. in Petersburg additionally presents quite a lot of youth-centered arts lessons and coaching within the visible and performing arts.
The Lincoln Land Group School – School for Children program presents over 60 camps for grades 1-10, together with a theater camp introducing children to appearing, storytelling and artistic expression. Camps are organized by grade stage for the 2025-2026 faculty yr, and a few are held at LLCC-Jacksonville.
Mary Younger was born and raised in Springfield and has been performing in, producing and directing reside theater for many years.
