Summer Camp hosted at First Presbyterian Church
Experiencing and creating live theatre ignites curiosity, fosters belonging, and heightens creativity; inspiring growth for artists, audiences, and communities on stage, and in life.American Stage Education provides opportunities for intellectual, social, and emotional growth through inclusive and accessible programs. Discover our classes for youth and adults, summer camps, productions for young audiences, and enriching collaborations with schools and community groups.
Be curious. Be creative. Be YOU! At American Stage, we provide a quality performing arts education in a positive and empowering environment giving young people the tools to be fearless, focused, and flexible on stage and in life. Studying theatre does not only help students become accomplished and confident performers and communicators, it also strengthens creative, intellectual, and emotional growth.
All experience levels are welcome! We believe in fostering an accessible environment that encourages a sense of belonging, curiosity, and collaboration. Our teaching artist staff consists of working theatre professionals who have a passion for teaching, and are trained in key methodologies, cultural competency, and inclusion.
We’re Zany to the Max! Discover your comedic voice in this week-long series filled with hilarious hijinks, fun games and bold characters.
This session is designed for students who are in grades Kindergarten through 2nd grade. It is an awesome class for students who enjoy imaginative play and silly characters.
We bounce to the beat of our own drum in this musical course! Join us as we “Keep the Beat” with the music of ‘Vivo’, ‘Encanto’, and more! This session will explore music and performance fundamentals.
This session is designed for students who are in grades Kindergarten through 2nd grade. It is an awesome class for students who enjoy music, movement, and self-expression.
“The mind of a child is a beginner’s mind and, for them, every idea is fresh, stimulating and leads somewhere special and surprising.” – Kermit the Frog. In this session, students will learn fundamental puppetry construction, and use their bodies, voices, and imagination to bring their unique character to life!
This session is designed for students who are in grades Kindergarten through 2nd grade. It is an awesome class for students who enjoy arts and crafts, imagining fictional and fantastic worlds, and playing pretend.
From “When You Wish Upon a Star” to “The Family Madrigal” this Disney-themed musical performance week will explore some of the most memorable and iconic anthems from the House of Mouse!
This session is designed for students who are in grades Kindergarten through 2nd grade. It is an awesome class for students who love Disney movies and music, are eager to sing and love to do expressive movement.
Super-hero crime busters unite! Will the mystery be solved in time? Who will save the world from the evil master-mind? In this week-long session, discover your inner super-sleuth and work together to save the world!
This session is designed for students who are in grades Kindergarten through 2nd grade. It is an awesome class for students who enjoy problem solving, teamwork, dramatic fictional worlds, and heightened characters.
Bailamos! Balliamo! Lass uns tanzen! This week-long dance party is GLOBAL! In this session, students will learn about a variety of musical and dance stylings from various cultures around the world.
This session is designed for students who are in grades Kindergarten through 2nd grade. It is an awesome class for students who enjoy discovering more about traditions around the globe and love to express themselves through dance.
Explore the whimsical world of Dr. Seuss in the week-long session celebrating literary classics. Students will explore the characters and themes of some of Seuss’ most famous books like, The Lorax, Cat in the Hat and Green Eggs and Ham.
This session is designed for students who are in grades Kindergarten through 2nd grade. It is an awesome class for students who enjoy fun stories, teamwork, dramatic fictional worlds, and heightened characters.
Calling all junior Guardians of the Galaxy & Mandalorians-in-training! In this session, students will learn about various aspects of space travel, while also collaborating to create an imaginative & unique story of Galactic Heroes!
This session is designed for students who are in grades Kindergarten through 2nd grade. It is an awesome class for students who enjoy adventure, thinking big, creative play, and telling stories.
Learn through laughter! Students will explore genres of comedy like satire, word play, character-based, and physical comedy. Guaranteed to be hilarious, boost confidence, and fun for all levels of experience.
This session is designed for students who are third through fifth grade. It is an awesome class for students who enjoy comedy, bold characters, and teamwork.
Discover the rich cultural contributions of songwriter and composer Lin Manuel Miranda. Students will not only perform some of their favorite show stopping numbers from Vivo, Encanto and more, but explore the cultures that his work highlights, and gain a greater appreciation for new people, places and things.
This session is designed for students who are in 3rd through 5th grade. It is an awesome class for students who enjoy singing and creating music with your voice and instruments, and expressing themselves through movement.
Students will unleash their creativity, and physical performance styles as they learn the fundamentals to puppetry construction and performance.
This session is designed for students who are in 3rd through 5th grade. It is an awesome class for students who enjoy arts and crafts, imagining fictional and fantastic worlds, and playing pretend.
More than jokes and witty banter, some of the “sidekicks” of Disney’s most memorable tales live on in our hearts! This session will invite students to explore characters like Timon & Puumba, Olaf, Zazu, and Mushu, and explore not just iconic songs, but their backstories and what it might look like to put the sidekick in the spotlight.
This session is designed for students who are in 3rd through 5th grade. It is an awesome class for students who love Disney movies and music, are eager to sing and like to emulate their favorite characters.
Unleash your inner detective and dive into a week long mystery-solving session. This session will put curious future sleuths to the test! Young actors will explore suspenseful scene-work, and learn the elements and secrets of the mystery-theatre genre.
