Hi Neighbor!
This summer marks the 46th year that the Upper Darby Summer Stage Theater Program has been “Sharing the MAGIC of Live Performances” with our community. It also marks the 8th summer that my family has been a part of that MAGIC! My daughter performed in her first Children’s Theater Show in 2013, and I would never have guessed that Summer Stage would go on to change our summer vacations for the next 8 years!
While my daughter performed during all of her high school summers, there was a wide-eyed little boy watching and waiting in the wings, counting the days until he could be part of the MAGIC. Finally, in the summer of 2016, he became an Apprentice at Summer Stage. After summers of sports camps and swimming, he finally found his “thing” – musical theater. Finding the right program that would not only teach him how to perform, but help develop his self-confidence, passion, and talents in a positive way had been difficult. Whether your child’s passion is acting, singing, dancing or stage crew, Upper Darby Summer Stage is that program. “The Mission of Upper Darby Summer Stage is to encourage young people to develop the magic of their talents, personality and energy, and to share that magic with our audiences through outstanding theatrical performances for the entire family”. Mission accomplished! For our family, Summer Stage has been the magical place where summer escapes happen and dreams come true.
My little “Apprentice” is now 16 years old, has four Children’s Theater shows under his belt, and is performing in his fifth show in August (Insert Shameless Plug for Yo, Vikings!). In March, he became an Upper Darby Summer Stage Shooting Star (fulfilling yet another dream). I’m in awe of him and of all of the kids who spend their summers rehearsing, so that they can bring their performances, which are full of excitement and sheer joy, to the community at a time when it is desperately needed.
If you haven’t seen a Summer Stage show, I encourage you to go! Both the Children’s Shows and the Main Stage productions, are amazing and run through August 14th.
Keeping the MAGIC Alive,
Chris