From July 6 to July 14, 25 Young Artists stepped into the world of Disney’s The Lion King — and what they accomplished in just one week left us speechless.
Our Junior Camp program is a one-week musical theater intensive led by a team of talented teen leaders who guide Young Artists through songs, choreography, and staging before performing for a live audience. It is one of our favorite programs we run, and this group reminded us exactly why.
Under the direction of Lilly Mae Stover, with music direction by Kierstyn Jorgensen, choreography by Addy and Rylee Popkes, and stage management by Naveah Ward and Embry Ward, these Young Artists brought Simba’s journey to life with energy, heart, and remarkable focus. Program Director Kelby Tyrrell brought her signature standard of excellence to every moment of the week, holding the whole experience together with the care and commitment this program deserves.
What made this camp especially meaningful was its connection to our full summer production of Disney’s The Lion King, currently in rehearsal with our Senior and Junior Groups. Watching the same story told by both our camp Young Artists and our production cast has been one of the highlights of this season. The two feel like a conversation — one passing the torch to the other — and we couldn’t be prouder of both.
One week. Twenty-five Young Artists. One unforgettable story.
We love this program and what it does for up-and-coming Young Artists. We can’t wait to do it all again.
— Adam and the Encore Team