This session is designed for students who are in 3rd through 5th grade. It is an awesome class for students who love peculiar worlds and creative play, as well as creating bold and dramatic characters
KA-POW! Have you ever wondered how some of your favorite fight scenes and stage combat moments come together?In this movement based session, students will learn the fundamentals of stage combat in a safe, imaginative environment. They will also create their own unique heroic characters with moves that everyone can marvel at.
This session is designed for students who are in 3rd through 5th grade. It is an awesome class for students who love to creatively express themselves through movement and who are interested in bringing action and adventure onto the stage.
This literary focused week explores the poetry of Shel Silverstein, that encourages us all to celebrate the child within and keep our imaginations alive, with the power of our creative voice!
This session is designed for students who are in 3rd through 5th grade. It is an awesome class for students who love to creatively express themselves through voice movement, while learning about literary classics.
Join us as we travel to “a galaxy far, far away”! In this session, students will learn about various aspects of space travel, while also collaborating to create an adventure-filled story with brave characters that boldly go where no child has gone before!
This session is designed for students who are in 3rd through 5th grade. It is an awesome class for students who enjoy adventure, thinking big, creative play, and science fiction.
Combining comedy and physical theatre, this session invites students to create their own comedy scenes and sketches. Students will also explore the world of Comedia Del’arte and a variety of comedy formats, learning the origins of comedic characters and physical storytelling.
This session is designed for students who are in 6th through 12th grade. It is awesome for students who crack up at “Saturday Night Live” or “All That.” Budding writers and those who are looking to collaborate creatively will find this session to be a breath of fresh of air.
Beyond Hamilton, Lin Manuel created and contributed to a collection of musicals, songs and poignant stories. This week-long session celebrates some of our favorite pieces by this fantastic modern composer and wordsmith, and gives young artists the opportunity to learn and grow by bringing his hits to life.
This session is designed for students in 6th through 12th grade. Students who love musical theatre or are looking for a musical performance experience will love this session! It is an awesome class for someone who may or may not have memorized the entire Hamilton soundtrack, or have been playing Encanto on repeat all year.
This session will give students a broad overview of Puppetry as an art form, introducing participants to the different forms and styles of puppetry as well as giving participants instruction on how to manipulate different styles of puppets. The workshop will discuss best practices for a puppeteer and explore puppetry in the world of musical theatre, from iconic shows like Avenue Q, Little Shop of Horrors, and The Lion King.
This session is designed for students who are in 6th through 12th grade. It is awesome for students who enjoy collaboration, bold characters, physicality, have an interest in puppetry, and love musical theatre.
In this week-long intensive, students will explore music across the entire Disney universe and celebrate some of the lesser known musical numbers. From Oliver and Company to the Hunchback of Notre Dame, discover some of the “hidden gems” from the House of Mouse.
This session is designed for students who are in 6th through 12th grade. It is awesome for students who enjoy music, character analysis, exercise empathy, and typically find themselves rooting for the underdog.
In this devised session, students will explore theatrical story structure and character development by creating their own murder mystery. Who will solve the summer mystery? It’s up to you to find out.
This session is designed for students who are in 6th through 12th grade. It is awesome for students who enjoy mystery, true crime, creative writing, and collaboration!
One of our most popular sessions returns, with a twist! Explore a variety of musical theatre numbers and movement styles at all levels, including the fundamentals of stage combat. Learn how to pop in an audition, command focus on stage, and flow with an ensemble to tell a strong story through movement
This session is designed for students who are in 6th through 12th grade. It is awesome for students who enjoy dance and movement, or would like to develop more confidence in this area of your performance skillset. While prior dance & stage combat experience is beneficial, it is not required.
This week-long session explores the language of William Shakespeare through his rhyme, rhythm and musicality. Students will explore “remixing” some of the Bard’s most classic scenes, through their own imaginations.
This session is designed for students who are in 6th through 12th grade. It is awesome for students who enjoy the works of Shakespeare, as well as creating and writing poignant stories, and finding innovative ways to use The Bard’s words!
This week-long session explores the language of William Shakespeare through his rhyme, rhythm and musicality. Students will explore “remixing” some of the Bard’s most classic scenes, through their own imaginations.
This session is designed for students who are in 6th through 12th grade. It is awesome for students who enjoy the works of Shakespeare, as well as creating and writing poignant stories, and finding innovative ways to use The Bard’s words
American Stage Summer Theatre Programs provides pre-care services for parents and families from 8-9AM, Monday-Friday each week of camp. Students will have time to connect, explore and play in the morning before the camp day.
Pre-care is supervised by an American Stage Professional Teaching Artist.
Cost: $40
American Stage Summer Theatre Programs provides after-care services for parents and families from 3-5PM, Monday-Friday each week of camp. Students will have time to connect, explore and play in the afternoon following the camp day.
After-care is supervised by an American Stage Professional Teaching Artist
Cost: $70
Financial Aid for Summer camp 2022 is now closed. Please considering looking into other funding options through Creative Pinellas' Summer Camp Grants
CREATIVE PINELLAS ARTS SUMMER CAMP GRANT
The Creative Pinellas Arts Summer Camp Grant was created to make it possible for young people in Pinellas County to have high quality arts and cultural experiences at Pinellas County area summer camps.
Be curious. Be creative. Be YOU! At American Stage, we provide a quality performing arts education in a positive and empowering environment giving young people the tools to be fearless, focused, and flexible on stage and in life. Studying theatre does not only help students become accomplished and confident performers and communicators, it also strengthens creative, intellectual, and emotional growth.
