Song List

Cast

Creative Team

Meet the Company

Derek Argenzio

Aladdin

Derek is an 8th grade in Renaissance Charter School at University. He was in "Elf Jr" as well as "Aladdin". Due to covid in 2020, Aladdin was never publicly presented. Derek is reprising his role as Aladdin. He is being inducted into Jr. thespian's honor society this year. Derek performed with the school band.

Sophia Theart

Jasmine

Sophia Theart, is an 8th grade in Renaissance Charter School at University. She's in Student Lighthouse , NJHS, and is being inducted into Junior thespians. She's also been in the after school productions of "Lion King'' and ''Elf'' and a crew member of "Behind the Curtain". She performed at Thespys, district and state competitions, receiving excellent for both levels in Stage Design.

Valencia Jeanty

Jasmine

Valencia is a 7th grade student at UNIV. It is her 2nd year in the UNIV theatre program. Valencia participated in last year's spring production "Behind the Curtain". She competed at Thespys competition at both the district and state levels. She received a superior rating for both events in solo music. She received an excellent for districts and improved to superior for states in the event of duet music. Valencia is an active member of Jr. Thespian's honor society as well as SGA and NJHS.

Athlens Cadet

Sultan, Stage Manager

Athlens is a 8th grader at Renaissance Charter School at University. He currently hasa 3.8 GPA student at this school. He performed at Thespys, district competition, receiving an excellent for small group ensemble. He also performed for this year's Lead with Love. Athlens recently joined NJHS and will be inducted into Jr. Thespian honor society this year.

Xzavier Grant

Genie

Xzavier is a 2nd year UNIV theatre student. Xzavier has performed in last year's spring production "Behind the Curtain". He also performed for UNIV's school wide event Lead with Love for 2 years. Xzavier participated in Thespys, district competition, receiving an excellent for small group ensemble. He is an active member of Jr. Thespian honor society and JNHS.

Dineil Toorie

Jafar

Dineil Toorie is in 8th grade in renaissance charter school at University. He is in Jr. Honor society. This is his first year as a theatre student. He participated in Thespys, both district and state levels. He received an excellent standing at districts for both improvisation and pantomime. He then received an excellent for pantomime at the state level. He is will inducted into Jr. Thespian honor society this year.

Edrianie Culsma

Lamp Vendor

Edrianie is a 6th grader at University. She was the MC for last year's Lead with Love. This year, Edrianie performed at the district level for Thespys and received an excellent for small group ensemble. She will be inducted into the Jr. Thespian honor society this year.

Amare Porter

Iago

This is Amare's first theatre performance. He performed for a school wide event "Lead with Love". Amare is currently in 6th grade. He plays soccer, baseball, basketball, track, and flag football

Zoe Bannerman

Avis, Ensemble

She' s in 5th grade in renaissance charter school at university. She's in Light house and sunshine. she made honor roll in 3rd, 4th, and 5th. She in lead with love.

Zara Reid

Beggar, Skeleton, Ensemble

Zara is a 1st year theatre student. She participated in Thespys at the district level and received and excellent for duet music. She will be inducted into Jr. Thespian honor society. Zara is also a member of NJHS.

Brielle Vaval

Beggar, Skeleton, entourage, Stage manager

Brielle is an 8th grade student at Renaissance Charter School at University. She is the vice president in Student Lighthouse, the president of the JR.Thespian society for two terms, and also in the 8th grade committee. Brielle performed in last year's spring production "Behind the Curtain", 2 years of Lead with Love, as well as district and state levels of Thespys. Brielle received excellent for duet music and solo music at districts. However, she bettered her performance and received a superior rating for her duet music at the state level.

Zalia Obas

Beggar, Skeleton, Ensemble

Zalia is a 2nd year theatre student. She is presently the treasurer of Jr. Thespian honor society. She performed in last year's spring production "Behind the Curtain". She performed at Thespys, district competition, receiving an excellent for duet music.

Jake Edwards

Cave Guardian, Ensemble

He is a 7th grader in renaissance charter schools at university. He was in 4 black history month performances he also got mountain mover at honor in 3rd quarter. He also was in lead with love for the cultural diversity wall .

