Southeast Missouri State Universitys River Campus is offering a summer youth theatre experience to produce Disneys The Aristocats KIDS as part of its 2019 River Campus Summer Arts Festival.
Based on the beloved Disney animated film, and featuring a jazzy, upbeat score,Disneys The Aristocats KIDSis a non-stop thrill ride of feline fun, complete with unbelievable twists and turns. In the heart of Paris, a kind and eccentric millionairess wills her entire estate to Duchess, her high-society cat, and her three little kittens. Laughs and adventure ensue as the greedy, bumbling butler pulls off the ultimate catnap caper. Now it’s up to the rough-and-tumble alley cat, Thomas O’Malley, and his band of swingin’ jazz cats to save the day.
The workshop allows students opportunities to discover both backstage and onstage elements of putting on a show, said Rhonda Weller-Stilson, dean of Southeasts Earl and Margie Holland College of Arts and Media. They will experience costume fittings, music rehearsals, dance rehearsals, acting lessons, working with properties, working with microphones and so much more.
The Aristocats KIDS will perform on the Donald C. Bedell Performance Hall stage.Ryan Townsend, instructor of musical theatre, will direct performances. His musical director is Bailey Schnurbusch, a 2018 Southeast graduate with a Bachelor of Music Education.
Limited space is available for 20 workshop attendees. Cost is $375, which assists in covering expenses of costumes, props, royalties, snacks, T-shirts and staff. The summer experience begins May 27 and closes June 16. Performances are scheduled for Friday, June 14, at 7:30 p.m.; free two shows on Saturday, June 15 at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. during the River Campus Summer Arts Festival; and closing with a show on Sunday, June 16, at 2 p.m.
Youth will play all the parts in theThe Aristocats KIDSproduction, and workshop spaces fill quickly. When slots are filled, the workshop will be closed.
Roles are open for actors ages 9 to 14. Actors will be in rehearsal and costume fittings both mornings and afternoons until the week of tech rehearsals.At that time, some night commitments will be required.
The cost is $375. Register online at app.semo.edu/sfs/pymt/svpa or for more information, call Theresa Messmer at (573) 651-2210.
Tickets
Tickets are now on sale and are available by calling the River Campus Box Office at (573) 651-2265 or online at RiverCampus.org.