All experience levels are welcome! We believe in fostering an accessible environment that encourages a sense of belonging, curiosity, and collaboration. Our teaching artist staff consists of working theatre professionals who have a passion for teaching, and are trained in key methodologies, cultural competency, and inclusion.
Nature. Storytelling. Imagination.
Let’s go on an adventure! In this outdoor immersive and nature-based class students will go on the ultimate safari, exploring some of Florida’s most exciting nature elements while developing fun performance skills. The session will culminate with a presentation outdoors, socially distanced on the final week.
In this session students will:
Who should attend:
This session is designed for students who are in grades Kindergarten through 5th. It is an awesome class for students who love the outdoors and are excited to create an ensemble together.
Class Size: 15
Scenes. Stories. Shakespeare.
In this nature-based course, students will immerse themselves in the beauty and power of natural landscapes and Shakespeare’s words. From the beach to the woods, to the town center and beyond, we will discover inspiring settings and stories through the words of The Bard.
In this session students will:
Who should attend:
This session is designed for students in 6th through 12th grade. It is great for students interested in taking an in-depth look into Shakespeare’s plays, and ideal for all students who enjoy discovering new people, places, and ideas.
Class Size: 15
Lights. Camera. Action!
Learn how to communicate effectively, whether it’s in front of a camera, audience, at school or with those you love. Embrace and express your authentic self, gain confidence, and explore ways to connect with the viewer. Activities include acting/monologue-work, as well as presentation skills development through the lens of storytelling.
In this program students will:
Who should attend: This program is great for students who have an interest in arts and performance, and those who seek more ways to improve their presentation and communication skills and/or their acting and monologue work.
Class Size: 15
Share your talent and skills with other young artists in the community.
Connect with your fellow classmates, teaching artists, and show & tell your skills. Share a song, story, magic trick, painting, or any talent you choose in a fun, informal setting. Quarterly throughout the year. Free to participate.
Talent Show Partners: ACT St. Pete, Theatre Exceptional, Think Tank TYA
Master Classes invite artists studying or pursuing a career in theatre to expand their skills, and elevate their expertise. These courses are typically offered as one-time sessions.
Corporate Training & Team-building brings your group together in a supportive and approachable environment to sharpen collaboration, communication, and creative thinking.
American Stage Education fosters an accessible environment that encourages a sense of belonging, curiosity, and collaboration. Our teaching artist staff consists of working theatre professionals who are culturally competent, have a passion for teaching, and are trained in key methodologies.
Both in-person and virtual course options are available throughout the season. See below for detailsAt American Stage, we provide three tracks of opportunities for adult learners:
Explore your artistry and develop a grounded character through vocal performance. This class is great for the experienced vocalist seeking new tools for their performance or the budding actor, looking to improve their musical theatre performance skills.
The first five registrants are guaranteed time to work with the artists.
This Master class will cover the following:
Tampa native, Wedeline Casimir received her Bachelors in Sacred Music and Music Entrepreneurship from Florida State University. She is an accomplished singer/songwriter, music director, vocal coach, and musical theater enthusiast. She enjoys the power of storytelling through music and helping singers develop their unique voices.
John Perez is an actor, vocalist, and educator based in Saint Petersburg, FL. He received his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre from the University of West Florida, and is an alumnus of the American Stage Apprenticeship Program. John’s mission as a theatre professional is to fight to make theatre accessible to BIPOC and other marginalized groups. He is a firm believer that Education is one of the most impactful ways to do so. Selected credits include: Reverend Shaw Moore (Footloose: The Musical), Piragua Guy (In The Heights), Che (EVITA), CPA/Husband (See What I Wanna See); Regional/World Premiere Readings include: EL WIZ by Juan Cantu & Paul Castañeda, The Impossible Escape of Don Misterioso by Hal Borden, and Saudades by Fernando Segall. - Don’t stop. Stay Loud. “¡No pare, sigue, sigue!”
William Bryant is an award winning actor, director, music director, dancer, and singer. He began music directing at age 15 and attended Berklee College of Music. While working with a big band orchestra, William fell in love with ballroom dancing and traveled the world for years as a professional dancer. He has worked in every aspect of theatre for over 40 years. His most rewarding projects include developing a wheelchair ballroom dance program and performing for area elderly memory care homes.
Discover new ways to utilize movement within your artistry in a safe, controlled manner that will serve you in areas of comedy and more. This class is great for those interested in developing a fundamental skill set in areas of slips, trips, falls, and slapstick; as well as those looking to refresh their skills.
This Master Class will cover the following:
Marguerite Boissonnault is an actor/creator, writer and physical storyteller. Currently residing in Gulfport, FL, she completed her MFA at Dell'Arte International School of Physical Theatre in Blue Lake, CA. She has trained in mask, mime, clown, improv, dance, acrobatics, aerial and voice. Most recently she worked as a “per-farmer” in a devised eco-drama with Farm Arts Collective in rural PA where she embodied the role of a Fungus. She strives to tell the stories of today with the people who live them, from the places they reside, where they can be discovered through the body. Her work ranges from the intensely emotional to the delightfully absurd, yet always searches to uncover present truths about our society.
Lights! Camera! Action! Learn how to communicate effectively, whether it’s in front of a camera, audience, at school or with those you love. Embrace and express your authentic self, gain confidence, and explore ways to connect with the viewer. Activities address acting/monologue-work, as well as informational presentation skills through the lens of storytelling.
