CAMP MEDIA THEATRE PUTS THE SPOTLIGHT ON SUMMER PERFORMANCE FOR YOUNG ACTORS AND SINGERS

Children and teens have been singing and dancing at The Media Theatre each summer for almost two decades as participants in Camp Media Theatre. Now headed into its 18^th summer, the camp first opened in June of 2000 with only 30 members. It’s grown into one of Delaware County’s most popular summer theatre camps with registration of over 250 youth each summer who enjoy learning more about theatre while having a good time with others who share a similar interest. It is part of the educational component of The Media Theatre’s mission.

With five two-week day camp sessions to choose from, plus a “Heathers: High School Edition” camp for teens, there are plenty of opportunities for budding thespians, singers, and dancers.

Artistic Director Jesse Cline looks forward to Camp Media Theatre. “With the growth of our New School conservatory-style music theatre education program September through April, plus the success of our youth musicals, the camp is in direct correlation to our mission defining us as a professional music theatre company,” he said.

Cline added, “The philosophy of education here is based on The Meisner Technique which states that ‘acting is living as truthfully as one can under an imaginary circumstance’. Camp Media Theatre is structured so that the young people involved gain self-confidence and a strong ability to work well with peers.”

“The camp is fun and upbeat, but the instructors and directors involved do enforce the idea that acting is not about pretending,” Cline explained. “It’s about living, it’s about doing, and it’s about being comfortable with who you are.”

Once everyone is registered for Camp Media Theatre, the youth are divided into two age groups. The age groups may fluctuate a bit, depending on how many children are in each camp session and what the median age range tends to be.

A typical camp day begins at 9:30am and ends at 3:30pm. Each age group works with the instructors on a rotating basis throughout the first part of the camp day, with all age groups working onstage together from 2pm until 3:30. As a courtesy to parents and guardians, early drop-off is accepted after 8:30am although the actual camp day does not begin until 9:30am. Counselors are on hand during the early hour to supervise the campers before classes start.  All ages bring their own lunch, enjoy lunchtime with their friends, and are able to purchase supplementary items from the theatre’s concession stand.

Each two-week session has its own theme, based on the songs in the camp. This information is found at www.mediatheatre.org. After two weeks of rehearsing, and adding scenes which are created during the daily acting classes, each session has a camp performance which is held the final Friday evening of each session. Each child, regardless of age or experience level, becomes actively involved in the production.

In addition to the day camps for ages 5 to 14, The Media Theatre brings "Heathers: High School Edition" to the Teen Camp Experience in 2018. This is specifically for ages 12 and up, and has a completely different schedule than the day camp. “Heathers: High School Edition” Camp meets during early evening hours Monday through Friday starting June 18, and the production---full scale, with directors, musicians,  lighting and costumes, etc.---performs for audiences each weekend in July on stage.

Camp Media Theatre 2018 promises to be an enlightening, entertaining, and enriching experience for young people who have an interest in music theatre. Participants will perform on an award-winning professional music theatre stage in an environment which promotes and cultivates each individual unique personality as the singing, acting, and dancing creates a memorable summer.

For camp registrations and information, call the Media Theatre at 610-891-0100 or CLICK HERE TO SAVE ON REGISTRATION NOW

PRINCESS AND THE PEA IS AT THE MEDIA THEATRE SUNDAYS AT NOON THRU FEB. 25

It's funny, it's for children, and it's a famous Hans Christian Anderson tale. It's "Princess And The Pea" of course! And it's on stage at The Media Theatre Sundays at Noon through February 25.

The hour long show is a perfect introduction to live theatre for ages 4 and up. A cast of young student actors brings the story to life, with new songs by The Media Theatre's Resident Music Director Ben Kapilow. Kapilow is the recipient of the Broadway World Award two years ago for his "Peter Pan And Wendy" score.

The show even features, at its halfway point, a dance party song during which young audience members are invited to join the fun on stage! It's a "Party In The Castle" they won't want to miss.

"Princess And The Pea" is all about a Queen who puts prospective Princesses to certain tests to find out if they have what it takes to become a member of her family. If the pea, under 20 mattresses, keeps her awake, she's sensitive enough to wed the Prince. 

Laughs abound in this new musical version of the story at The Media Theatre Sundays at Noon through Feb. 25. Tickets are available by calling 610-891-0100 or at mediatheatre.org

THE MEDIA THEATRE WINS 14 BROADWAY WORLD AWARDS FOR 'BEST OF PHILLY THEATRE 2017'

The Media Theatre is the winner of 14 Broadway World Awards for “Best of Philadelphia Theatre 2017”. The Media Theatre, for the third consecutive year, received more honors than any other theatre in the Philadelphia region. It swept the acting categories for musical performances. This puts Delaware County's only professional music theatre at a total of 86 Broadway World Awards!

The theatre's production of the rarely-seen Broadway show "SIde Show" received six awards, including Best Musical.

