“Oh yes, the past can hurt. But from the way I see it, you can either run from it, or learn from it” – Rafiki
Our actors have been working hard and we are super proud of them. Their bonds are flourishing, and their collaboration and teamwork are really taking shape. We are past the halfway mark in our rehearsal journey. In four short weeks, our Pride Rock cast will take the stage for their first performance. What does this mean? A few things…a lot of things actually! Tons of excitement is starting to brew, nerves will come into play soon, self-care becomes very important, and REHEARSING AT HOME is key! I strongly urge you to ask your actors to practice their lines, sing their songs, and watch/practice the choreography videos at least three times during the week. All actors should be ready to focus when they arrive. Please encourage them! Perhaps provide a little pep talk before rehearsals this Sunday. It is in the next few weeks when we begin to put all the pieces of the performance together; it’s a wonderful time. In addition to the amazing progress they are making with the actual show and the performance skills being learned, it warms my heart to see the friendships being made and the social/emotional development taking place that only theater magic can do!
Friendly Reminder
It is important that our actors don’t miss rehearsal. We are at a critical point in the show process where everyone’s participation is needed. Remember: acting is a team sport.
Electronic Resource Library
PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE share this with your actor. This section is designed to assist them between rehearsals. Happy practicing!
Pride Rock Highlights
- We had our first “stumble through” today! We started from the top of the show and performed all the way through Act 1, stopping as little as possible.
- In our meditation, we reminded our kids that mistakes are part of the process. Like Rafiki says, you can either run from your past, or you can learn from it!
- Our actors received worksheets (made by Skylar) to help them write out their show.
- A lot of our cast learned the choreography for I Just Can’t Wait to Be King! which involves an impressive lift.
Hakuna Matata Highlights
- We started costume fittings this week with several of our actors and they look great!
- Our kids started to map out the show to help us as we prepare for the final few weeks!
- Some of our Lionesses found a bit of spotlight for The Mourning as they learned a brand new dance!
- This week our kids got TWO animal facts – one about our elephant friends and another about our parrot companions.
- We finished blocking the iconic stand off between Simba and Scar in the 2nd Act at Pride Rock!
Important Dates & Reminders!
- JPAS Social Crew – Lion King Movie Sing-along! Thursday, March 14! Register
Last Call! Calling All Zoo-Goers!
Today is the last call for anyone interested in going to the zoo next Sunday, March 17 before rehearsal. We have a fun itinerary planned and it’s sure to be an amazing time! After we meet at 9:00 AM, we’ll say hello to Pumbaa before we have a live demonstration on predators! You don’t want to miss it. Please reach out to me immediately if you still want to go!
Digital Marketing Kits & Tickets
It’s time to SELL, SELL, SELL. Two weeks ago, I emailed everyone our digital marketing kit. I’ve seen some of you already starting to share and comment on social media – rock on! Word-of-mouth is the ultimate marketer! THANK YOU! Can’t wait for our actors to slay the stage!
Kids Are Marketers Too!
On Sunday we provided small flyers to our actors so they can hand them out to friends, teachers, and family – you name it – to promote all their hard work! I love watching our actors have an opportunity to feel empowered by handing out their flyers! The response from doing this year after year has been very positive; and this year was no different! The actors love it! Please encourage your actor to bring them to school, give them to their friends/teachers, or hand them out to your neighbors or at another one of their after-school activities. This exercise is beyond marketing the performances. This small act teaches our actors to take ownership of their “work”, to speak out when otherwise shy, to learn a “behind-the-scenes” skill, and ultimately, a sense of pride in something they are committed to.
Volunteering is Fun! Our Volunteers ROCK!
Thank you to everyone who has jumped in and to joined the magic. We really appreciate you!
Costume Fittings
Friendly reminder, we have an early costume fitting this week for our Hakuna Matata Cast. I sent a reminder email regarding assigned and agreed-upon time slots last week.
- Hakuna Matata will have their final costume fittings on Sunday, March 10th prior to rehearsals.
- Please remember to bring your actor’s base layers, in a bag labeled with their name and cast on it. Also, please label all their clothing/shoes too.
Set, Projection, and Lighting Design
We have been busy finalizing all the projection designs and videos along with our set! Over the next few weeks the lights will be programmed! It’s looking so good. Combine that with our amazing costumes and our actor’s hard work… and boom! We will have a show! 😊
What’s the Best Camp at the J?
Like so many of our JPAS campers, camp is my favorite time of the year. For those who haven’t tried one of our performing arts camps before, they are truly the best!
- Camp StarQuest is full and has an official waitlist. If your actor is interested in attending, be sure to put your name on the waitlist.
- Camp StarPower has a few spots left!
- Click here to learn more about StarQuest
- Click here to learn more about StarPower.
- Click here to register
New! One Week Specialty Camps! One Weekers… a week of Wow! July 1 – Aug 2
Experience a week of unparalleled summer joy at our boutique specialty camps, taught by specialists. Uniquely crafted formats blend fun, learning, and empowerment, leaving a lasting impact on growth and mindset. A place where uniqueness and innovation converge to create an extraordinary experience for your child. With themed weeks and a traditional camp philosophy, our special sauce lies in creating a transformative experience that builds connections, confidence, and fosters acceptance. Join us for a week of discovery and joy! It’s not just a summer camp; it’s a journey that will positively impact your child’s life in ways they never imagined.
Specialty Camp Line-Up
Cooking and Baking Bonanza, Magic Explorers, Broadway Bound, Global Gourmet, Discover Magic, AdventureScape, Lights, Camera, Action, Trailblazers of Kindness. Landmark Adventures, Act It Out!
- Grades entering 1-9
- Space will be limited.
- Already registered for a J Dallas Camp session and want to switch into one of our one week camps, no problem!
- Registration today and learn more!
This is How We Do It at JPAS
Looking forward to seeing everyone this Sunday!
Shine Bright,