This Masterclass will cover the following:
K Chinthana Sotakoun (they/them) is a stage and screen actor based in the Southeast. They have appeared in numerous national commercials, industrial projects, short films, and feature films over the last two years. K has acted with regional theatres across the country - locally, that includes American Stage, freeFall, Jobsite, TampaRep, and Think Tank. In addition to acting, they are a singer/songwriter who recently had the opportunity to compose the score for a short film they appeared in. They studied acting in the BFA program at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign. K is a Lao-American non-binary individual and very proud of the representation they bring to the industry.
Have you ever wondered how some of your favorite fight scenes and stage combat moments come together? Now is your chance to discover how it’s done! This course will explore safe forms of stage combat and “making it look real”! This class is great for those interested in learning the fundamentals of hand-to-hand stage combat, as well as communicative skills that will keep you and your scene partners safe.
This Masterclass will cover the following:
Sarah S. Berland holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theater Arts. She has since continued her education through Second City Improv Company, University of South Florida, the Society of American Fight Directors, and Intimacy Directors International. Sarah works for the Patel Conservatory at the Straz Center as a Theatre Education Faculty Member, teaching and directing students from pre-k to adults. Sarah has been a resident makeup designer/artist, as well as being a freelance artist within the Tampa Bay Community for the last 7 years. As a member of the SAFD, who is certified in six weapons, she has choreographed pieces throughout the state of Florida.
Dive into the world of improv comedy with American Stage. Brand new to improv? Ready to give it a try? Looking to brush-up your creative thinking? This is where you start your journey. Be present and honest in the moment, discover the joy of connecting with others, and let your creativity shine!
This class is great for the improv newbie or the skilled improviser looking to review and refresh the foundations of their artistry. No experience necessary, you’ve got everything you need.
Capacity: 15 Max - Mask Required
*Bring A Friend to Improv – Oct 27th
Moving beyond short form improv games and simple scenes, this class series breaks down the fundamentals of great improv scene work. Our natural reactions can make the funniest version of ourselves. Learn methods used to sustain a scene beyond the “first three lines.”
This class is great if you’ve taken an improv class before (like Improv Basics), or if you have studied acting/theatre and are looking to expand your actor’s toolbox.
Capacity: 15 Max - Mask Required
*Bring A Friend to Improv – Oct 27th
Coming Spring 2022!
Bold. Comedic. Grounded. Elevate the skills needed for character work, an element essential to dynamic, improvised scenes. Learn to make choices that clearly define the characters you create, center them in a place of authenticity, and heighten and explore them as the world of the scene unfolds. This class combines modules and exercises in improvisation and acting technique.
An excellent course for improvisers seeking to sharpen their acting technique, as well as actors seeking to broaden their approach and their breadth of character-work. This class is best for those who have some understanding of improv scene-work (we recommend taking our Improv Scene Study class first), but it is also a fun and supportive environment for those who have only taken a basic improv class, or have studied acting/theatre and are looking to expand your actor’s toolbox.
Capacity: 15 Max - Mask Required
*Bring A Friend to Improv – Oct 27th
Details coming soon!
A 10% discount is available for Military family members and Teachers (with ID). Call the Adult Education Associate to apply this discount – 727-823-1600 x 212.
Each class culminates in a final student show for invited guests.
The most current COVID-19 safety procedures will be implemented throughout classes, and required of guests attending student shows. Our safety protocols include, but are not limited to:
Read the full American Stage COVID-19 Health & Safety Plan here.
Si hablas Español y quieres más información sobre los programas de teatro de American Stage, por favor envíanos un email a education@americanstage.org o llamanos al (727) 823-1600, extensión 212.
American Stage Education provides a variety of experiences for schools, educators and students to journey beyond the classroom. From touring productions, to field trips to the theatre, to residencies in your school, students explore the power of the performing arts, and teachers expand on their learning goals in a supportive and active environment. Our programs for schools and students ignite a thirst for learning about new people, places, and ideas. Choose your adventure below!
American Stage offers a number of special performances for student audiences through our Student Matinee program, including live onsite productions and digital productions for your students.
Experiencing live theatre empowers us all to be bolder, wiser, and more compassionate on stage and in life. Through our student matinee program, many students have the opportunity to see a play for the first time, and to foster a love for powerful storytelling and the performing arts. We select plays in our season that support what local educators are teaching in their classrooms.
Includes:
- Post show Chatback with the cast & crew
- In-person or virtual workshop with your class connected to Florida State Standards in Language Arts & Theatre
About the Show:
Charles Dickens wrote a short story that has become one of the most adapted pieces of literature in history. The story of Scrooge is well known, but what about Marley? How did his haunting afterlife begin? In his version of the carol, Marley is escorted by a spritely creature along the pathway to redeeming his soul – by helping to save the one man on earth who was more greedy and sour than himself. We come to find that self sacrifice can make a difference in the end.