Jesse Cline, the Artistic Director for Media Music Theatre Company which is the professional music theatre organization housed at The Media Theatre, received his fifth win for Best Director. “These honors are a testament to the great work being done here on State Street in Media,” he said. “We are happy to be a large part of the Philadelphia theatre community. We will continue to produce both classic and newer works which entertain and inform.”

A scene from The Media Theatre's "Side Show",
which received six Broadway World Awards including Best Musical

The nominations were announced back in November for productions which were produced between October 1, 2016 and September 30, 2017. The Media Theatre landed 52 nominations from the esteemed online theatrical magazine, and is now the winner of 14 Awards for 2017. Broadway World has headquarters in NYC and regional offices throughout the USA, giving up to the minute reports on all that is Broadway, Off-Broadway, and for each major city's theatre district and community. It's annual awards are given for every major city in the USA, as well destination cities such as London and Berlin.

After nominations were announced, Broadway World opened the voting up in each region to public voting. Members of each theatre community cast their votes as well as theatre patrons and the general public. The awards are very similar to the nationally televised People's Choice Awards, as the public chooses the winner in each category.

With the accolades from the 2017 Broadway World Philadelphia Awards, The Media Theatre maintains its position as one of Philadelphia's most talked about and appreciated live theatre venues.

The Media Theatre was nominated alongside other professional theatres in the Philadelphia/ Wilmington region including Walnut Street Theatre, Bristol Riverside Theatre, People's Light and Theatre Company, and The Arden Theatre.

Since 2012, The Media Theatre has won a total of 86 Broadway World Awards, cementing its status as one of Philadelphia’s premier theatres.

The Media Theatre's 2017 Broadway World Award winners for Best of Philadelphia Theatre are:

Best Musical....."Side Show"

Best Director of A Musical....."Side Show"

Best Actor in A Musical.........Patrick Ludt, "A Christmas Story"

Best Actress in A Musical....Jennie Eisenhower, "A Christmas Story"

Best Supporting Actor in A Musical.....Kelly Briggs, "Side Show"

Best Supporting Actress in A Musical.....Madalyn St. John, "Carousel"

Best Ensemble in A Musical......"Side Show"

Best Actor in A Play.......Brandon O' Rourke, "Romeo and Juliet"

Best Actress in A Play....Lexi Gwynn, "Romeo and Juliet"

Best Choreography......Dann Dunn, "West Side Story"

Best Music Direction....Christopher Ertelt, "Side Show"

Best Set Design...........Matthew Miller, "Side Show"

Best Sound Design......Carl Park, "Carousel"

Best Special Event......Roger Ricker And Friends: "The Together Show" 

The current season is in full swing, and tickets are now available for "Next To Normal", which is on stage through Feb. 25. Following that, "Always, Patsy Cline" returns March 15 to April 1, and the "Newsies" dance their way into your hearts April 18 through June 10. For tickets, call 610-891-0100 or visit mediatheatre.org

FIVE REASONS TO SEE 'NEXT TO NORMAL' AT THE MEDIA THEATRE JANUARY 31 THRU FEBRUARY 25

"Next to Normal" is a contemporary family drama, about a woman’s struggle with mental illness, and the effects of her illness on her family. It is on at The Media Theatre January 31 through February 25.

The Pulitzer Prize winning pop/ rock musical is written by Tom Kitt (Music) and Brian Yorkey (Book and Lyrics), and was nominated for 11 Tony Awards in 2010, going on to win three of the prestigious honors (Best Score, Best Orchestrations, and Best Actress-Alice Ripley). 

Most of the story is told through song, with some scenes taking place simultaneously, and also there are both literal and psychological realities within the narrative. While the musical takes on serious issues, there is- at times- humor which comes at unexpected moments in the script.

There are 5 reasons why you should be sure to get tickets to "Next To Normal" at The Media Theatre:

1) THE CAST

Krissy Fraelich plays the lead role of Diana, the suburban mom with two teenage children whose life is not all that it seems. Diana deals with bipolar disorder, goes through a series of doctors, and strives to establish a 'normal' household. Krissy was seen on The Media Theatre stage in "Gypsy", "A Christmas Story: The Musical", and "The Addams Family". She has performed on practically every stage in the Philadelphia region, was in the original Broadway cast of "The Civil War", and the National Tour of "Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat".

Ben Dibble plays her husband, Dan, who is dealing with his own depression. Ben is a two-time Barrymore Award winner for Excellence in Theatre and was seen as John Adams in "1776" at The Media Theatre. He performs frequently at The Walnut Street Theatre and The Arden.

Their daughter Natalie, played by Molly Sorensen, is having a new romance with a music student (Henry, portrayed by Christopher Infantino). 

Ronnie Keller plays their son, Gabe, who is very central to the action of the musical.

Doctor Madden, Diana's primary physician whom she sees in 'fantasy' portrayals on occasion, is brought to life on stage by Patrick Ludt.

