Before 1993, Judy Zwelling remembers driving her children to Norfolk in the summer to give them a musical theater experience.
The drive was tough, but there were no programs for youth interested in acting, singing and dancing in Williamsburg.
Zwelling decided to change that. She – along with co-founder Emily Pease – started StageLights, a nonprofit and educational musical theater summer program.
In the 21 years since, the summer workshops have grown “exponentially,” said Richard Parker, the executive director who is directing this summer’s production of “Peter Pan Jr.” based on the Disney movie. From one summer workshop lasting three weeks, StageLights now offers four levels of instruction for children ages 6 to 17.
This summer its Act III group — made up of 8- to 13-year-olds — will present “Peter Pan Jr.” with a cast of 33, while the Act I and II groups of younger players will perform for friends and family after their sessions.
New this year is the Encore division, which was added for children ages 14 to 17 who aged out of the younger levels. Parker remembers many of them crying on the final day of camp last year, thinking they would not have the chance to participate again.
“They really had a loss going on,” he said.
StageLights added Encore for 2014, which gives older students the chance to expand their theatrical repertoire. This summer 12 girls are working with Ryan Clemons and David Doersch on stage combat, audience interaction and acrobatic performance for “Circus Olympus,” a play that toys with the idea of Greek tragedy. The show opens Friday at the Williamsburg Regional Library.
Clemons noted the all-female troupe would not have been allowed to perform on the stage in ancient Greece, “so we’re reclaiming it,” he said.
“Circus Olympus” uses an ensemble cast, but the focus on the collective — rather than the individual in the spotlight — is what drives all of StageLights’ productions. Across all ages, the youth learn to collaborate and work together as a team toward the common goal.
In the process, choreographer Arianna Heck, who is also doing choreography this summer for the unrelated Williamsburg Players’ “Peter Pan,” is amazed to see youngsters emerge from shy shells. Heck said the positive peer pressure encourages them to sing, dance and act without fear.
“That part of them kind of gets drawn out. … You can see that affecting their self-esteem,” she said.
By their second summer, Zwelling said, the children have embraced the musical theater world full-force. Many return year after year to keep honing their skills while having fun.
All of this summer’s groups have been busy in rehearsals at Warhill High School since late June to put together the many pieces of the productions – pounding out the vocals to chorus numbers, running lines and perfecting their steps – before each opening night. Christie Buie, StageLights’ publicity manager, said Warhill allows the organization to spread out: One ensemble can work on stage while another is in the band room, all while a team works to assemble costumes and props down the hall.
Some StageLights alumni, currently high school students or recent graduates, have returned this summer as volunteers or as paid staff.
Buie said it is a testament to the program how many young thespians stay committed for years.
In its tenure, StageLights has also built relationships with other organizations throughout the community. In recent years, those have included a partnership with James City County Parks and Recreation.
“That’s been a great thing for us,” Parker said. “They’re glad to have a theater group instead of just sports.”
Through grant support from the Williamsburg Community Foundation, the Williamsburg Area Arts Commission, the Junior Women’s Club of Williamsburg and other entities, StageLights provides full and partial scholarships to allow more children to participate in summer programs.
For more information about StageLights, visit the group’s website.
“Circus Olympus” has shows at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday at WRL in the Library Theatre. “Peter Pan Jr.” opens at 7 p.m. July 25 and continues with shows at 2 and 7 p.m. July 26, all held at WRL.
Tickets are $8 with free admission for children under age 2.