“…[Blends] a Dickens sensibility with a taste for fairy tales and contemporary wit…thoroughly charming—a holiday treat…” — Chicago Herald
Age recommendation: Grades 6-12
Complimentary tickets to 1 chaperone per 10 students booked
Includes:
- Post show Chatback with the cast & crew
- In-person or virtual workshop with your class connected to Florida State Standards in Language Arts & Theatre
About the Show:
Picture it. 1986. An all girls school in Ghana and there’s a new girl in town, an American, who challenges the reigning queen bee. There’s a prestigious pageant on the line, which could provide the opportunity to move up in the world to the lucky winner. This is a funny and touching story about the universal teenage struggle, and the need to feel like you belong. The Hollywood Reporter said it was “ferociously entertaining, as heartwarming as it is hilarious” and the Washington Post called it a “charming comedy of adolescent angst.”
“A ferociously entertaining morality tale that proves as heartwarming as it is hilarious…” —Hollywood Reporter
Age recommendation: Grades 6-12
Complimentary tickets to 1 chaperone per 10 students booked
For generations, young people have experienced theatre for the first time in their lives with the American Stage School Tour. Each school year, a team of professional theatre artists travels to your school with staged adaptation of classic children’s literature.
Our 2021-2022 Family Series production is a fresh, accessible, original play created by the American Stage team: FAIRYTALES REIMAGINED inspires us all to find joy in coming together to share stories.
Opens February 21, 2022
Adapted from Grimm’s Fairytales
by Sadie Lockhart, Patrick A Jackson & Tiffany FordCo-Directed by Tiffany Ford & Sadie LockhartCreative Consultant: JL Rey | Special Thanks: Kellys Camacho-Robinson
When the power goes out at Abuela’s, Mateo and his older sister Isabella are stuck with nothing to do, but Abuela has other plans… With the turn of a page from the family’s storybook, some familiar classic fairytales are reimagined in brand new ways! Mateo and Isabella discover just how fun and powerful sharing stories can be. All it takes is a little imagination.
This production is great for classes studying world cultures (specifically the Spanish language), family dynamics, storytelling, and reading & literacy.
Bring a performance to your school!
$425 for up to 200 students
(50% off for a 2nd same-day performance)
Includes:
An interactive study guide connected to Florida State Standards
Post-show chatback with the cast!
To schedule a performance, contact us at education@americanstage.org or 727.823.1600 ext 212
Experience American Stage’s popular School Tour on our MainStage!
Includes:
A relaxed performance environment
Sensory friendly accommodations, such as a pre-show “touch tour”
Saturday, April 23 at 11am
Sunday, April 24 at 1pm
Tickets Coming Soon!
See study guide above for more details
FL State Standards for grades K-12
LAFS.K12.W.3.9; LAFS.K12.R.2.6; LAFS.K12.SL.2.4; LAFS.K12.R.3.9; LAFS.K12.W.1.3; LAFS.K12.R.2.5
WL.K12.IM.8.3; WL.K12.IH.8.1; WL.K12.IM.8.1; WL.K12.NH.3.6; WL.K12.NM.8.1; WL.K12.NH.9.1; WL.K12.NM.4.5;
SS.2.G.1.4; SS.3.G.2.1; SS.5.G.4.2
TH.K.F.3.1; TH.1.S.1.2; TH.2.S.1.2; TH.3.S.2.1; TH.4.H.3.1; TH.5.O.1.2; LAFS.K12.W.3.9; LAFS.K12.L.3.6; LAFS.K12.L.3.6
Download the full Benchmark Results from Cpalms.org here
FL Early Learning and Development Standards
III. Social and Emotional Development
IV. Language and Literacy
VII. Social Studies
VIII. Creative Expression Through the Arts
John is an actor and singer based in St. Petersburg, FL. He received his BFA in Musical Theatre from the University of West Florida and recently completed a year-long apprenticeship with American Stage Theatre Company. Selected favorite credits include: Che (EVITA), Husband/CPA (See What I Wanna See), Piragua Guy (In the Heights), Prince Escalus (Romeo & Juliet), Man 2 (Songs for a New World), Agwe (Once on this Island). He’s also appeared in several world premieres, including EL WIZ (Paul Castaneda & Juan Cantu), The Impossible Escape of Don Misterioso (Hal Borden), and Pecking Order (Robin Rice). American Stage credits include ‘Shakespeare Lite: Romeo & Juliet’, ‘For the Love of Shakespeare’, ‘Five Times Around’ (an original devised piece), and most recently, UNCAGED. He is very much looking forward to being silly and learning a whole lot this summer!
Patrick is an actor, teaching artist and creative from Richmond, VA. He is an alumnus of Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA, where he received his B.A. in Drama and has studied with the British American Drama Academy. Patrick’s love for theater is rooted in improvisation, comedy, spoken word and story telling. Recent acting credits include: Clarence the Angel in IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE (American Stage), Miles/Shawn/Rashaad in GLORIA (Mad Cow Theatre), Joseph Asagai in RAISIN IN THE SUN (American Stage), and The White Rabbit in ALICE WITH A TWIST (Florida Studio Theatre). Outside of the theatre, Patrick is the Director of Multimedia with Today’s Church Tampa Bay and also a proud member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity, Inc., Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. and the Actor’s Equity Association. www.patrickajackson.com
Matt is an actor and teaching artist originally from Howard County, Maryland. Matt’s performance history includes: Ensemble in MAMMA MIA!, Jonah Haber in BAD JEWS, Claudio in MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING, Sketch/Ensemble in HAIRSPRAY, Laurence/Agent Sharp in TARTUFFE, Eeyore/Kanga in WINNIE THE POOH, Red in AMERICA: A MOSAIC (American Stage), Bill/ Lucentio in KISS ME, KATE (Annapolis Shakespeare), Swing/Ensemble in KISS ME KATE! (St. Pete Opera), Soldier in STROVINSKY’s SOLDIER’S TALE (St. Pete Opera), Jack handsome in SUNSHINE CITY: THE MUSICAL (St. Pete Arts), Oberon in A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM (Finalist for the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship- Region 2), Judge Turpin in SWEENEY TODD, and Sir Toby Belch in TWELFTH NIGHT. Matt has a deep love and dedication to Arts Education and has taught theatre to students ranging from Elementary to High School, performed in multiple children’s theatre shows, and actively continues to be an arts advocate and believer in the good arts education can do in one’s life. Training: BFA in Acting from Towson University and the American Stage Acting/Apprentice Program.