Jaheem Miller

Prince Hassim, Guard, Ensemble

Jaheem is a first year theatre student. He will be inducted into Jr. Thespian honor society this year.

Daniel Disla

Prince Malik, Guard, Ensemble

He's in 5th grade in renaissance charter school at univ. He in lead with love. He had honor roll for kindergarten - 3rd grade.

Hendrickson Racine

Prince Abdullah, Guard, Ensemble

He's in 5th grade in renaissance charter school at univ. He's was in lead with love and black history month. He got honor roll in 4th and 5th grade.

Esther Titus

Djinn

She's in 5th grade in renaissance charter school at University. She's in light house and honor Society. She an invent coordinator for light house. she got honor roll in 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade. she helped out lead with love, and black history.

Jesselina Howard

Fruit Vendor, Ensemble

She's in 5th grade in renaissance charter school at university. She's doing track. She made honor roll in kindagarden, first grade, and second grade

Athena Thompson

Bread Vendor, Djinn

She's in 5th grade in renaissance charter school at university. She is in the soccer and basketball team. she did lead with love for 3rd and 4th grade. She was in black history month for 3rd 4th and 5th grade. she made honor in 5th grade for Q1.

Amayah Williams

Ensemble

She's in 5th grade in renaissance charter school at univ. she made honor roll in kindergarten, 1st, and 5th grade. She's in safety control and did black history month showcase.

Yuliana Centro

Ensemble

Yuliana is a 5th grader at Renaissance Charter. She is in an after school dance club and loves to rollerblade. She is a very bubbly and polite young lady.

Jeremy Mejia-Santiago

Ensemble

Hes in 5th grade in renaissance charter school at university. he has made honor roll for 3rd, 4th, and 5th. He's in light house and honor society.he did sent the veteran cards and helped around the school by putting up the F.A.S.T poster bordes.

Sarah Chen

Set Master

Sarah Chen is in 8th grade at Renaissance Charter School at University. She did debate and was part of the crew for "Behind the Curtain". She's been in theatre for 2 years. She participated at Thespys, district competition, and received an excellent for small group ensemble. Sarah will be inducted into the Jr. Thespian's honor society this year. She is charity officer for SGA.

Emanuel Davis

Props Master

Emanuel is a 6th grade student at UNIV. This is his first year in theatre. Emanuel participated in Thespys, district competition, and received an excellent for his performance in small group ensemble. Emanuel will be inducted into the Jr. Thespian honors society this year.

Kaelee Elmidor

Lighting and Sound Manager

This is Kaelee's 2nd year in theatre at UNIV. She was part of the lighting team for last year's spring production "Behind the Curtain." This year she is taking the lead of the lighting and sound team. Kaelee participated in Thespys, district competition, in the area of makeup design. Kaelee is part of the Jr. Thespian honor society.

Taylor Vaval

Costume and Makeup Director

This is Taylor's 1st year in the UNIV theatre program. She participated in Thespys, district and state competitions, and received an excellent for both events for costume design. Taylor will be inducted in the Jr. Thespian's honor society this year. Taylor is also a member of Student Lighthouse and SGA.

Arianna Arango

Stage Team

She's in 5th grade in renaissance charter school at university. She was in lead with love. She got mountain mover and summit star.

Sunday Green

Stage Team

Sunday is a 6th grader at Renaissance Charter School at University. She is currently on the track team and is a member of NJHS.

Leila Bien-Aime

Makeup Artist

Leila is currently a 6th grader. She has competed in track, volleyball, and cross country. She is also a member of NJHS.

Daniel Torrie

Sound Technician

Daniel is a 5th grader at Renaissance Charter. He is a part of safety patrol during the morning and afternoon times. He also plays soccer after school.

Jaden Harris

Lighting Technician

He's in 5th grade in renaissance charter school at univ. He did black history showcase. He had honor roll kindagarden through 5th grade.

Kaylee Chisholm

Costumer

Kaylee is a 6th grader. She competes in track and cross country. She is a member of SGA. Kaylee has performed in the black history event at UNIV.

Alisha Legrand

Costumer

Alisha is a first year theatre student. She has competed in track and cross country.

Elizabeth Sanchez

Costumer

She's recently join 5th grade in renaissance charter school at university. She was in lead with love.

