FAIRFIELD SUMMER STAGE 2024
NOW OPEN FOR REGISTRATION
MOST SESSIONS ARE SOLD-OUT, SCROLL DOWN FOR AVAILABILITY OR CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE WAITLIST

ABOUT THE 2024 PROGRAM:
Fairfield Summer Stage is a comprehensive immersive theatre experience for young actors, supported by a professional creative staff of directors and designers, led by longtime directors Christy McIntosh-Newsom, Chelsea Dacey, and Maggie Meath. This year’s program will again be held on the grounds of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in downtown Fairfield, CT. During our summer sessions, we will mount a full production of a show, starting with the initial audition and followed by a rehearsal process, culminating in an exciting performance where family and friends can enjoy your hard work. No previous experience required!

Session 1 (Fri June 28-July 19):
SOLD OUT Entering Grades 1-6* (in fall 2024): ***ENROLLMENT FOR ALADDIN JR GRADES 1-6 = SOLD OUT, CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE WAITLIST***
Aladdin Jr.
3 week session
dates: Fri June 28 - Fri July 19
live performance for families: Thurs July 18 @ 7pm (performance held outside on the playground courtyard at St. Paul’s); no camp Thurs July 4th. Rain date for the performance will be Sat July 20 @ 11am. If both the performance date and the makeup date are rained out and a live performance is not possible, we will send a video of a dress rehearsal out to families.
times: Mon-Fri 9:30am-3pm, plus one mandatory evening tech rehearsal Tues July 16 from 5-8pm and the performance for families on Thurs July 18 (5pm call time for the 7pm show.)
(*6th graders may choose between Aladdin Jr. OR Disney’s Descendants (see below)

Cost:Cost: grades 1-10: $1,200 ($250 minimum non-refundable deposit due at signup to reserve your spot, or pay-in-full option; any balance due by June Includes the camp, a camp t-shirt, and up to and including 4 tickets to the performance (see further down on this page for ticketing and costume policies). ***ENROLLMENT FOR ALADDIN JR GRADES 1-6 = SOLD OUT, CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE WAITLIST***

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SOLD OUT Entering Grades 6*-10 (in fall 2024):
Disney’s Descendants the Musical
3 week session
dates: Fri June 28 - Fri July 19
***ENROLLMENT FOR DISNEY’S DESCENDANTS = SOLD OUT, CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE WAITLIST***
live performance for families: Fri July 19 @ 8pm (performance held outside on the playground courtyard at St. Paul’s); no camp Thurs July 4th.
times: Mon-Fri 9:30am-3pm, plus one required evening tech rehearsal Wed July 17 from 5-8pm and the performance for families on Fri July 19 (6pm call time for the 8pm show. Rain date for the performance will be Sat July 20 either @ 2pm or 8pm tbd (please hold the tech, the performance, and both rain makeup times at this point, we would release one option by the start of camp). If both the performance date and the makeup date are rained out and a live performance is not possible, we will send a video of a dress rehearsal out to families.
Cost: $1,200 ($250 minimum non-refundable deposit due at signup to reserve your spot, or pay-in-full option; any balance due by June 1). Includes the camp, a camp t-shirt, and up to and including 4 tickets to the performance (see further down on this page for ticketing and costume policies).
(6th graders may choose between Aladdin Jr. OR Disney’s Descendants (see below)
***ENROLLMENT FOR DISNEY’S DESCENDANTS = SOLD OUT, CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE WAITLIST***

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Session 2 (TWO WEEKS ONLY!: July 22-Aug 2):
SOLD OUT Entering Grades 1-10 (in fall 2024): SOLD OUT
***ENROLLMENT FOR WILLY WONKA GRADES 1-10 = SOLD OUT, CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE WAITING LIST***
ENROLLMENT FOR HALF-DAY KINDERGARTEN OPTION IS STILL OPEN AT THIS TIME, SCROLL DOWN FOR INFO
Occasionally a spot or two opens up head of the start date of the program. While the likelihood of that happening is not strong, we recommend joining the waiting list.
Willy Wonka Jr.
2 week session
dates: Mon July 22 - Aug 2
live performance for families: Fri Aug 2 @ 7pm (performance held outside on the playground courtyard behind St. Paul’s);
times: Mon-Fri 9:30am-3pm, plus one required evening tech rehearsal Thurs Aug 1 from 5-8pm and the performance for families on Fri Aug 2 (5pm call time for the 7pm show).