2) THE DIRECTOR

Geoffrey Goldberg, who directed and choreographed the critically acclaimed production of "Billy Elliot: The Musical" at The Media Theatre two seasons back, returns to bring "Next To Normal" to the stage. He is based in NYC as a director, choreographer, and writer. He has worked on Broadway (Associate Kids Director for "Mary Poppins") and off-Broadway ("Everyday" at the West Village Festival). 
He is currently developing three new musicals, has created new works for Gypsy of The Year and Easter Bonnet Competition on Broadway, The Kennedy Center, as well as award-winning film projects. Visit his website: www.Geoffrey-Goldberg.com

3) THE MEDIA THEATRE

No need to travel far for a touch of Broadway! The Media Theatre, Delco’s only professional music theatre, brings big-city excitement to the small-town feel of State Street in Media. With a calendar full of musical productions, concerts, and children’s performances, the seats here fill quickly–especially since there isn’t a bad seat in the house.

Don’t let the convenience fool you–this theater has a lot of the same things you’ll find in NYC, like a dazzling marquee, professional talent, exquisite seats, and a live orchestra…..plus a few things you won’t, such as convenient parking, affordable prices, and a less stressful commute, making it much easier to catch a great performance more often! After all, here on State Street in Delco, the Show Must Go On!

(Thanks to Destination Delco for the above description of The Media Theatre in their Fall/ Winter 2017 magazine!)

MISSION STATEMENT: The mission of the Media Music Theatre Company is to promote and nurture the imagination, diversity, and joy unique to music theatre by the production of new and classic works; to herald music theatre to young people as an art form that is relevant to their lives and to foster an understanding by them that it is indigenous to their cultural heritage.

The Media Theatre is the recipient of 72 Broadway World Awards for "Best of Philly Theatre" (2012-2016), 8 Barrymore Award nominations for Excellence in Theatre (one win), 20 Reader's Poll Awards as "Best Live Theatre" in Delaware County (from various media outlets), and has been honored by The Delaware County Council, Delaware County Chamber of Commerce, The Pennsylvania House of Representatives, and the US Congress.

4) OUR LIVES ARE AFFECTED BY THE SUBJECT MATTER OF 'NEXT TO NORMAL'

"Next To Normal" reaches beyond demographics of age and geography as its subject matter has, in some way, affected a large percentage of our population in varying degrees. We either deal with psychological disorders on our own, or we know someone who is dealing with them. The causes and effects are astronomical, and deserve discussion, which leads to understanding.

Take a look at the statistics:

Bipolar disorder affects approximately 5.7 million American adults or about 2.6 % of the U.S population age 18 and older in a given year. The median age of onset for bipolar disorders is 25 years. More than 2/3 of people with bipolar disorder have at least 1 close relative with the illness or with unipolar major depression, indicating that the disease has a heritable component.

Schizophrenia- Approximately 2.4 million American adults, or about 1.1% of the population age 18 and older in a given year, have schizophrenia. Schizophrenia affects men and women with equal frequency. Schizophrenia often first appears in men in their late teens or early twenties.

Anxiety Disorder- Approximately 40 million American adults ages 18 and older, or about 18.1% of people in this age group in a given year, have an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders frequently co-occur with depressive disorders or substance abuse. Most people with an anxiety disorder will have a first episode by age 21.5.

Panic Disorder- Approximately 6 million American Adults ages 18 and older, or about 2.7% of people in this age group in a given year, have panic disorder. Panic disorder typically develops in early adulthood (median age of onset 24), but the age of onset extends throughout adulthood. About one in three people with panic disorder develops agoraphobia, a condition in which the individual becomes afraid of being in any place or situation where escape might be difficult or help unavailable in the event of a panic attack.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)- ADHD is one of the most common mental disorders in children and in adolescents. ADHD affects 4.1% of adults, ages 18-44, in a given year. ADHD usually becomes evident in pre-school or early elementary years. The median age of onset of ADHD is 7 years, although the disorder can persist into adolescence and occasionally into adulthood. 

5) THE PULITZER PRIZE

"Next To Normal" is one of only nine---yes, just nine---musicals over the years to win The Pulitzer Prize for Drama, since the award has been given in 1918.

The Pulitzer Prize for Drama is one of the seven American Pulitzer Prizes awarded annually for Letters, Drama, and Music, recognizing a theatrical work staged in the U.S. during a calendar year.  

All of the musicals that have won the Pulitzer are "Of Thee I Sing" (1932), "South Pacific" (1950), "Fiorello!" (1960), "How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying" (1962), "A Chorus Line" (1976), "Sunday In The Park With George" (1985), "Rent" (1996), "Next To Normal" (2010), and "Hamilton" (2016). 

Do not miss "Next To Normal" at The Media Theatre. It is on our stage January 31 through February 25. Get tickets at mediatheatre.org, or call 610-891-0100. 

(It plays Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings each week, along with Saturday and Sunday matinees. The final two weeks there is an additional Tuesday evening performance)