Gas Lamp Junior Summer 2012 will begin Monday, July 9, 2012, with performances on Friday and Saturday, August 10 & 11.  This summer, we will be performing the show Just So. 

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.

Based on the short stories of Rudyard Kipling, Just So takes you to the banks of Africa's Limpopo River to meet an amazing collection of strange and wonderful creatures.  Set at the beginning of time, the musical introduces the Eldest Magician who has created a world of beasts and birds and fish.  Everything was just so, until the crab began playing with the ocean, causing a flood that threatened the other animals.  To stop the crab, the Elephant’s Child goes on a quest to the Limpopo River, and discovers many lessons including...

How the leopard got his spots...
How the rhinoceros got his skin...
How curiosity and a hungry crocodile can turn an elephant’s small nose into a very large trunk.

Set to an eclectic, upbeat score, Kipling’s “Just So Stories” are woven with wit and imagination into a song-filled journey through the jungle. And you will be inspired by its underlying message - That one determined individual can make a real difference in this world.  Here is a You Tube clip of the opening number. 

We look forward to another terrific summer!

F.A.Q. About the Program:

When and where does it meet? Mon., Tues., Wed., & Thurs., 9:30-2:30, beginning Monday, 7/9/12 and continuing for five weeks through 8/11/12.  Students may arrive as early as 9:15 and must be picked up no later than 2:45.  Location:  The Ridgewood Avenue School: 235 Ridgewood Avenue, Glen Ridge. 

What is the cost? Tuition is $725 and includes free tickets to all performances.  Second registration or more (sibling tuition) is $650.

When are the performances? Thursday night, 8/9, will be an invited dress rehearsal, and performances are Friday night, 8/10 at 7PM, and Saturday, 8/11 at 2PM.

What should my child bring each day? Students must bring their own snack, lunch and water bottle each day, as well as sunscreen, a smock for painting, and a change of clothes (just in case).  (We do not have any refrigeration available.)  Dance shoes or sneakers are an absolute requirement! NO FLIP FLOPS ALLOWED!

How are parts assigned? The first week of the program will be a series of workshops after which we will assign group and solo numbers in our revue. We try to be very sensitive to children who may or may not be ready to do things on their own.  Our goal is to provide a positive, enriching experience for your children and to showcase them to their best potential.

How do I get tickets? Admission is free!  First come, first seated!

Does my child have to attend all 5 weeks? Yes!

What is the experience for the very young children?  Great! The youngest children enjoy time with their peers as well as having the experience of being mentored by older children.  They have counselors assigned to them who stay with them throughout the program.  When they are not actively rehearsing, they are playing theater games, doing arts & crafts, or learning basic dance steps with their counselors.  Parents of our younger children have told us what a wonderful experience this is.  Two years ago, the parents of twin girls entering Kindergarten wondered whether being in a program with such a broad age range would work for their children. Here is what they had to say: "I  just want to thank you again for giving my girls a very meaningful first theater experience this summer.   We really felt this was a great learning experience for the girls.  They loved every minute of it - rehearsing and performing the show, singing the songs, and making new friends, especially among the "big kids"... it was truly magical for them.  We are so grateful to you and your colleagues for making this experience possible."

What if my child is not cast in a part he/she wants?  Can I get my money back? We view the summer program as an ensemble process, which is why we ask you to register your child before auditions.  We hope that every child who registers is participating to be part of a really fun process and summer program, and not because he or she is set on a particular part.  However, we do not want unhappy students, so within the week after the casting is announced, we will refund your tuition minus a $25 administration fee.  

Click here to see photos from Summer 2009, and here for photos from Summer 2008.

CHILDREN WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO DANCE BAREFOOT OR IN FLIP FLOPS OR CROCS.

Please note that we do not give out money or make change for the vending machines!



A Sample day:

Sample day at camp:

9:15 - 9:30: Arrive put lunches in cubbies and check in with counselors IN THE AUDITORIUM.

9:30 - 10AM: Announcements and sharing on stage.

10-10:45: break into groups for dance, vocal, character or staging work.

11 - 11:45 AM:  Putties and Fruit Roll-Ups have lunch and recess.  Chili Peppers and Quaker Oats continue dance, vocal, character or staging work.

12-12:45 Chili Peppers and Quaker Oats have lunch and character work.  Fruit Roll-Ups and Putties break into groups for dance, vocal, character or staging work.

1 - 1:45 PM:  further dance, vocal, character or staging work

2PM - meet in the auditorium for sharing, announcements, etc.

2:30: dismissal

We meet at Glen Ridge's Ridgewood Avenue School, located at 235 Ridgewood Avenue in Glen Ridge.  The auditorium where we are staging the show is air conditioned.  The cafeteria, where we meet and leave from each day has fans and windows.  When weather permits and it is not too hot, students play in the school playground after lunch.   Children are supervised at all times by our teen or adult staff.  Our ration is 1 teen or adult to 7 children.

2012 Adult Staff:   TBA

2012 Teen Staff: TBA