ENROLLMENT FOR GRADES 1-10 = SOLD OUT Cost: grades 1-10: $800 ($250 minimum non-refundable deposit due at signup to reserve your spot, or pay-in-full option; any balance due by June 1) ***ENROLLMENT FOR WILLY WONKA GRADES 1-10 = SOLD OUT, CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE WAITING LIST***

STILL OPEN: *Due to popular demand, we are NOW OFFERING A KINDERGARTEN HALF-DAY OPTION for Session 2 WILLY WONKA JR! This program will be for kids ages 5/6 (entering K in fall 2024). There are limited slots available for this special experience, which is only offered for Session 2 (Willy Wonka Jr), July 22-Aug 2. This younger group of performers will attend camp from 9:30am-noon for two weeks and will be featured in 3-4 songs in the performance of Willy Wonka Jr. Veteran staff member Maggie Meath will serve as the dedicated director for these young performers, and will guide them through the rehearsal process, as this may be their first introduction to theater. The children will also get to work with the older kids and other staff members like Director Christy McIntosh-Newsom and staff choreographers and counselors. The cost for this half-day kindergarten option is $550 and is limited to 10 students.

Location:
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
661 Old Post Rd
(St. Paul’s is on the Fairfield Town Hall campus)

Times:
Drop-off: 9-9:30am
Rehearsals/Activities: 9:30am-3pm
Pick-up: 3-3:30pm
no camp Thurs July 4th

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Session 3: SUMMER STAGE JUNIOR SHOWCASE (Shorter rehearsal hours, ONE WEEK ONLY!)
Entering Grades 1-10 (in fall 2024):
Summer Stage Junior Showcase
1 week session
Mon Aug 5- Fri Aug 9
Live performance for families: Fri Aug 9, performance time tbd
times: Mon-Fri 10am-1pm, and the performance for families on Fri Aug 4 (call time and performance time to be set at a later time.

Cost: grades 1-10: $400 (full payment due in full to reserve spot)

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Available Discounts:
Both-session Discount: Save $150 if you sign up for both sessions! ($1,850 instead of $2,000 at regular pricing). This discount can be stacked with sibling discount!
Sibling Discount: Save $150 for each additional sibling per session (i.e. two siblings in Session 1 would pay $2,250 ($1,200 + $1,050)). Can be stacked with 'both session' discount!

Sample Day: 
9:30-10am Vocal and physical warm-ups 
10-10:45: Rehearsal 
10:45-11: Snack Break 
11-12pm: Rehearsal 
12-1: Lunch 
1-2pm: Improv and theatre games, some smaller group breakout rehearsals 
2-3:30 Workshops/classes schedule fluctuates throughout the week/program

Costume/Makeup gameplan/policies:
Tuition fee will cover the performer’s costume and fun makeup for the show, however, families are expected to provide appropriate footwear (style tbd) for rehearsals and the performance (FCS does not provide footwear), and on occasion may also be expected to provide basic ‘base garments’ such as white shirts or black leggings/pants to be worn under costumes. Any allergies please alert us, meanwhile we will communicate along the way the gameplan for costuming and makeup.

Performance/Ticket Policies:
Performances will take place outdoors on the courtyard behind St. Paul’s. Ticket allocations: Each camper will be allocated 4 free tickets per camper, included with camp tuition. After initial tickets have been allocated to families, we historically release additional tickets for purchase @ $15 each, typically with a limit of +4 per family. We always try to get in everyone who wants to come support your little one. Families will be provided a link to reserve their tickets sometime during the first week of camp. There is no charge for the first 4 tickets, but we are grateful for donations (cash/check/venmo/paypal/square accepted) which directly support our scholarships that are granted to financially challenged families interested in participating in our program.

