More than 25 Golden Triangle Theatre campers glided across the stage of Lyceum at Lee Wednesday afternoon, practicing synchronized choreography for “Grease Lightning” in anticipation of their weekend performances of “Grease.”
Golden Triangle Theatre’s summer camp has grown so much since its start in 2022 that they had to create two casts for performances this year, the Pink Ladies and the Greasers.
As Greasers rehearsed scenes and received creative feedback from GTT Executive and Artistic Director Garrett Torbert, the Pink Ladies kept their eyes glued to the stage, taking notes of ideas to incorporate into their show.
“It has to feel natural,” Torbert told the cast as they practiced cues.
While GTT hosts multiple summer camps each year, this is only their second year hosting a two-week camp for rising fifth- through 12th-graders.
Auditions were held June 14 and campers jumped directly into rehearsals the next day. Jude Budlove, 15, who is playing Danny Zuko in the Greasers cast, said this quick turnaround is demanding but rewarding as it builds confidence and camaraderie.
“It’s really stressful, but seeing it come together so quick gets you in a great mindset and makes you realize how well everyone’s doing and the work that’s put into this,” Budlove said.
Caroline Court, the summer intern for GTT, said she’s already seen friendships blossom between campers and watched their confidence and comfortability on stage grow since rehearsals started last week.
“They’re doing a great job,” Court said. “I was worried they wouldn’t be able to get all of it in two weeks, but it’s crazy what their brains pick up.”
The performances will last less than 90 minutes, and there will be an intermission that splits the show into two acts, Torbert said.
With blocking and staging out of the way, Torbert is excited to watch the campers get more comfortable in their roles, he said.
“This is my favorite part of the process because all the heavy lifting has been done,” Torbert said. “… Now we get to enjoy seeing it all mesh and watching them get excited because now they’re finding their stride.”
Aubrey Leonard, 15, who is playing Sandy Olsson in the Greasers cast, said her role is out of her comfort zone, but she’s enjoyed figuring out Sandy’s intricacies and how to grow as a performer with the assistance of her directors and castmates.
“Theater is my passion,” Leonard said. “It’s something that I care so deeply about, and all these people here are just so incredible that it’s kind of hard not to enjoy yourself.”
Torbert said the overall goal of GTT summer camps is to help children find a passion for theater, give students an opportunity to explore creative outlets and build friendships and community.
GTT has received funding from area businesses and the Mississippi Association for Gifted Children, Torbert said, to provide students of all demographic and socioeconomic backgrounds the opportunity to participate.
Budlove said that throughout camp, Torbert has been extremely supportive and tried to help all campers grow as singers, dancers and actors.
“Dr. G is the most patient man ever,” Budlove said. “He’s very encouraging, and he’s taught (us) that (we) can do whatever (we) hope (we) can.”
There are four performances set at the Lyceum at Lee, 1815 Military Road. The Pink Ladies cast will perform at 7 p.m. Friday and 2:30 Saturday while the Greasers will perform at 7 p.m. Saturday and 2:30 Sunday.
Tickets are available online at www.goldentriangletheatre.com/summer-camps.
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