

Design and Tech Academy
Grade:
6th,
7th,
8th,
9th,
10th,
11th,
12th,
Location:
Orlando Family Stage
Tuition:
Dates:
June 9-July 27, 2025
Time:
Various
This interview-based program is designed for students interested in a behind the scenes experience! Through hands-on work in the classroom and backstage, students explore the roles of deck crew, sound and lighting technicians, dressers, and stage management. Connect with professionals, build your resume, and grow as people and artists in a supportive and fun atmosphere modeled after a professional production process. This learning experience culminates with applied work on Orlando Family Stage’s Youth Academy production of Diary of a Wimpy Kid the Musical!
Middle school, ugh. It is the worst. But Greg is determined not to be at the bottom of the popularity chart. He’ll leave that to his weird neighbor, Fregley. Or maybe Greg’s best friend, Rowley Jefferson. But it is not going to be Greg…no way. Jeff Kinney’s popular character takes center stage as Greg’s cartoon diary becomes a hilarious and heartfelt musical. Will Greg’s plans to become popular lead him to sacrifice his one true friend? Can anyone avoid the dreaded Cheese Touch? Grab a hall pass and do not be late for an adventure familiar to anyone who actually survived middle school. Book by Kevin Del Aguila, music and lyrics by Michael Mahler and Alan Schmuckler. Based on the Diary of a Wimpy Kid book series by Jeff Kinney and the 20th Century Fox Films.
What You Will Learn
- Self-confidence and bravery in making creative choices and expressing yourself
- Elements of design and creation in all areas of the theatrical process: scenic, costumes, lighting, sound, deck crew, and stage management
- Self-discipline and self-awareness required for rehearsing and participating in a production process
- Collaboration, teamwork, and empathy for others
What to Expect
- Engaging, interactive classes and rehearsals led by experienced teaching artists
- Supportive and inclusive environment designed for students to connect with each other
- An ensemble based approach to learning and creating
- Project-based learning and hands on opportunities to contribute to the final production
- Guest speakers and off-site field trips to learn about theatre careers
- Spend approximately four-weeks in class before transitioning to crew positions
- Opportunities to share ideas and receive personalized feedback
- Interviews held in April secure a spot in the class. Backstage assignments are determined after classes start in July. No one is cut from the crew once classes start
What to Bring
- Students are encouraged to bring a water bottle and a nut-free snack each day
- Students should bring their script and a pencil each day
- Students should dress comfortably and wear closed-toe shoes each day
- It is recommended that students are prepared to wear ‘paint-clothes’, AKA “clothes that can get messy” on designated days
Schedule
- Interviews: April 16, 2025
- Parent and Student Orientation: June 5, 2025
- Classes:
- Monday-Friday; June 9-June 20; 2:30-6:30pm (no rehearsal Thursday June 19)
- Monday-Friday; June 23-July 3; 2:30-7:30pm (no rehearsal Friday July 4)
- Tech Week: (MANDATORY REHEARSALS)
- Monday, July 7; 2:30-7:30pm
- Tuesday, July 8; 9:30am-1:30pm (Crew Work Session) and 2:30-7:30pm (Rehearsal)
- Wednesday-Friday, July 9-11; 1-9pm
- Sunday-Thursday, July 13-17; 1-9pm (no rehearsal Wednesday July 16)
- Performances: (ALL PERFORMANCES MANDATORY)
- Fridays, July 18 and 25 at 7pm
- Saturdays, July 19 and 26 at 2pm and 7pm
- Sundays, July 20 and 27 at 2pm
Questions?
- Contact us at (407) 896-7365 x219 or education@orlandofamilystage.com