Amaya Henri

Publicist

Amaya is in her 2nd year in the UNIV theatre program. Amaya was in the production of "Behind the Curtain" last year as well as Lead with Love. She competed in Thespys, district competition, and received an excellent for duet acting. She is a member of NJHS a will be inducted into Jr. Thespian honor society.

Photos

Florida Rep Launches Summer Theatre Camps

This summer, young artists are invited to discover the world of theatre through musical-intensive camps offered from June through August through Florida Rep's education program. Each two-week session is open to students of all skill levels and runs daily from 9 AM – 4 PM. The camp fee is $440 per child per session; sibling discounts are available upon request. To register call 239-219-1551 or visit FloridaRepEducation.Org/summer-intensives.
 
The musical intensive theatre camps feature Broadway Junior musical titles and allow students to work with theatre professionals to develop their acting, singing, and dance skills on a professional stage. Each two-week camp concludes with a student performance in the Historic Arcade Theatre complete with costumes, sets, and lighting.
 
Program enrollment is limited; openings remain for:

• “Seussical, Jr.” offered June 3 – 7 and June 10-14, 2024 for ages 9 to 18.
• Disney's “Aladdin, Jr.” offered June 17-21, and 24-28, 2024 for ages 11 to 18.
• “Anastasia The Musical, Youth Edition.” offered July 8-12, and July 15-19, 2024 for ages 11 to 18.
• Disney's “The Lion King, Jr.” offered July 22-26 and July 29 through August 2, 2024 for ages 9 to 18.

For children ages six to eight, Florida Rep offers a one-week Camp Mini-Stars July 1-3, and 5. Participants will explore music and creative movement, play theatre games, and create art projects inspired by elements from Disney's “Lion King, Jr.” Mini camp fee is $220.
 
There are also volunteer opportunities for students ages fifteen to eighteen to serve as junior teaching assistants (JTAs) at the camps. These youth leaders assist head teaching artists during the two-week sessions. An application may be found at FloridaRepEducation.Org/summer-intensives

Theatre Intensive Summer Camps Offered By Florida Rep This Summer

This summer, young artists are invited to discover the world of theatre through musical-intensive camps offered through Florida Rep's education program. The sessions are open to students of all skill levels, ages 7 - 18, and run daily from 9 AM - 4 PM over a two-week period. The camp fee is $440 per child per session; sibling discounts are available upon request. To register call 239-219-1552 or visit FloridaRepEducation.Org/summer-intensives.

The theatre camps feature Broadway Junior musical titles and give students the opportunity to work with theatre professionals to develop their acting, singing, and dance skills on a professional stage. At the conclusion of each session, students will have the opportunity to perform the show - complete with costumes, sets, and lighting - in the Historic Arcade Theatre.

Program enrollment is limited; openings remain for:

• "Once on This Island, Jr." offered June 12 - 16, and June 19-23, 2023
• "Elf The Musical, Jr." offered June 26-30, July 3, and July 5-7, 2023
• Disney-Pixar's "Finding Nemo, Jr." offered July 24 - 28, and July 31-August 4, 2023

Alana Arenas Shares Favorite Backstage Moments at PURPOSE

We all know how much hard work goes into the performances that audiences see eight times a week on Broadway. When they're not giving it their all onstage, most performers are backstage doing what it takes to stay happy, healthy, and ready to go between scenes. In Words From The Wings, BroadwayWorld is taking fans behind the curtain to shine a spotlight on the everyday routines that keep Broadway stars moving. 

In this edition, we catch up with Alana Arenas, who is appearing in Purpose on Broadway. Below, she takes us backstage at the Hayes Theatre (with photos by Jennifer Broski) to share some of her backstage routines, favorite moments, must-haves and more.

What’s the first thing you do when you arrive to the theatre?

I like to get dressed (in costume) and put on my make up right away. 

What’s your must-have backstage snack?

A fresh coffee pot. Don’t tell my vocal coach. 

What are five must-haves in your dressing room?

• Beautiful decorative items to hold my makeup, brushes and other necessary items.
• Pictures of loved ones 
• My script!!!!
• Something that smells good or will help the room smell good.
• Hopefully beautiful fresh cut flowers

What’s your favorite moment from the show to watch from the wings?