Weather/rain makeup dates: In case of inclement weather, a rain date has been assigned for each show (please hold this rain date in your calendar). If both the regular performance and rain makeup date are unable to occur due to poor weather, the staff will do their best to video a dress rehearsal to send to families.

Pick-up / drop-off:
Daily drop-off time: 9am-9:30am 

Daily pick-up time: 3pm-3:30pm (pickups later than 3:45pm will incur a $25 late fee*). 

Address: St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 661 Old Post Rd. Fairfield

There is a loading zone for drop-off as you enter the church/town hall parking lot.

Audition guidelines (more audition guidelines and audition materials will be sent close to the start of camp), for now here are some basic philosophies we share here at our program:
We know that auditions can be scary, and we want to make them as fun and not-scary as possible.

● Auditions will take place on the first day of your camp session. We will send this material out sometime in June (date tbd). There will be songs and scenes to choose from (you will choose one of each).

● You may either sing the song along with the guide vocal (the singer on the track) or sing with the backing track (karaoke track).

● If you are not feeling super confident and/or think auditions are the scariest things EVER, don’t fret! You may audition with a buddy! You can sing together as a duet for your audition.

● We will divide the actors into groups to practice their audition scenes, which they will perform together

● After auditions, the staff will confer and cast the show. You will find out which role you are playing later that day.

Now, we know that getting the script and reading your lines for the first time is exciting! What is NOT exciting, however, is hearing the person next to you counting how many lines they have and comparing with their friends. A wise man once said “There are no small parts- only small actors.” That means that your role is only “small” if YOU decide that it is. We are an ENSEMBLE and every single person in an ensemble is important.

Full audition details to come in June!

Medical Forms:
Camp staff will be in touch at some point in March/April regarding standard medical forms and other waivers. Please remember that your child’s forms must be filled out before 9:30am on the first day or your child will not be able to participate on Day 1. Please remember to pay your balances before 9:30am on the first day or your child will not be able to participate on Day 1. 

*Late pickups: most of our staff do have other commitments immediately following the rehearsal day -- if you are later than 3:45pm, we will require a $25 late fee, which goes directly to the affected counselor/staff member.

Questions?:
christy@fairfieldcenterstage.org

About the Shows:
SESSION 1: ALADDIN JR. (Session 1 = SOLD OUT entering grades 1-6, Fri June 28 - Fri July 19) ***ENROLLMENT FOR ALADDIN JR GRADES 1-6 = SOLD OUT, CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE WAITLIST***,
Disney’s Aladdin Jr. is based on the 1992 Academy Award®-winning film and the 2014 hit Broadway show about the “diamond in the rough” street rat who learns that his true worth lies deep within.

The story you know and love has been given the royal treatment! Aladdin and his three friends, Babkak, Omar, and Kassim, are down on their luck until Aladdin discovers a magic lamp and the Genie who has the power to grant three wishes. Wanting to earn the respect of the princess, Jasmine, Aladdin embarks on an adventure that will test his will and his moral character. With expanded characters, new songs, and more thrills, this new adaptation of the beloved story will open up “a whole new world” for young performers!

SESSION 1: DISNEY’S DESCENDANTS: THE MUSICAL (Session 1 = SOLD OUT, entering grades 6-10, Fri June 28 - Fri July 19) *ENROLLMENT FOR DISNEY’S DESCENDANTS GRADES 6-10= SOLD OUT, CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE WAITLIST*
Based on the popular Disney Channel Original Movies, Disney's Descendants: The Musical is a brand-new musical jam-packed with comedy, adventure, Disney characters, and hit songs from the films!

Imprisoned on the Isle of the Lost – home of the most infamous villains who ever lived – the teenaged children of Maleficent, the Evil Queen, Jafar, and Cruella De Vil have never ventured off the island… until now. When the four troublemakers are sent to attend prep school alongside the children of beloved Disney heroes, they have a difficult choice to make: should they follow in their parents’ wicked footsteps or learn to be good?

