The Academy Players (AP) is an audition-based performance opportunity within the Academy of Children’s Theatre (ACT). In tandem with the skills learned through ACT semester classes, Academy Players students will receive additional training and a performance opportunity through a full junior-length production with three performances held in June. Our spring show will focus on the older students from 3rd-12th grades.
In preparation, students will attend rehearsal intensives in January, attend weekly rehearsals on Thursdays, and participate in additional tech rehearsals in June.
Parent & Cast Meeting & Read-Through
Mandatory Vocal Intensives (Special Rehearsals at the Beginning)
Weekly Rehearsals: Thursdays 4:30-8:00 (Starting February 4th)
Tech Rehearsals at Theatre
Performances at Theatre
We look forward to creating an unforgettable experience for our audiences with Disney’s Alice in Wonderland Jr.!
Auditions: December 7 & 8 (By Appointment)
Dance Auditions: December 9 (By Appointment)
Callbacks: December 17 & 18, 4:00 – 6:00 PM
Audition Grade Requirement: 3rd – 12th grade
Auditions will be combined with ACT II’s Seussical auditions, and yes, you can be considered for BOTH shows! With one set of auditions, you can be considered for both shows.
If you can’t attend either of the initial audition dates (December 7-8), students may send an audition tape with any monologue and song from the audition materials page to director@actcolorado.net. In the audition process page, you’ll see a link to sign up for an audition time. Please add your student’s name to the slot for “Unable to Attend Audition – Submitting Video”.
Cast of Charaters
Performances:
June 4, 6:30 PM
June 5, 2:00 & 6:30 PM
Tickets: $15
Showcase Location: Vista Ridge High School
Costumes: Students will provide their own costumes for the show.
Tuition:
Tuition Schedule
$110 – Due at Registration
$110 – February 1
$110 – March 1
$110 – April 1
$110 – May 1
Included in Tuition:
Tuition Discounts:
Military Discount*
Students who have a military parent qualify for a 10% discount.
Multi-Class Discount*
We offer a 10% discount for each additional class a student takes in the semester.
Sibling Discount*
We offer a 10% discount for each additional sibling who participates in classes in the semester.
*Students may use only one discount per class, and all discounts will be applied to the equal or lesser value class.
Artistic Director & Choreographer
Shayla Mellen has a Bachelors of Arts in Visual and Performing Arts with a Dance Major and Theater minor which she received at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. As well as an Associate of Arts in Dance Performance on a full-tuition scholarship from Casper College. She has been dancing since the age of 2 and dance and theater are her absolute passion. She has been in many musicals, plays, and dance shows such as Double-Sided Coin, Collective Trust, Mary Poppins, The Wedding Singer, Six Characters in Search of an Author, A Rock N Roll Fantasy, and an adaptation of Charlotte’s Web through dance. She teaches dance full time at Vista Ridge High School and Coaches the Lunar Wolves Dance Team. She is the Show Choir and Musical Choreographer at Vista Ridge High School and has been nominated for a Bobby G Best Choreography award twice. Shayla has also choreographed some of her own original dance shows such as Resurgence and Psyche through UCCS. She has loved being a part of the ACT staff for several years now.
Vocal Director
Matt Dunn is grateful for the opportunity to join the Academy of Children’s Theatre. Matt is an actor, singer, dancer, and teacher from Orange County, CA. He received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre from California State University, Fullerton and has performed in various regional productions around the Los Angeles area. Matt started singing and acting when he was 8. He has a vocal performance background and has sung at venues like The Hollywood Bowl, The Lincoln Center, and Carnegie Hall. He trained under a direct student of acting mogul Konstantin Stanislavski and has extensive dance training in tap, jazz, and ballet. One of Matt’s favorite performances was with the original production company of Rock of Ages on contract with Norwegian Cruise Lines. Matt has a passion for teaching and has 10 years of experience as an acting coach, voice teacher, and dance instructor. Apart from theatre, Matt is the proud father of 3 children and owns a local dog training company with his wife, Jenny.