Nicholas was most recently seen in American Stage’s Digital School Tour production, FAIRYTALES REIMAGINED credits include STUPID F**KING BIRD, A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE, THE ICEMAN COMETH (Tampa Repertory Theatre) The FANTASTIKS (freefall theatre) A FEW GOOD MED (Stageworks Theatre) SILENCE: THE MUSICAL, TWELFTH NIGHT(Jobsite Theater) POPCORN FALLS (Walnut Street Theatre) COLOMBINUS (Innovocative Theatre) amongst others. Education: Point Park University and University of South Florida. He’s happy to be returning to American Stage again to create this unique theatrical experience for children and families.
Donovan is thrilled to be working with American Stage’s Summer Camp! He loves working with kids – being that he’s 7 years old at heart! He is also a former American Stage Acting and Production Apprentice. An educator as well as actor, he was in American Stage’s 2019 School Tour of THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS. He has also worked with Westcoast Black Theater Troupe’s education programs: JAZZLINKS and STAGE OF DISCOVERY. He’s beyond excited to let out his inner kid!
Andresia is a classically trained theatre actress and nationally recognized spoken word artist. She is a 2018-2020, recipient of the National Performance Network’s Creation and Development Fund co-commissioned by Art2Action and ASU Gammage and supported by the Hillsborough Arts Council Artist Development Grant. In 2018 Andresia became an ASU Gammage Artist in Residence for the development of her first one woman show Five Black Women. From 2016-2019 she was on national tour as the lead character in Speed Killed My Cousin with the Carpetbag Theatre Inc. Knoxville, TN. Moseley’s performance in Anna Deavere Smith’s Twilight: Los Angeles 1992 where she played 27 characters and was named “best performance of 2020” by Broadway World. She also received an honorable mention in The Wall Street Journal (2021) for her performance as Ms. Muller in Jobsite Theatre’s Doubt: A Parable. Her performance as Kendra in Stagework’s production of American Son was declared: “A true masterclass performance by an Actress on top of her game…” by Broadway World (2021). In 2020 Moseley was a nominee for “Best Actress in the Bay” by Creative Loafing Tampa. Moseley was also named “stand out actress” for her role as the Lady in Blue in Ntozake Shange’s For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf by Creative Loafing (2015).
Jeremy is a pianist, deep sea welder and leader of acclaimed megasuperband The Florida Bjorkestra. He is the Improv Music Director and instructor at American Stage Improv, and a performer with the house team Definitely Not Murderers. Recently he’s been Jobsite Theater’s resident music director in productions of LIZZIE: A Killer Rock Musical, The Threepenny Opera, and Jobsite’s #1 selling show Hedwig And The Angry Inch. He’s composed original music for Jobsite’s productions of The Tempest, Edgar And Emily and Othello. Currently he’s resident pianist at Straz Center for the Performing Arts and can be found during Broadway series opening nights on the piano in the lobby of Morsani Hall. If you’re looking. He makes records, too, but jeez this bio is getting long already and we can talk about that later.
William is an award winning actor, director, music director, dancer, and singer. He began music directing at age 15 and attended Berklee College of Music. While working with a big band orchestra, William fell in love with ballroom dancing and traveled the world for years as a professional dancer. He has worked in every aspect of theatre for over 40 years. His most rewarding projects include developing a wheelchair ballroom dance program and performing for area elderly memory care homes.
Alexa holds a B.A. in Performing Arts from the University of Tampa where she performed in many shows, including Moon Over Buffalo, Temptation, and Shakespeare’s Measure for Measure. After this, she spent a few years in Chicago where she continued to learn and perform theatrically and on screen in television shows such as Empire and The Exorcist. She has been working with a number of theaters in the Tampa Bay Area since moving back to Florida, including American Stage. You may have seen her in the recent virtual school tour Fairytales Reimagined: Stories for a New World or in the virtual reading of The Polar Bear Society. She is thrilled to have the opportunity to pass on everything she has learned and contribute to her community through the arts.
Courtney is thrilled to return to American Stage. Courtney holds a BA from the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts with concentrations in theater, music, and arts management. While in college, she spent summers as an acting apprentice at three renowned New England theaters, Berkshire Theatre Group, Commonwealth Shakespeare, and Williamstown Theatre Festival. Before joining American Stage, she acted as an Artist-in-Residence at Berkshire Theatre Group, teaching playwriting and acting skills to local students. In her time with American Stage, some of her favorite roles included an Usherette in The Producers, Piglet in Winnie the Pooh, and Lydia Wickham in Miss. Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley. Courtney sends her thanks to family and friends for their love and support.