SESSION 2: WILLY WONKA JR.
(Session 2 = SOLD OUT entering grades 1-10 SOLD OUT, July 22-Aug 2)***ENROLLMENT FOR WILLY WONKA GRADES 1-10 = SOLD OUT, CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE WAITLIST***, KINDERGARTEN HALF DAY OPTION STILL OPEN
The delicious adventures of Willy Wonka's chocolate factory light up the stage in this captivating adaptation of Roald Dahl's fantastical tale. Featuring the enchanting songs from the 1971 film, in addition to a host of fun new songs, Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka Jr. is a scrumdidilyumptious musical guaranteed to delight everyone's sweet tooth.

Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka JR. follows enigmatic candy manufacturer Willy Wonka as he stages a contest by hiding golden tickets in five of his scrumptious candy bars. Whomever comes up with these tickets will win a free tour of the Wonka factory, as well as a lifetime supply of candy. Four of the five winning children are insufferable brats, but the fifth is a likeable young lad named Charlie Bucket, who takes the tour in the company of his equally amiable grandfather. The children must learn to follow Mr. Wonka's rules in the factory — or suffer the consequences. 

SESSION 3: Summer Stage Junior Showcase
STILL OPEN: Join us for this special ONE WEEK session, August 5-9, 10am-1pm. Fairfield Summer Stage Jr. Showcase will culminate in a performance on stage, open to friends and family. Together, we will design a simple show featuring Broadway songs and scenes chosen by the kids themselves, and put on a show that will feature every participant in whatever way they feel comfortable (singing solo, acting in a scene, dancing, or just singing together with their friends!)

About the Directors:

Christy McIntosh-Newsom, Director “Disney’s Descendants” & “Willy Wonka Jr.”: Christy is the Artistic Director of Fairfield Center Stage. As a voice teacher and audition coach, her students have appeared on Broadway, Off-Broadway, regionally, locally and on national television and feature films. Christy is proud to have helmed BTC Jr. (which then merged into DCT Jr. at the Downtown Cabaret, we she served until 2018 as Associate Artistic Director). In her tenure with these programs and Summer Stage, she has produced over 30 children’s productions. She is currently the Drama Director at Fairfield Ludlowe High School, where she recently directed “Romeo & Juliet,” “RENT,” and “Peter and the Starcatcher.” Some FCS directing highlights include “Mamma Mia,” “Matilda,” “The Music Man,” “The Secret Garden,” and “Barnum.” Christy is a former member of the Actors' Equity Association, having appeared Off-Broadway and regionally (and recently as Adelaide in FCS’s “Guys & Dolls!”) but is now a full time theatre educator and proud mommy to CJ and Melody.

Chelsea Dacey, Director “Aladdin Jr.”:
Chelsea is delighted to be back at Fairfield Summer Stage! Her past summers include directing "Finding Nemo Jr", “Beauty & the Beast Jr”, “The Little Mermaid Jr.”, “Frozen Jr.”, “The Lion King Jr.”, and so many more! Chelsea is currently a vocal instructor,and runs the theatre program for middle schoolers at the  Independent Day School. Her performance credits include many local, regional and off-broadway shows. chelseadacey.com

Maggie Meath, Director Session 3 “Jr Showcase”: Maggie has been a part of Fairfield Center Stage since its inception. She is FCS’s Parent Liaison throughout the year, and the Director of the Kindergarten Program and the Junior Showcase for Fairfield Summer Stage. She has worked in theatre education across Fairfield County for over 20 years, including: Youth Theatre Director for Darien Arts Center, Camp Gan Izzy and The Bijou Theatre; Drama Club at Fairfield Ludlowe High School as Music Director (formerly) and Costume Designer (currently); counselor with Broadway Bootcamp and Summer Arts. Recent onstage credits include “Miss Honey” in FCS’s first production of Matilda, and as a singer with all of the FCS: Rocks productions. She sings professionally with 4 local bands, owns an Etsy shop, and is a proud mom to Lucky and Xandre.