UA Little Rock Will Host Free Summer Program in Musical Theatre for Junior High School Students
The UA Little Rock Jodie Mahony Center for Gifted Education will host a week-long summer enrichment program for Arkansas junior high school students who want to learn more about musical theater and stage performance.
The program, “MT Stage: From the Bard to Broadway,” is designed to nurture young, aspiring performers while building self-confidence through teamwork and talent exploration with a focus on Shakespearean adaptation. The summer program is provided at no cost to participants and is funded by an Academic Enrichment for the Gifted in Summer (AEGIS) grant from the Arkansas Department of Education.
The Jodie Mahony Center is accepting applications for current students in 7th, 8th, and 9th grades. Those selected will participate in the week-long summer program that takes place from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. June 23-27 at UA Little Rock.
During this five-day program, aspiring young performers will have the chance to reimagine “Romeo and Juliet” in a fresh, creative way. Inspired by productions like “West Side Story,” “& Juliet,” and “Gnomeo and Juliet,” students will modernize scenes from Shakespeare’s classic tragedy, incorporating original song lyrics and unique interpretations.
Throughout the camp, participants will explore Shakespearean language—learning how to craft their own scenes using classic insults, adapt dialogue, and stage theatrical moments that blend music and drama. They will also receive training in basic stage combat with an emphasis on safety protocols.
The weeklong program emphasizes performance and creative expression through acting and music, culminating in a showcase where students will present their original scenes and songs. The Student Showcase Performance, which is free and open to the public, will begin at 2 p.m. Friday, June 27.
Applications are due April 30 and may be filled out via this link.