Oh my word, Naz’s final monologue just before the stage goes to black. It’s one of the sweetest pieces of music I’ve ever heard in the theatre. 

What has been your favorite backstage moment in your time with this show so far? 

Listening to the audience respond to Aziza’s discovery of Naz’s true identity. I’m waiting to go on and it’s so much fun to hear the audience going wild with laughter. 

About Alana Arenas:

Alana joined the Steppenwolf Theatre Company ensemble in 2007 and created the role of Pecola Breedlove for the Steppenwolf for Young Adults production of The Bluest Eye, which also played at the New Victory Theater Off-Broadway. Recent Steppenwolf appearances include the Steppenwolf for Young Adults production of Monster, The Fundamentals, Marie Antoinette, Tribes, Belleville, Head of Passes, Good People, Three Sisters, The March, Man in Love, Middletown, The Hot L Baltimore, The Etiquette of Vigilance, The Brother/Sister Plays, The Tempest, The Crucible, Spare Change and The Sparrow Project. Other theatre credits include Disgraced (American Theater Company), The Arabian Nights (Lookingglass Theatre Company, Berkeley Repertory Theatre and Kansas City Repertory Theatre), Eyes (eta Creative Arts), SOST (MPAACT), WVON (Black Ensemble Theater) and Hecuba (Chicago Shakespeare Theater). Television and film credits include David Makes Man, Canal Street, Crisis, Boss, The Beast, Kabuku Rides and Lioness of Lisabi. She is originally from Miami, Florida, where she began her training at the New World School of the Arts. Alana holds a BFA from The Theatre School at DePaul University. PURPOSE marks Ms. Arenas’ Broadway debut.

BLOOM An Earth Day Juried Art Exhibition On View At Galleria Fort Lauderdale In April

Galleria Fort Lauderdale, in collaboration with Art and Culture Center/Hollywood, ArtServe, ArtsUnited and History Fort Lauderdale, will present BLOOM, a juried art exhibition celebrating Earth Day, on Thursday, April 24, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

The exhibition, featuring more than 50 South Florida artists, will highlight artistic interpretations of our planet's natural beauty, from oceans and mangroves to wildlife and blooming landscapes. The best-in-show artwork will receive a $500 prize during the complimentary BLOOM reception. The event will also feature a special performance by Ry Rivers.

“Galleria Fort Lauderdale is proud to present this one-night-only art exhibition, in collaboration with local arts and history organizations, to revel in the beauty that surrounds us,” said Melissa Milroy, senior marketing manager at Galleria Fort Lauderdale. “BLOOM offers a unique opportunity for artists to showcase their talents and contribute to an environmental celebration through visual storytelling.”

Artists were encouraged to submit original works in the following mediums: multimedia paintings, sculptures, photography and fashion. More than 150 submissions were received and nearly 60 artworks will be on display. Artists include Tim Forman, Jamie Rodriguez, Tricia Rutsis, Nadine Floyd, Suzanne Barton, Walter McBride and Claudette Sernius, among others.

To register to attend Galleria Fort Lauderdale's BLOOM, visit bit.ly/galleriabloomtix. For more information about Galleria Fort Lauderdale or for a complete list of retailers, call (954) 564-1036 or visit www.galleriamall-fl.com.

About Galleria Fort Lauderdale

Galleria Fort Lauderdale, recognized as one of South Florida's premier shopping destinations, features a variety of popular dining and retail options. Macy's, Dillard's and H&M anchor the center which also is home to Altar'd State, Apple, Banana Republic, Free People, Michael Kors and Pandora. The center features a fine roster of dining establishments such as Seasons 52, The Capital Grille and P.F. Chang's. Powerhouse Gym and Blue Martini can also be found at the property. Just steps away from Fort Lauderdale's world-famous beach, it is minutes from the airport, port, downtown, hotels and the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention Center with easy access from Sunrise Boulevard, U.S. Highway 1 (Federal Highway), Interstate 95, Interstate 595, and U.S. Highway A1A (Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard). Located at 2414 East Sunrise Blvd., it is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Mon. through Sat. and 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sun. Restaurants and anchors enjoy varied hours. More information is available by calling (954) 564-1036 or by visiting www.galleriamall-fl.com.

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