The Jodie Mahony Center for Gifted Education has received $31,084 from the Arkansas Department of Education to host “MT Stage: The Hamilton Experience.”  This program allows seventh-, eighth-, and ninth-grade students to produce and perform in “Hamilton,” a popular hip hop musical that debuted on Broadway in 2015. 

In the five-day program, students can choose between two tracks: stagecraft and performance. In the stagecraft track, students will learn how to use cutting-edge technology to stage scenes.  In the performance track, students will learn how to perform on stage. Students in both tracks will explore the historical, societal, and cultural themes that influence the writing, performance, and stage design of “Hamilton.” The goal of this program is to give more students the opportunity to develop their gifts and talents in the performing arts, an area that hasn’t traditionally offered many resources for middle school students.

“MT Stage: The Hamilton Experience is an exciting opportunity for both students and their teachers. Theater has always been an important part of my life,” said Dr. Ann Robinson, founding director of the Mahony Center. Participants last summer gave it “rave reviews,” she said. This summer, Dr. Christine Deitz and her team of talented teachers will provide creative performance opportunities and engaging historical context to a new group of students.

“We want to thank, in particular, the Governor and the supportive Arkansas legislators who believe in the AEGIS summer programs and ensure their continued funding,” Deitz said.

The program runs June 25-29, 2018, from 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. each day at UA Little Rock.

Story by Lydia Perry/Office of Research and Sponsored Programs