Education
Mini Summer Theatre Academy
This two-week program is designed for students that have finished K - 2nd grade. Students will showcase their talents and better prepare them for the full Summer Theatre Academy program and main stage shows. During the program, the students will learn the basics of theatre etiquette and traditions. They will also learn a short 30-minute play that has speaking parts, songs, and dances that are tailored to their age group. The camp will meet weekday mornings for two hours and culminate in an evening performance for friends and family.
Mini STA: Swamped
This year Mini STA performace is Swamped, with Director Rose Stokes and Emmett Spaw. There is a limit of 30 students. Shows July 1st at 7:00PM and July 2nd at 2:00PM. The swamp is all a-buzz with party preparations galore! Naturally, the turtles are running late, and Bully the Frog is being a bully. The frogs have learned a new dance they want to share. The tadpoles are growing appendages (yikes!) and the dragonfly larvae need encouragement to spread their wings and fly. Lessons of friendship, tolerance,
courage to face the future, and more, abound!
For Family Memberships and above: $85.00 or $100.00 for everyone else.
Show times: July 1st at 7PM, and July 2nd at 2PM
Rehersals: Mon-Fri 9:00AM-12:00PM
Mini STA registration begins April 3rd for family memberships, April 10th for others and registration ends May 15th.
Partial funding is provided by The Greater Manhattan Community Foundation & by the Wamego Parks and Recreation Department. Thank you!
Summer Theatre Academy
The area’s much-anticipated favorite will return to The Columbian Theatre this June, Summer Theatre Academy (STA). Students who have finished grades 3-8 will perform in this program. This year there will be two options, a play and a musical. Through this program, The Columbian’s mission is to serve as a resource for local children, ranging from kindergarten to 8th grade, with a desire and passion to learn about theatre art. STA teaches responsibility, confidence, and teamwork, which are all traits that we, as an organization, hope will leave a lasting impression on these young actors and actresses.
STA registration begins April 3rd for family members, April 10th for others and registration ends May 10th.
Session One of STA (Play): Peter Pan
This superb adaptation captures all the magic and charm of everyone's favorite story. The Darling children love to hear of Peter Pan's adventures during his visits through the open window of the nursey. Then one night after Nana has taken his shadow and Wendy has sewn it back on, Peter Pan and Tinker Bell whisk the children off to Neverland to be part of the adventures. Wendy, John, and Michael become friends with the Lost Boys and Princess tiger Lily, and Wendy becomes everyone's mother. When the evil Captain Hook captures Wendy and the Lost Boys, Peter Pan comes to their rescue. Together with the ticking crocodile, Peter Pan puts Captain Hook in his place and returns the Darling children to their home. Directed by Claudia McAlister.
For Family Memberships and above: $125.00 or $150.00 for everyone else.
Show times: July 21st and 22nd at 7PM, and July 23rd at 2PM
Rehersals: Mon-Fri 1:00-4:00PM
Auditions: June 27th at 6:30PM
Session Two of STA (Musical): Peter Pan
Soar away to Neverland in this musical adaptation drawn from the beloved novel with fresh, original music! The Darling children love to hear Peter Pan's adventures during his visits through the open window of the nursery. Then one night after Nana has taken his shadow and Wendy has sewn it back on, Peter Pan and Tinkerbell whisk the children off to Neverland to be part of the adventures. All your favorite characters are there, including Captain Hook and his pirate crew, Princess Tiger Lily and her tribe, and of course, the Lost Boys and Girls! A rousing and lovely musical score by the award-winning team of Rockwell and Bogart includes "The Boy Who Never Grew Up," "Fly Me to Neverland," "Follow the Leader," and "Home Sweet Home." Directed by Rose Stokes and Emmett Spaw.
For Family Memberships and above: $150.00 or $175.00 for everyone else.
Show times: July 28th and 29th at 7PM, and July 30th at 2PM
Rehersals: Mon-Fri 9:00AM-12:00PM
Auditions: June 27th at 6:30PM
Session Three of STA: What Happened After Once Upon A Time
What really happened after "once upon a time"? You'll find out in this fun, large-cast, simple-to-stage fractured fairy tale! A substitute narrator is called in on short notice to present stories from a stack of fairy tale books. but just as each tale begins its "once upon a time," the main characters show up to interrupt and correct the newbie narrator's telling of their story. Turns out, these characters have hysterical idiosyncrasies: Rapunzel is an insufferable diva, Cinderella is a clean freak, the Three Little Pigs are hypochondriacs, Little Red Riding Hood is a lawyer defending the Wolf, and more. The chaos continues until the frustrated narrator finally breaks down. It's up to the characters to comfort the narator and explain what really happened after "once unpon a time." Wouldn't you know? Everyone lived happily ever after, of course! Directed by Claudia McAlister.
For Family Memberships and above: $125.00 or $150.00 for everyone else.
Show times: June 30th at 7PM, and July 1st at 2PM
Rehersals: Mon-Fri 1:00-4:00PM
Auditions: June 6th at 6:30PM
Partial funding is provided by The Greater Manhattan Community Foundation & by the Wamego Parks and Recreation Department. Thank you!
Fall Theatre Academy Registration
This afterschool program is for dedicated students in 3rd to 8th grade looking to further their theatrical education. With limited enrollment, our brightest future stars can hone their craft and get the most out of their experience in this exclusive program!
This years 2023 Fall Theatre Academy is Music Man Jr.!
Audition dates will be August 29 & 31 from 4:30-6:30pm. Everyone who auditions will get cast.
Tuesday, September 5 is the first rehearsal at 4:30pm, with a Parent Meeting to follow at 6pm.
Rehearsals are then every Monday, Tuesday, & Thursday from 4:30-6:30pm until Tech/Dress Week. Dress week is Monday-Thursday, November 13-16 from 4:30-7pm.
Performances are November 17 & 18 at 7pm and November 19 at 2pm.
