“Cinderella ”Two-Week Musical Theater Camp

Step into the spotlight this summer with Gorton Drama Studio’s two-week musical theater camp. To begin, young performers jump into a fast-paced, welcoming experience designed for all skill levels. Right away, campers feel supported, included, and ready to create.

From day one, campers sing, act, move, and collaborate. As the days build, they grow more confident, strengthen friendships, and learn how to work as a true ensemble.

Throughout the camp, students bring Cinderella to life—Gorton Drama Studio’s joyful new take on the classic fairy tale. Along the way, they explore every magical moment, from the pumpkin and carriage to the glass slipper, fairy godmother, and royal ball. At the same time, the production delivers plenty of comedy and heart. As a result, every camper steps into a meaningful role and gets a chance to shine.

Meanwhile, experienced teaching artists lead campers through the full creative process. First, they dive into the script. Next, they shape scenes, songs, and choreography. Then, ideas turn into confident performances. Finally, campers take their bows on stage. Ultimately, whether your child is brand new to theater or already loves performing, this camp challenges, supports, and celebrates every performer.

What Makes This Camp Special

• Every child gets a part. 
• There is no passive ensemble—every camper has lines, songs, movement, and storytelling responsibility.
• No waiting around. When not rehearsing on stage, students are actively engaged in theater games, improv, singing, dancing, and creative exploration.
• An original adaptation. Campers experience how new work is created, inspiring curiosity, imagination, and confidence in their own voices.
• A supportive, energetic environment. Students are encouraged to experiment, take risks, and grow—together.

What Campers Will Learn

• Acting, singing, and dancing fundamentals. 
• Character development and storytelling skills.
• Stage craft basics.
• How to collaborate.
• How a show is built—from rehearsal to performance.

Creative Team:

• Jeremy Kruse, Producer & Playwright
• Madison Kisst, Director
• Carla Garippo, Choreographer
• 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:
Play: “Cinderella”
Performance Length: 30 minutes
Ages: 7–14
Price: $900

Dates:

• Monday, June 22 – Friday, June 26
• Monday, June 29 – Thursday, July 2
• (9 days total)

Daily Schedule: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Performances:

• Wednesday, July 1 at 1:00 pm
• Thursday, July 2 at 1:00 pm

Location: John and Nancy Hughes Theater

Performances in a Professional Theater
Both performances take place in the 309-seat John and Nancy Hughes Theater, a professional venue.

As part of camp tuition, families receive two complimentary tickets to one performance.

This two-week camp is perfect for students who love performing and for those trying theater for the first time. It’s joyful, challenging, and deeply rewarding—an experience where kids don’t just put on a show, they become part of the story.

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.

Join us this summer and watch your child grow into a confident performer, supported every step of the way!

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 

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.