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Students Slip Into Character

Tribune photo by CANDACE C. MUNDY

Cinderella, played by Kelsey Roessler, 15, sings during a recent rehearsal.

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By MICHELE SAGER

The Tampa Tribune

Published: July 30, 2008

CARROLLWOOD - In between belting out notes and practicing steps at rehearsals, the giggles slipped out.

Funny glances were exchanged and inside jokes told as teens shared their love for performing during the Summer Broadway Series camp.

For five weeks, middle and high school students from across the county learn all aspects of putting on a Broadway production during all-day sessions.

This year, the students are tackling Rodgers and Hammerstein's "Cinderella."

The camp was started by teachers Chad DeLoach and Brian Jonas. They both taught at Adams Middle School, but DeLoach is now teaching music at a private institute. Jonas is a technology teacher.

"It started because I was looking for something to do over the summer break and thought this would be a great experience," said DeLoach.

Jonas said every aspect of the production is run by the students.

"Even the sets that are built are the concepts of the students," he said. "We want them to know this is their show."

All students are welcome regardless of their talent or experience.

"We find a place for everyone," DeLoach said.

First-time student Nichole Swindle, 13, said she signed up because she wanted to try her hand at drama over the summer.

"I was nervous on the first day, but I'm having a blast," she said.

Delaney Parsons, 15, is attending her third summer camp. She said she keeps coming back for the friendships.

"I really like the people because everyone here is really into drama and performing," she said.

Students spend their mornings rehearsing songs, making sure performers hit every note perfectly. The afternoons are filled with blocking and rehearsing of lines and dance steps.

Katie Garlisch, 15, said the camp allows students more time to learn the arts.

"Because you spend so much time on math and English for the FCAT, you don't get as much time for other classes," she said. "This is a chance to learn a lot."

The shows start Friday at the Carrollwood Cultural Center.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Rodgers and Hammerstein's "Cinderella"

WHERE: Carrollwood Cultural Center, 4537 Lowell Road

WHEN: 7 p.m. Friday, 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday

COST: $10 adults, $5 children 10 and younger

Reporter Michele Sager can be reached at (813) 865-1523 or msager@tampatrib.com. Keyword: Summer Broadway, for sights and sounds from the group's rehearsals.

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