Education

Florida Rep’s Education programs have grown exponentially in the past few seasons, and reach upwards of 35,000 young people and families each year. The department continues to educate, excite, and enlighten Southwest Florida audiences as our popular programs thrive and new ones take shape. The five programs that act as pillars of Florida Rep’s Educational Programming are: The Theatre for Young Audience Series, Camp Florida Rep, Conservatory Productions, Classes for Youth & Adults, and an In-School Residency Programming. Together these programs fulfill our mission by bringing theatre into schools in order to create a spark in students whether it be by seeing a performance or creating a connection to curriculum through arts integration, giving children and teens with more advanced-level interest an outlet for their creativity, and creating a community that creates dialogue with youth and adults with access to high-quality theatre.

EDUCATION MISSION STATEMENT

Florida Rep’s Education Department is dedicated to enriching the lives of our young people and families throughout Southwest Florida with exceptional theatre experiences; Nurturing an appreciation for theatre in our students, audience, and community; Educating and engaging young people, new artists, and adults with the high standards of performing arts training including classes, internships, and volunteer opportunities; advocating for the arts and making them accessible to all; creating lasting relationships with community partners and artists; investing new efforts to expand and improve upon existing programming; inspiring greatness in a future generation of artists and art patrons.

Florida Rep’s Educations

Summer Intensive

Florida Rep offers two-week musical intensive camps each summer for students ages 9 – 18. Each session centers around a Broadway Jr. title and are open to all skill levels. The camps run Monday – Friday from 9 AM to 4 PM, and culminate with two public performances on the Historic Arcade Stage.

Music & Lyrics by Kristen Anderson-Lopez & Robert Lopez
Book by Jennifer Lee

June 9 – 20, 2025

A story of true love and acceptance between sisters, Frozen JR. expands upon the emotional relationship and journey between Princesses Anna and Elsa. When faced with danger, the two discover their hidden potential and the powerful bond of sisterhood. With a cast of beloved characters, and loaded with magic, adventure, and plenty of humor, Frozen JR. is sure to thaw even the coldest heart!

Frozen JR. is based on the 2018 Broadway musical, and brings Elsa, Anna, and the magical land of Arendelle to life, onstage. The show features all the memorable songs from the animated film, with music and lyrics by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, plus five new songs written for the Broadway production

Book by Thomas Meehan
Music by Charles Strouse
Lyrics by Martin Charmin

June 23 – July 3, 2025

With equal measures of pluck and positivity, little orphan Annie charms everyone’s hearts despite a next-to-nothing start in 1930s New York City. Annie is determined to find the parents who abandoned her years ago on the doorstep of an orphanage run by the cruel Miss Hannigan. Annie eventually foils Miss Hannigan’s evil machinations, finding a new home and family in billionaire Oliver Warbucks, his secretary, Grace Farrell, and a lovable mutt named Sandy.

Based on the popular comic strip and adapted from the Tony Award-winning Best Musical, with a beloved book and score by Tony Award winners, Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse, and Martin Charmin, Annie JR. features everyone’s favorite little redhead in her very first adventure.

By L. Frank Baum
With Music & Lyrics by Harold Arlen & E.Y. Harburg

July 7 – 18, 2025

Join Dorothy and her loyal companion Toto as they “Follow the Yellow Brick Road” through the Land of Oz, determined to reach the Emerald City, where the great and powerful Wizard of Oz will help them get home. Of course, along the way, Dorothy encounters witches (both good and bad), Munchkins, talking trees, and winged monkeys. But most importantly, she befriends three unique characters: a Scarecrow with no brain, a Tin Man with no heart, and a Lion with no “nerve.” Their journey to happiness – and self-awareness – is a glowing testament to friendship, understanding and hope in a world filled with both beauty and ugliness.

L. Frank Baum’s beloved story of a young girl’s adventure in a magical land has entertained audiences for over a century. MGM’s blockbuster 1939 film adaptation, featuring the timeless songs of Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg, along with the brilliant instrumental music of Herbert Stothart, elevated the popular novel to even greater heights. This stage adaptation, featuring the characters and celebrated songs from the film, brings the wondrous Land of Oz to life in a jubilant theatrical experience.

A musical based on the play by Sir J.M. Barrie

Lyrics by Carolyn Leigh
Music by Morris Charlap
Additional Lyrics by Betty Comden & Adolph Green
Additional Music by Jule Styne
Original production directed & choreographed by Jerome Robbins

July 21 – August 1, 2025

Peter and his mischievous fairy sidekick, Tinkerbell, visit the nursery of the Darling children late one night and, with a sprinkle of pixie dust, begin a magical journey across the stars that none of them will ever forget. In the adventure of a lifetime, the travelers come face to face with a ticking crocodile, the fierce Brave Girls, a band of bungling pirates, and, of course, the villainous Captain Hook.

Featuring the iconic songs, “I’m Flying,” “I’ve Gotta Crow,” “I Won’t Grow Up” and “Never Never Land,” and a rousing book full of magic, warmth, and adventure, Peter Pan JR. is the perfect show for the child in all of us… who dreamed of soaring high and never growing up.

Camp Mini Stars

For ages 5 – 7

Fee: $325

2-week sessions open to students of all skill levels.

9 AM – 4 PM on the Florida Rep Campus.

Each session culminates with student performances.

During the 2-week camps, students focus on creative play and using imagination. Days are filled with theatre games, arts and crafts, storytelling, vocal lessons, and beginning dance. Camp themes are inspired by our summer musical intensive program show titles. On the final day of each mini-star camp session, students will perform a hit song from the correlating theme for family and friends on the Historic Arcade Theatre stage. Offerings include: