What an incredible weekend for the 2nd Annual Abrams Spotlight Productions Jr. Academy! We are still smiling from the energy, creativity, and excitement that filled the theater. A huge thank you goes out to all of our young performers who stepped onto the stage, tried new things, challenged themselves, and brought their enthusiasm and passion for theater to every moment. Watching these young artists learn, grow, and support one another throughout the weekend was truly inspiring.
Throughout the weekend, our campers explored all aspects of performance, including acting, movement, and improv. The improv sessions were once again a highlight, with campers laughing, thinking quickly, working together, and discovering the confidence that comes from taking creative risks. They also learned about the many different parts of theater, from storytelling and character development to teamwork and stage presence. Our volunteers loved watching the kids embrace each challenge and see their confidence grow with every activity.
A special shoutout goes to the incredible choreography that brought the final performance to life! From the opening number that immediately captured everyone’s attention to the huge finale featuring all of our campers together on stage, these young performers absolutely shined. Thank you to all of our volunteers, instructors, and supporters who helped make this experience possible. The passion and dedication that went into creating this weekend was truly something special.
The 2nd Annual Abrams Spotlight Productions Jr. Academy was one to remember, and we are already looking forward to what the future holds. We hope to see these young performers and many new faces back next summer for the 3rd Annual Abrams Spotlight Productions Jr. Academy. The journey is just beginning, and the best is yet to come! 🎭✨
More and more I am starting to feel like Fagin. You know Fagin – one of the villains from Charles Dicken’s Oliver Twist. No, I am not kidnapping orphaned children and teaching them to pickpocket, but I can’t help but think of what he says to his boys when he sends them out to do their “job” for the day.
“Good luck on your first job my dear. I’ll be waiting for you when you come back…
(Sings) You can go but be back soon You can go but while you’re working This place I’m pacing round Until you’re home safe and sound… Be back soon!”
You see, my youngest graduated high school this year. So, we have enjoyed a summer of celebrations for not only him but many of his classmates and friends.
As many parents have done before me, my son and I began looking through photos and memorabilia for his graduation table. When I opened the Rubbermaid with all his school papers and pictures, it quickly became evident just how significant a role Abrams Spotlight Productions was in his childhood. There were cast photos and signed programs from seasons of shows. On top of the pile was the program for Oliver – my son’s first play at ASPI.
I started to reflect on his role not only in Oliver, but Guys and Dolls, Beauty and the Beast, Gypsy, Chitty Chitty and so many others, and I couldn’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude. There is gratitude for the friends he made along the way; the community of theater families that welcomed us; the confidence he developed in facing his fears and standing on that stage, the teamwork and empathy he learned by collaborating with a group to create a production, and the volunteers who invested their lives into teaching him how to speak, act, sing, dance, operate a light/sound board, and work back stage.
Yes, theater involves the parents sometimes as much as the child. Driving back and forth to rehearsals, managing time schedules, and volunteering to help with plays are not always easy things to fit into busy family lives, but as a parent who has now had the chance to reflect back on the difference theater made in my son’s life, I am so thankful for the mission of ASPI. As my son begins to make the transition into his future, whether that be college or career, I know supporting him in theater is one decision I will never regret.
Theater is filled with traditions and superstitions that can seem downright strange to anyone outside the theater world. Why do actors say “break a leg” instead of “good luck”? Why is saying the name Macbeth inside a theater considered bad luck? And why does a theater keep a light burning on an otherwise empty stage? Many of these traditions have been passed down for generations, with stories and legends explaining how they began. Whether the origins are rooted in superstition, old theater customs, or simply a little bit of theatrical folklore, they’ve become part of what makes theater unique.
At ASPI, we have a few traditions of our own. One is that we try not to say “We have a show” too confidently too early! Anyone who has been around theater knows that a lot can happen between the first rehearsal and opening night. Another of our favorite beliefs is that Nancy Byng, ASPI’s founder, is still around the theater watching over us. We like to think her spirit is always nearby, keeping an eye on the performers, volunteers, and the theater she helped create. Maybe she’s making sure everything goes smoothly- or maybe she’s just making sure we’re doing it right!
And then there’s the ghost light, one of theater’s most enduring traditions. A single light is traditionally left onstage when the theater is empty. There are many stories behind it- from keeping mischievous theater spirits away to giving those spirits a light by which to perform. At ASPI, we carry on this tradition every night when we lock up the theater. The ghost light stays on, glowing on an otherwise empty stage. Whether you believe it’s keeping the ghosts happy or simply honoring an old theater tradition, there’s something special about knowing that even after everyone has gone home, the stage is never completely dark.
There’s something magical about a Holiday story. The familiar music. The holiday spirit. The characters we’ve grown up loving. And, perhaps most importantly, the reminder to believe in something bigger than ourselves.
This holiday season, Abrams Spotlight Productions is bringing that magic to the Nancy Byng Community Theater stage with Miracle on 34th Street: A Live Musical Radio Play– and we’re looking for performers to help us bring it to life!
🎙️ But This Isn’t Your Typical Musical
Miracle on 34th Street: A Live Musical Radio Play takes the beloved holiday story and presents it in the style of a live radio broadcast.
Instead of a traditional musical where the action happens throughout a set, performers gather around microphones and use their voices, music, movement, and live sound effects to create the world of the story.
It’s a unique theater experience for both the performers and the audience.
And that’s what makes this production so much fun.
🎅 A Story About Believing
At the center of the story is Kris Kringle, a kind and cheerful man who claims to be the real Santa Claus.
After taking a job as a department store Santa, Kris quickly wins over children and families—but his claim that he is actually Santa Claus creates quite a stir.
What begins as a question about one man’s identity becomes something much bigger when Kris’s sanity and credibility are challenged in court.
Ultimately, the story asks a timeless question:
Do you believe?
It’s a story about faith, hope, kindness, and the power of believing—even when the world tells you not to.
🎭 Who Are We Looking For?
We’re looking for performers of all experience levels!
Adults ages 16 and up are invited to audition for roles and ensemble.
We’re also looking for children ages 8–12 for children’s roles, as well as children interested in participating in a special tap dance opportunity.
Whether you’ve been performing with us for years or have never auditioned before, we’d love to see you.
You don’t have to have a long résumé. You don’t have to be a professional singer. You simply need a willingness to step up to the microphone and tell a story.
🎵 What Should You Prepare?
Auditioners should prepare a short song from a musical- under 2 minutes.
You may sing with your own musical accompaniment or a cappella. A pianist will also be available if you bring sheet music.
You may also be asked to participate in a short reading.
Children interested in the tap dance portion will participate in a brief choreography audition.
And if you can’t make it to auditions in person, video auditions will also be accepted.
📅 When Are Auditions?
Auditions will take place:
Monday, August 24 OR Tuesday, August 25 6:00–8:00 PM
You only need to attend one audition date.
We encourage you to pre-register so we can plan for auditions and create the best possible experience for everyone.
Our audition page (under Events on our website) has everything you need, including character descriptions, what to prepare, what to expect, and the pre-registration link.
❤️ Why Audition?
Maybe you’ve been waiting for the right show to return to the stage.
Maybe you’ve always wanted to audition but haven’t had the courage.
Maybe you’ve performed with Abrams Spotlight Productions before and are ready to come back.
Or maybe you’ve never stepped onto our stage at all.
Whatever your reason, this could be your opportunity.
There’s something special about creating a story together. And there’s something especially magical about gathering around a microphone, hearing the music begin, creating the sounds of the story, and knowing that an audience is experiencing it all with you.
This Christmas, come be part of the magic.
🎙️ Step behind the microphone. Find your voice. And help us tell a story about believing.
Auditions for Miracle on 34th Street: A Live Musical Radio Play August 24 OR August 25 | 6:00–8:00 PM
We hope to see you there!
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