“Cinderella”: The Workshop Camp

First, this special session focuses on exploring and testing material for Gorton Drama Studio’s original adaptation of Cinderella. That work will later inform both the Gorton Two-Week Musical Theater Camp and the Four-week Musical Theater Camp later in the summer.

Throughout the week, students work closely with experienced teaching artists. Together, they explore songs, dialogue, and choreography. Along the way, they experiment with character, storytelling, and movement. Campers are encouraged to ask questions, try bold ideas, and take creative risks. As a result, they gain insight into how a musical comes to life—from early drafts to performance-ready moments. Most importantly, the focus stays on process, creativity, and ensemble collaboration rather than polish or perfection.

Then, at the end of the week, the camp wraps up with a short, informal presentation for family and friends. This low-key showing offers a glimpse into what the students have created together. Rather than a fully staged production, it celebrates experimentation, growth, and shared discovery.

Overall, this camp is ideal for students who love creative exploration. It’s a great fit for those who want to deepen their performance skills and be part of developing something new.

Please note: participation in this camp does not affect casting or roles in any other Gorton Drama Studio programs, including the two-week or four-week camps later in the summer.

What Makes This Camp Special

• Hands-on, creative experience for young performers to help shape a brand-new adaptation of “Cinderella.”
• Explore and test material—including songs, dialogue, and choreography—that will be used in the Two-Week and Four-Week “Cinderella” Musical Theater Camps later in the summer.
• Low-pressure environment that encourages experimentation, risk-taking, and creative exploration.
• Discover how a musical comes to life, from first drafts to performance.
• Culminates in a short, informal presentation for family and friends.
• Celebrates collaboration, imagination, and the joy of creating something new.

What Campers Will Learn

• How to explore character, storytelling, and movement in a musical theater setting.
• The process of developing songs, dialogue, and choreography.
• How to work collaboratively.
• Confidence in trying bold ideas and problem-solving.
• How a musical comes together from concept to stage.

Creative Team

• Jeremy Kruse, Producer & Playwright
• Madison Kisst, Director
• Matt Mueller, Song Writer – Broadway actor, returning for his second year, collaborating with Jeremy to create original music for the show

Students will receive both individual and group guidance throughout the process, ensuring growth at every level.

Camp Details:
Project: “Cinderella”: The Workshop Camp
Presentation Length: 30 minutes
Ages: 8–14
Price: $450

Dates: Monday, June 8 to Friday, June 12

Daily Schedule: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm

Presentation: Friday, June 12

Performance in a Professional Theater
The presentation will take place in the 309-seat John and Nancy Hughes Theater, a professional venue.

This is a promo video from last year’s production of Peter Pan Now.

This is a behind-the-scenes look at what we do at camp.

This one-week camp is perfect for curious, creative young performers who love experimenting and exploring new ideas. It’s playful, collaborative, and inspiring—an experience where kids don’t just rehearse a show, they help bring it to life.

About Our Artistic Director:

Jeremy Kruse, Artistic Director of Gorton Drama Studio is the author of “The Young Actor’s Handbook” (Applause Acting Series, 2017).The book was published in Korean and Chinese in 2022. Jeremy is a professional actor, published playwright, award-winning screenwriter, and award-winning filmmaker. Some of the classes he taught at The Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute in New York include Method Acting, Comedic Improvisation, Sketch Comedy Writing, and Acting for Film and TV. He graduated from The Strasberg Institute at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts where he majored in drama. Jeremy also teaches privately, one on one  www.jeremykruse.com and www.jeremykruseactingtraining.com 

Meet the rest of the Creative Team:

Madison Kisst is a professional actor, director, and educator with extensive training in physical and classical theatre, voice and movement, and devising. Recently, she has served as the Fight/Intimacy director for Middle Tennessee State University’s production of Clue: On Stage and Nashville Repertory Theatre’s production of Sister Act. She has her BA in Theatre Arts from California State University Chico and Master of Fine Arts in Performance from the University of Nevada Las Vegas. Madison is a member of the performance faculty in the Department of Theatre and Dance at Middle Tennessee State University.

Matt Mueller is an actor, musician, former pirate, and part-time wizard. Outside GDS his most recent credits include Harry Potter and Cursed Child, and he’s excited to be back with the wonderful storytellers of Gorton Drama Studio after last summer in Neverland!!

Carla Garippo, dance teacher/choreographer, received her professional dance training from Ruth Page Center for the Arts and was a principal dancer of The Ruth Page Civic Ballet Company of Chicago. She is fluent in Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Hip-Hop, Modern, Lyrical, Contemporary, Poms, Pointe, Musical Theatre, Stretch/Conditioning and Character. Some of Carla’s credits include: The Chicago Tribune Charities production of “The Nutcracker ” at The Arie Crown Theatre, Dirty Dancing, Carnaval at The Victor Hotel, Dance Chicago, MTVs Sweet 16, as well as various music videos and concerts nationwide. Carla teaches dancers of all ages and levels and is excited to be a staff member at Gorton Drama Studio.