Summer Showtime Returns in 2024!
Are you ready to start your year by delivering a musical in four days?!
After a sold-out program in 2023, we are thrilled to announce that ASPA Ed’s Summer Showtime Music Theatre Program is returning in January 2024. Coming to all enthusiastic movers and groovers in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney, Summer Showtime will see budding performers work with our dynamic team of performing arts specialists to put together a musical in just four-days for parents and friends to enjoy.
“She loved learning and performing a whole show – it was a great challenge given the time constraints.” – Jen, VIC Parent, Summer Showtime 2023
Our inaugural programs in Adelaide in Brisbane will see participants put on The Aristocats KIDS, and our return to Summer Showtime in Melbourne and Sydney will see participants put on Seussical™ KIDS!
Combining the innovative ASPA Holiday Program workshops participants know and love with daily rehearsals, means participants will have the opportunity to instantly exercise their learnt performance skills in a real stage setting.
With all of the excitement of a mega four-day program, we know you’ll have lots of questions. Read on to learn more about The Aristocats KIDS and Seussical™ KIDS and how it all works!
What are the shows about?
The Aristocats KIDS
Disney fans will already be familiar with the mischievous storyline of The Aristocats, but for those who haven’t seen the 1970 cartoon classic, The Aristocats is a tale set in Paris and follows the cat-napping of high-society cat Duchess and her three little kittens by a jealous butler named Edgar. Abandoning them in the Parisian countryside, it’s up to the rough-and-tumble alley cat Thomas O’Malley and his rag-tag bunch of Alley Cats to come to the rescue – of course with lots of song and dance along the way!
The stage show follows the same narrative and mix of songs in a condensed version of the film, making it an action packed “whirlwind of hectic fun!” – ASPA Artistic Coordinator, Laura Knowling. On whether this is a musical for singers or dancers, Laura says it’s a show for everyone, with “a combination of singing, dancing and scene work”.
“The theme was really accessible for my daughter’s age and the characters were engaging.” – Tash, NSW Parent, Summer Showtime 2023
Seussical™ KIDS
If you’re a Dr. Seuss fan, imagine a world where all of your favourite characters come to life in a musical extravaganza! For the uninitiated, Dr. Seuss is a children’s author and illustrator known for his rhythmical writing style and fantastical characters he has invented across over 60 books (perhaps you’ll be familiar with The Grinch, or Thing One and Thing Two).
Narrated by the mischievous Cat in the Hat, Seussical™ KIDS follows the story of the loveable Horton the Elephant on his quest to protect JoJo the Who child from Whoville, and an abandoned egg left to his care by the lazy Mayzie la Bird. With a plethora of unworldly characters to play with, this fantastical musical invites artists to open the door to their imaginations and dive into the depths of their creativity, just like Dr. Seuss himself!
“Oh the thinks you can think… Seussical KIDS is full of imagination and wonder! Bringing this wild and wonderful story to life will be a whirlwind of fun!” – Emma Kavanagh, ASPA Music and Production Coordinator
Who can join Summer Showtime?
Our Summer Showtime Music Theatre Program is open to all girls and boys in Grade Two to Seven for Aristocats KIDS, and Grade 3 to Seven for Seussical™ KIDS – there’s a role for everyone!
“Great mix of big numbers plus lots of opportunities for kids to also have additional small roles.” – Heidi, VIC Parent, Summer Showtime 2023
For our younger performing arts enthusiasts, we are also offering two-day and three-day holiday programs with themed workshops, activities, and a special showcase performance for family and friends to attend.
“She adored it and still sings the songs today” – Gemma, VIC Parent, Summer Showtime 2023
Do participants need to have any musical experience?
For anyone who has not had prior experience performing in a musical, Summer Showtime is the “perfect starting point!” – Emma Kavanagh. While there’s no pressure to have a solo moment, the opportunity will be there for everyone to “have their moment to deliver a line of dialogue” – Emma Kavanagh, if they choose to take it. The focus of the program though, and this show in particular, lies in ensemble work and working as a team towards the same goal.
“Ensemble work is a safe space to start exploring your personality, skills and to start making friends” – Laura Knowling
Will there be an audition?
To make this Holiday Program a fun and inclusive experience, participants will not be required to audition for the show. Instead, on the first day of the program participants will take part in an informal workshop where our experienced ASPA Ed instructors will facilitate games and activities to determine the performance skills within the group. Participants will also have the opportunity to sing by themselves if they wish to.
What will participants walk away with?
Whether it be two, three or four days, participants leave the program with a real sense of achievement, all while having fun during their school holidays. They will learn skills from experts and increase their confidence in singing, movement and theatre activities. Junior participants will also enjoy craft and social activities.
We also guarantee that participants (and families) will walk away with the catchy tunes from the show forever etched in their memories!
“They have not stopped singing the songs since the performance – I think I now know all of the words to all of the songs…” Christopher, NSW Parent, Summer Showtime 2023
Places are strictly limited for our Summer Showtime Music Theatre Program, and we anticipate this inaugural program to sell out. See dates below and book now to avoid missing out!
SUMMER SHOWTIME MUSIC THEATRE PROGRAM
The Aristocats KIDS Music Theatre Program – Adelaide and Brisbane
Girls and boys in Year 2 to Year 7 (in 2024)
Monday January 15 to Thursday January 18
Seussical™ KIDS Music Theatre Program, Melbourne and Sydney
Girls and boys in Year 3 to Year 7 (in 2024)
Monday January 15 to Thursday January 18
3-DAY JUNIOR HOLIDAY PROGRAM
Melbourne and Sydney
Girls and boys in Year 1 and Year 2 (in 2024)
Tuesday January 16 – Thursday January 18
2-DAY JUNIOR HOLIDAY PROGRAM
Adelaide and Brisbane
Girls and boys in Foundation and Year 1 (in 2024)
Wednesday January 17 and Thursday January 18
Melbourne and Sydney
Girls and boys in Foundation to Year 2 (in 2024)
Wednesday January 17 and Thursday January 18
