Community theatre trains future Broadway stars
In a perfect example of life imitating art, a group of musically talented teenagers from all over Ventura County united on stage to sing and dance in a show about a group of kids getting together to sing and dance. Camp Rock: the Musical, is a theatrical version of the 2008 Disney channel movie that starred the Jonas Brothers and Demi Lovato. This stage version featured standout performances by NPHS students Sam Herbert, Elaine Panico and Kylie Vincent.
The Thousand Oaks-based theatre company, Panic! Productions, performed shows from May 6 to May 22 at the NoHo Arts Center in North Hollywood to rave reviews. “High octane, challenging dance numbers that the cast embraced with energy and enthusiasm….The vocal talent is also superb all around….Bravo to all,” Cary Ginell of VC On Stage said.
These types of productions are a great way for young talent to develop their skills and get valuable experience on the stage. Under the tutelage of a veteran of both Broadway and Hollywood, Director Barry Pearl, the 28-member cast honed their acting, singing and dancing skills.
This was the second musical with Panic! Productions for freshman Sam Herbert, who played Camp Rock’s male lead, Nate Gray. “Being in a community theatre production is pretty different than a high school production in the sense that it is more professional and more intense,” Herbert said. “You have more freedom with the budget and cast.”
Kylie Vincent, sophomore, played a Camp Star camper in the production and enjoyed all the dancing she had to do. Vincent agrees that community theatre productions are a much different experience from school performances.
“We put a lot of extra time in at rehearsals, and unlike school shows, professional community theatre shows unfortunately don’t work around other school events, so it’s a lot of sacrifice,” Vincent said. “But every kid our age who does outside shows wants to pursue this career, so with these experiences we get to work with professionals and eventually become one.”
The young cast received high praise for their passion for performance that was obvious throughout the show.
“I have to say I was more than impressed with the talents of these wonderful performers,” wrote Samantha Simmonds-Ronceros in a recent review of the show. “They danced, they sang and they acted their hearts out, and the commitment was thoroughly entertaining.”
Elaine Panico, freshman, was cast as Caitlyn Gellar, the best friend of the female lead.
She emphasizes the importance of community theatre productions, and opportunities they bring. “It’s a good first step to starting a career in musical theatre, Panico said. “I do it because I love it. I got to meet some of my best friends through shows and it’s such a fun experience.”
Herbert echoes these same feelings about community theater, and the experience itself. “(Community theater productions offer) more exposure and learning experiences, Herbert said. “I do musicals for fun, experience, friends, and for my future.”
