Introducing ASPA’s NEW
Summer Showtime Music Theatre Program!

For the first time in its history, ASPA is launching a four-day summer holiday program in Melbourne and Sydney! Open to all enthusiastic movers and groovers, Summer Showtime will see budding performers work with our dynamic team of performing arts specialists to put together a production of Disney’s The Aristocats KIDS.

Combining the innovative ASPA Holiday Program workshops participants know and love with rehearsals for The Aristocats KIDS, means participants will have the opportunity to instantly exercise their learnt performance skills in a real stage setting.

With the excitement of a brand new program we know you’ll have lots of questions, so we’ve made a head start and answered some for you below!

What is the Aristocats KIDS about?

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”.

Who can join Summer Showtime?

Our Summer Showtime Music Theatre Program is open to all girls and boys in Grade Two to Seven who wish to participate – there’s a role for everyone! For our younger performing arts enthusiasts in Foundation level and Grade One, we are also offering a two day holiday program with cat themed workshops, activities, and a special showcase performance for family and friends to attend.

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, ASPA Music and Production Coordinator. 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 the 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 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!

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!

MELBOURNE

The Aristocats KIDS Music Theatre Program: Monday January 16 to Thursday January 19

Junior Holiday Program: Wednesday January 18 to Thursday January 19

SYDNEY

The Aristocats KIDS Music Theatre Program: Tuesday January 17 to Friday January 20

Junior Holiday Program: Thursday January 19 to Friday January 2