K is a stage and screen actor based in the Southeast. They have appeared in numerous national commercials, industrial projects, short films, and feature films over the last two years. K has acted with regional theatres across the country - locally, that includes American Stage, freeFall, Jobsite, TampaRep, and Think Tank. In addition to acting, they are a singer/songwriter who recently had the opportunity to compose the score for a short film they appeared in. They studied acting in the BFA program at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign. K is a Lao-American non-binary individual and very proud of the representation they bring to the industry.
Ryan is a singer, songwriter, actor and music director. She is a Berklee College of Music alum where she studied Contemporary Writing/Production and Vocal Performance. During her time at Berklee she discovered a love for composing, arranging, and music directing. She was heavily involved in the growing Musical Theater Performance and Writing Initiative. After college, Ryan spent time performing in various cities in Ohio before moving to Chicago where she attended classes at The Second City and began teaching private voice and piano. Since moving to St. Petersburg she has music directed theater camps for American Stage and South Tampa Center for the Arts.
Dylan is a graduate of Auburn University with a BFA in Theatre Performance and Dance Minor. Originally from Montgomery, Alabama, Dylan moved to St. Petersburg to complete a year-long apprenticeship with American Stage where he developed a love for teaching theatre. He made his professional debut as the titular character in American Stage’s 2018 school tour production of WINNIE THE POOH, followed by the Nurse in BETWEEN RIVERSIDE AND CRAZY, and a member of the ensemble of MAMMA MIA. After a wonderful experience with the American Stage summer camp program, he jumped at the opportunity to work as a teacher again. Dylan is currently pursuing his bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
Matt grew up in New Jersey and received a B.S. in Theater with a writing concentration from Skidmore College. He then moved to Los Angeles where he and his writing team created and sold several projects including a musical children’s show for the Jim Henson Company and a movie musical based on Rufio from the movie “Hook”. Matt has acted in all manner of commercials including Target, Staples, and Nintendo, and trained in improv and sketch comedy at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre where he was eventually invited to join the team “Quick and Funny Musicals”. Matt lives in St. Petersburg, FL where he teaches filmmaking at the Academy of Entertainment Arts Magnet in Hollins High School.
Cameron is a John Hopkins Middle School teacher and a graduate from Auburn University, and truly has a passion for working with children. During her time at Auburn she taught acting classes to a number of different age groups, this is where her love for teaching began. Now she teaches the Beginning Theatre class that is a part of JHOP’s magnet program as well as Acting 1 and Peer Counseling. Through her time as a teacher she has been honored with being the director of several youth programs filled with immensely talented students. Her goal is to reach children at a young age and help them develop their passions and dreams through the art of theatre. She has been privileged enough to be able to witness what theatre can do in a child’s life; how it can shape and empower them. She is motivated to provide that to as many students as possible, and can not wait to explore the power of theatre with American Stage.
Professor Emerita Dedee Aleccia received her Bachelor’s degree in English from Rosary Hill College and her two Masters’ degrees (in English and Art History) from SUNY Binghamton. For her Master’s degree in Art History, Dedee conducted on-site research on the Thomas Becket window cycle at Canterbury Cathedral in England. Dedee has held professorships at Broome Community College and Montgomery College and has served as adjunct professor at SUNY Binghamton, the University of Baltimore, and Eckerd College. Among the many literature subjects she has taught are world literature, British literature, the Bible as Literature, 19th century literature, modern drama, and Shakespeare. In art history she has taught such subjects as world art, Greco-Roman art, medieval art, Renaissance art, and 19th century art. She has served as director of Montgomery College’s Honors Program and has taught several honors courses. Awarded the opportunity to serve as a Smithsonian Fellow, she researched images of labor in 19th century art.
Kayla is a multihyphenate artist and educator from Coral Springs, FL. A product of theatrical education programming as a child, Kayla credits her resilience and success to the educators that paved the way. As a teaching artist, she values the importance of creativity and exploration as a means to develop, engage and discover potential. She is a graduate of The Florida State University and a proud member of Actors Equity Association and a current MA/MFA Candidate in Theatre Education & Applied Theatre at Emerson College. www.kaylatomas.com.
Alexandria is an actress and teaching artist from St. Petersburg, Florida. Her training includes a B.A. in English and Theatre Arts from Rollins College (class of 2016) and the American Stage Acting/Production Apprenticeship Program (2016-2017 season). Some of Alexandria’s past credits include: Hero in MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING (St. Petersburg Shakespeare Festival) Rebel in COLUMBINUS (Innovocative Theatre), Martha Loomis Pentecost in JOE TURNER’S COME AND GONE, Pink in AMERICA: A MOSAIC (American Stage), THE VAGINA MONOLOGUES, REEFER MADNESS, LARAMIE PROJECT: TEN YEARS LATER, and ANNA IN THE TROPICS (Rollins College). Recently, Alexandria accepted a full ride to Northwestern University’s MFA Acting Program, in which she will be a member of its inaugural class led by Tony Award Winning Director, Anna D. Shapiro. She will begin the Master’s program in the fall of 2019. Alexandria is an Equity Membership Candidate. More at: www.facebook.com/missalexdiva18
Sarah is a graduate of the University of Michigan with a BFA in Theatre Performance. She also spent seven years with the groundbreaking Flint Youth Theatre (FYT) under Executive Artistic Director, William P. Ward. Sarah served as an Apprentice Artist, performing in youth-centric shows and assisting in theatre classes for various age groups. FYT original production credits include SPIRE, STRANDS: THE LEGACY OF 9/11, MY SOUL TO TAKE, VISIONS OF SUGARPLUMS, and ALL HALLOWS EVE. After graduation, Sarah moved to New York City where she worked as an actress, performing in such productions as WHATEVER AND DELICATELY, A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM, CASINA, CALAMITY JANE BATTLES THE HORRIBLE HOOP SNAKES, and SIMILARITIES. Since moving to Tampa Bay in 2013, she has been working as a teaching artist at American Stage and around the Tampa Bay area. Recent acting credits include WHAT’S YOUR STATUS? (Jobsite Theatre), THE ICEMAN COMETH (Tampa Rep), LEND ME A TENOR (Hat Trick Theatre Prod.), THE COMPLETE STAR WARS SAGA (ABRIDGED) (Cloudy With A Chance Prod.), A PIECE OF MY HEART (Powerstories Theatre) and CYMBELINE (St. Petersburg Shakespeare Festival).
