THE MISSION OF CITY WIDE DRAMA CLUB
We believe that theatre has the power to change the lives of students and the community at large with opportunities for confidence, collaboration, and creativity. The City Wide Drama Club (CWDC) seeks to create one highly impactful, sustainable, and replicable program, filling the void in theatre arts opportunities for public schools in the West Michigan Area while also creating pathways for local young people and their families to find belonging and thrive at Grand Rapids Civic Theatre.
THE PRODUCTION VISION OF CITY WIDE DRAMA CLUB
The City Wide Drama Club’s (CWDC) annual production provides the opportunity for students in grades 6th-12th to perform on Grand Rapids Civic Theatre’s Meijer Majestic stage. With a team of professionals behind the scenes, West Michigan students who are enrolled in a CWDC partner school that do not already have a theatrical arts program will participate in regular rehearsals with a final performance that is open to the public.
For its inaugural year, City Wide Drama Club will take the stage in the spring of 2025:
ABOUT THE SHOW: A classic story of rivalry and power, Disney’s Camp Rock The Musical opens with Mitchie and her friends arriving at Camp Rock, ready to spend another summer jamming out and having the time of their lives. But the new, flashy Camp Star across the lake now threatens Camp Rock’s very existence. To keep the doors open, Mitchie steps up, rallies her fellow Camp Rockers and gets them into top shape for the ultimate showdown!
Book by Faye Greenberg, Robert L. Freedman. Songs by Adam Watts, Andy Dodd, Kara DioGuardi, Mitch Allen, Matthew Gerrard, Robbie Nevil, Jeannie Lurie, Aris Archontis, Chen Neeman, Dapo Torimiro, Lyrica Anderson, Antonina Armato, Tim James, Thomas Sturges,Toby Gad, Kovasciar Myvette, Aaron Dudley, Steve Rushton, Jamie Houston, Adam Anders, Nikki Hassman, Peer Astrom, Greg Wells. Music Adapted, Arranged, Orchestrated and Produced by David Lawrence. Based on the Disney Channel Original Movie Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam written by Dan Berendsen, Karin Gist & Regina Hicks and on characters created by Karin Gist & Regina Hicks and Julie Brown & Paul Browne. Rated: G for the whole family. Disney’s Camp Rock The Musical is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.
City Wide Drama Club will present Disney’s Camp Rock on Saturday, March 8th at 2pm and Sunday, March 9th at 6pm on the Meijer Majestic Stage at Grand Rapids Civic Theatre.
Ticket on-sale date: December 10, 2024
Would you like to be a City Wide Drama Club partner school at Grand Rapids Civic Theatre?
Click below to get started!
MEET SOME OF THE LEADERS OF CITY WIDE DRAMA CLUB
“As a musician and educator, I am passionate about building environments where young people can grow in their creativity. I think it’s important that we have diverse leaders our youth can relate to in these spaces. I want young people to know that there is a safe space, on the Civic stage, to hear their voices and stories. They are the future leaders of our theater and community.”
-Erica Soto, Music Teacher | CWDC Music Director
“As a kid, I loved being a part of theater production. Not only did I get to make lifelong friends, but I grew as a person. Knowing that some of the schools in my area didn’t have a theater program broke my heart. I believe every child should be able to explore their passions in conjunction with learning. I am excited to work with and get to know all of the fabulous students!“
-Alisha Brown “Lisha B”, Magic 104.9 FM | CWDC Student Support
“Theatre has quite literally saved my life. Theatre has always been a safe space for me to be completely myself, have my ideas celebrated, and an avenue to connect with a community of like-minded people. I wish for this kind of safe space to be available to ALL members of our community, especially the youth of Grand Rapids. Being a part of the CWDC allows me to pass on my passion for theatre as well as the ability to cultivate an environment where every student can grow, shine, and create something beautful.”
-Jared Graybiel, Outreach Manager | Grand Rapids Civic Theatre
SAVE THE DATE!
City Wide Drama Club Partner Schools will have access to special opportunities, experiences, and events to support their involvement in CWDC and put their students on a path for success.
Mark your calendars for:
WORKSHOPS AT GRAND RAPIDS CIVIC THEATRE
- September 19th: 4:30-6:30 pm
- Intro to Theatre | Learn the basics like stage directions, play theatre games, get a tour of the theatre and more, plus discover how rehearsals work and what’s expected as a participant.
- October 21st: 4:30-6:30 pm
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Audition Prep | Learn the audition songs and a short dance that will be presented during the audition process while gaining confidence and having fun!
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- November 18th: 4:30-6:30 pm
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Mock Audition | Go through all the motions of the audition experience and practice before the big day arrives!
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AUDITIONS
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December 14th and 16th: 4:30pm-6:30pm
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Details to be announced!
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TEENS ON STAGE AT CIVIC
Black, Bold, and Beautiful: Onward Together | 2021
TEENS ON STAGE AT CIVIC
Frozen, Jr. | 2019
TEENS ON STAGE AT CIVIC
Elephant and Piggie’s We Are In A Play | 2022-23
TEENS ON STAGE AT CIVIC
The Neverending Story | 2017
TEENS ON STAGE AT CIVIC
The SpongeBob Musical | 2023
TEENS ON STAGE AT CIVIC
Seussical | 2017
TEENS ON STAGE AT CIVIC
Changing Minds | 2013
TEENS ON STAGE AT CIVIC
Once On This Island | 2023
TEENS ON STAGE AT CIVIC
School of Rock | 2022
TEENS ON STAGE AT CIVIC
Ten for All Playwriting Festival Finals | 2023
TEENS ON STAGE AT CIVIC
Alice In Wonderland | 2019
TEENS ON STAGE AT CIVIC
Disney’s Descendants: The Musical | 2024
TEENS ON STAGE AT CIVIC
Matilda, The Musical | 2020
TEENS ON STAGE AT CIVIC
Puffs | 2023
TEENS ON STAGE AT CIVIC
Akeelah and the Bee | 2018
TEENS ON STAGE AT CIVIC
The SpongeBob Musical | 2023
City Wide Drama Club is made possible by
Additional Support Provided By:
Peter and Rachel Kahn (Jan Kahn Fund)
David and Mary Peterman (Jan Kahn Fund)
Richard and Joann Kahn (Jan Kahn Fund)
Wege Foundation
Meijer
ABOUT GRAND RAPIDS CIVIC THEATRE
Established in 1926, Grand Rapids Civic Theatre and School of Theatre Arts is one of the oldest and largest community theatres in the nation. Our mission is to Inspire creativity and personal growth, Illuminate our common humanity, and Ignite connection across our community… through the power of Theatre Arts. CLICK FOR MORE INFORMATION.
ABOUT CIVIC’S SCHOOL OF THEATRE ARTS
We are committed to artistic excellence through a comprehensive arts education program which builds confidence, fosters collaborationand inspires creativity. CLICK FOR MORE INFORMATION.
