Is there a RISING STAR in your house?

Perhaps you have been wondering if Rising Stars is right for your kids. VAPA is excited to offer its first Musical Theatre Camps this summer and is launching with Rising Stars for students who have completed the 1st - 8th grades on May 29 - June 2. This camp is NOT school and no grades will be given or earned but the structure and experience will prove a beneficial way for kids to make the transition from school year to summer. The program will be focused on building vocal technique in youth along with instruction in drama and musical theatre dance. All of this learning and experience will culminate in a program that will emphasize both group and solo singing. All participants will have the opportunity to be on stage but none will be required to sing solo. Rising Stars is designed to build confidence and will concentrate on the participants' ability to be successful.

The camp will be facilitated by Drs. Jennifer and Mark McQuade. Combined they have decades of experience performing, directing, and teaching musical theatre with all ages. The McQuades will support the most tentative young performer and challenge the most brave all with both nurturing kindness and tremendous expertise.

The day camp is being held at First Baptist Church in downtown Valdosta and will occur Tuesday - Friday from 10am - 3pm. An open to the public showcase performance will be held at 2pm on Saturday, June 2nd (with a 1pm call).

Registration for Rising Stars is open online NOW. Space is limited so it is advisable to register soon to secure a place. The deadline for registering is May 12th at midnight. More details are available on the registration page at https://www.valdostaperformingarts.com/events/rising-stars

Added incentive for middle school participants will be the opportunity to determine if the upcoming VAPA Performing Arts Troupe is right for them. Launching this fall, membership in the Troupe is open to all middle school and high school students through dues paid each semester. While the Musical Theatre Troupe is open to all, there will be placement auditions held to assign parts. All members will perform in a show at the conclusion of each semester. Out of the Troupe, an auditioned select a cappella vocal ensemble will be created. The ensemble will perform music similar to Pentatonix, Pitch Perfect, and Straight No Chaser. More details regarding cost and start dates will be announced in June.