Taylor is a graduate of Florida Gulf Coast University with a BA in Theatre and a minor in Creative Writing. Originally from Kentucky, Taylor developed a love for the performing arts at a young age, taking classes at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park and writing in all of her school play bios that she was going to be an actress one day. Things shifted slightly in college, as she found a love for educating young artists as well as a love for stage management. During undergrad, she spent a summer teaching Drama to kids aged kindergarten to middle school, worked spot op and crew at TheatreZone in Naples, FL, and was involved with lighting and stage management at FGCU. After serving as the Production Management Intern at the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, Taylor accepted an apprenticeship with American Stage, serving as the ASM for all six MainStage shows in the 2017/2018 season. Today, Taylor is thrilled to be back with American Stage as a Teaching Artist and Production Assistant! In her free time, she enjoys writing and singing along to show tunes. She is a freelance stage manager in the St. Pete area and a proud SMA member.
Ally is a theatre artist from Tampa, Florida. She has worked professionally as an actor, teaching artist, and stage manager with theaters in Florida and across the country. Favorite performance credits include THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE (Spanish Lyric Theatre), THE CHILDREN’S HOUR (Tampa Rep), LES MISÉRABLES (The Ritz), SISTER ACT, and THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME (Eight O’ Clock Theatre). At American Stage, Ally was the Education & Outreach Apprentice during the 2016/2017 season, and has worked for several years on the annual school tour: Actor/Tour Manager for GEORGE’S MARVELLOUS MEDICINE and RIKKI TIKKI TAVI, and Costume Designer for WINNIE THE POOH. BA in Theatre from Samford, Certificate in New Play Performance from Hollins, MFA in Theatre from Sarah Lawrence (2021).allythomas.info
Molly is Saint Petersburg based writer, actor, and director. She has been a teaching artist for eight years and loved every moment of it. Molly believes that theater is a way to truly learn empathy in a way no other art or science can. She has worked as an actor locally for Ghost Light, Stageworks, American Stage, Saint Petersburg Shakespeare Festival, and many indie productions in the Bay Area.
Kaylie is an actor, voice actor, and costumer originally from Lakeland, FL. She is a recent graduate of Auburn University’s BFA Performance program, and even more recently finished her acting and production apprenticeship at American stage. Some of her recent credits include Esme in THE GAP AND THE GLUE, Ensemble in MAMMA MIA (American Stage), Antigone in Anouilh’s ANTIGONE, Nell Gwyn in PLAYHOUSE CREATURES (Auburn University Theater), and Veranda Murphy in CROSSING THE BAY. Kaylie has felt fortunate to have worked as a teaching artist and counselor in multiple summer camps and theater programs, from Alabama and Florida all the way up the coast to Maine. As an artist and teacher, Kaylie hopes that the work be taken seriously, but never the self.
Thank you for your interest in American Stage’s Summer Camp Financial Aid program!
EVERY child should have access to a high quality arts education. Seeing theatre, and participating in theatre-making empowers us to be bolder, wiser, and more compassionate on stage and in life. Our SPONSOR-A-STUDENT program provides financial support for young people to experience theatre and playmaking across our programs. At little to no cost, children and teens have the opportunity to attend Summer Programs
Applying for Sponsor A Student is easy!
Important Reminders:
Every Sponsor A Student application requires support materials be uploaded or mailed. Applications cannot be processed until we receive both support materials. Required support materials are:
1. Select One of Following Options:
Statement of Interest: A brief (1/2 – 1 page) letter or video (30-60 seconds) from your student answering the following questions:
– Why do you want to attend the program?
– What do you hope to gain or learn through our programs?
– What do you think you can bring or give to this program?
OR
– A sample of the student’s artistic work (a piece of writing, poetry, drawing, video of a performance, a song they like to sing, a joke they enjoy telling, etc.). Photos and scans of original documents are great. Please note that the artistic piece can be a work in progress and does not need to be polished. Our main goal is to the see the student exercising their creative expression.
OR
– A letter/statement of recommendation from the student’s teacher about why they see them an excellent fit for this program.
2. Select one of the following to prove your annual income (Please blur or black out your social security number before including):
– Your most recent household tax returns (2019 or 2020)
-4 Pay Stubs
-Letter from your employer
-Disability Insurance
-Unemployment Documentation
Tips for a great application: