St. Pete MAD's Summer on Stage Program Invites Young Performers to Join Musicals Addressing Social Pressures and Fostering Self-Discovery
St. Petersburg, FL - April 18, 2023 - St. Pete MAD (Music, Acting, and Dance) announces its Summer on Stage Program, offering musical camps designed to address the social pressures faced by today's youth while empowering them through self-discovery and the transformative experience of being part of a supportive arts community. The musical camps - Mean Girls JR. (ages 13-17), Matilda JR. (ages 8-13), and Disney's The Lion King JR. (ages 8-13) - focus on stories of young people navigating challenges and discovering the importance of being true to themselves.
Dru Rabin, Artistic Director and Founder of St. Pete MAD, explains the rationale behind selecting these musicals: "At a time when our youth face unprecedented social pressures, it's essential to provide them with opportunities to explore their emotions and experiences in a safe, nurturing environment. These musicals not only resonate with young people but also inspire them to embrace their core values and develop a sense of community. By participating in these productions, our students can develop vital life skills such as leadership, resilience, and teamwork, all while growing as confident and expressive performers."
Mean Girls JR., based on the popular film and Broadway adaptation, tells the story of Cady Heron, a new high school student who navigates the complex and competitive social hierarchy. The musical addresses relatable issues such as bullying, peer pressure, and the importance of staying true to oneself amidst social challenges.
Matilda JR. follows the journey of a bright, imaginative young girl named Matilda who, despite facing adversity and unkind adults, finds solace in the power of knowledge and friendship. The story encourages young people to embrace their uniqueness and stand up for what they believe in.
Disney's The Lion King JR. chronicles the life of Simba, a young lion prince who must learn valuable lessons about responsibility, courage, and self-discovery. The tale emphasizes the significance of finding one's place in the world and the supportive community that helps shape our identity.
Registration for summer musical camps is filling up quickly. Parents of children ages 8-17 are urged to secure spots now at www.summeronstage.com. St. Pete MAD's highly-anticipated 20+ weekly camps, hosted at Shorecrest Preparatory School, draw a large number of participants. Performances take place in the Janet Root Theater, one of Pinellas County's premier venues.
In collaboration with the St. Petersburg Arts Alliance, St. Pete MAD has proudly supported students with Funding Futures Scholarships Since 2017, ensuring access to high-quality instruction and performance experiences. Scholarships are available for this summer.
Join St. Pete MAD's Summer on Stage Program to empower young performers this summer. Register today at www.summeronstage.com.
About St. Pete MAD (Music, Acting, and Dance)
Founded in 2014, St. Pete MAD (Music, Acting, and Dance) is a community-focused organization dedicated to empowering young performers through process-driven arts education. Approaching its tenth year in 2024, St. Pete MAD's vision is to provide an extraordinary performing arts experience where young performers prioritize community above competition, honor process over product, and put ensemble before ego. With a strong emphasis on leadership, empathy, and community-building, St. Pete MAD offers a wide range of programs that help young artists grow and thrive in the performing arts. Learn more at www.stpetemad.com.
For additional images, videos, and related materials, please visit our media kit here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1V3empDEncATN13PS724nLcI5SFyD5OVr?usp=sharing
For more information, please contact:
Dru Rabin
Artistic Director and Founder
St. Pete MAD (Music, Acting, and Dance)
(727) 453-0029
www.stpetemad.com