West End Stage theater workshop lands in Vicenza

By Laura Kreider, VMC Public Affairs OfficeJuly 14, 2017

West End Stage comes to Vicenza
1 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Participants in the West End Stage theatre summer program perform during final rehearsal June 24 at Soldiers' Theater. The program, offered for the first time on Caserma Ederle, offered some 50 children a mix of drama, singing and dance classes. To s... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
West End Stage comes to Vicenza
2 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Vicenza Military Community children participate in the West End Stage theatre summer program at Soldiers' Theater. The program, offered for the first time on Caserma Ederle, offered some 50 children a mix of drama, singing and dance classes. To see m... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
West End Stage comes to Vicenza
3 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Vicenza Military Community children participate in the West End Stage theatre summer program at Soldiers' Theater. The program, offered for the first time on Caserma Ederle, offered some 50 children a mix of drama, singing and dance classes. To see m... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

CASERMA EDERLE, Italy -- The West End Stage theatre summer school, situated in the heart of London, traveled to Vicenza June 19 to give 50 children, ranging from eight to 17 years old, the chance to attend a weeklong workshop at Soldiers' Theatre.

It was the first time ever bringing the program here, and the idea came from a Vicenza employee.

"When I began working with SKIES in January, I already had the idea to bring (West End Stage) here," said Jodi Giesbrecht, Child & Youth Services instructional program specialist for SKIESUnlimited.

"I proposed the idea to West End. They accepted, and we began planning."

Giesbrecht explained that Jerry Brees, director of Soldiers' Theatre, opened auditions to their first children's musical production, "The Little Mermaid" in 2014.

"He has offered youth productions every year since, and the interest for theatre with our children in the Vicenza Military Community continues to grow," she said.

Another family with children in "The Little Mermaid" production introduced Giesbrecht to the West End Stage summer camp program.

"I signed up my children in 2015 and 2016 to attend the theatre camp in London, and they loved it," she added.

The workshop offers a mix of drama, singing and dance classes culminating in a one-hour long performance, which incorporates some well known musical numbers.

While the London workshop may have 450 children rather than 50, the energy on the stage in Vicenza reached the same high level.

"From the first day, I could see how excited the children were. The parents were letting us know how happy and excited their children were.

"The energy was so high all week, and all of the children developed their confidence on and off stage. Most important, they all had loads of fun," said Giesbrecht.

One program participant, 11-year-old Joshua Tagua, also had the opportunity to attend the camp in London twice. Nevertheless, he was really enthusiastic about experiencing the course here.

"West End coming here was amazing," he said, "I made new friends and saw old ones, and it brought everyone together as a team."

As a young performer, Tagua has already several experiences being in previous productions including "Aladdin," Beauty and the Beast" and the recent "Madagascar Jr." In the final West End performances he played Bert, a character from "Mary Poppins."

"Working with my group was so great and I can't wait to do it again. The instructors were funny and nice, and they taught new things that I have never done before," he said.

Emily Newland, 13, played the role of Mary Poppins in the final performances.

"The West End camp was just an overall amazing experience," said Newland, who had previous experiences in plays, both here and in the States.

"With West End, I have learned to be active and always be engaged because even when you are a tree, you can change the whole story just by your stance/expression.

"This camp also gives a great view of how professional theater is, from long work days to sweating profusely," she added.

A full house enjoyed the two performances June 24.

"The parents were very impressed with the quality of the final performance, especially with only a week to put a show together. It was a beautiful and emotional production. I am extremely happy with the outcome, but we already have ideas to make it better next year," said Giesbrecht.

"I have been with West End for nine years in the UK, but this is the first time in Italy -- hopefully not the last," said Nathan Winn, West End Stage summer school coordinator.

For those interested, SKIESUnlimited will offer a new class called Dance Theatre beginning in September. Dance Theatre is a new artistic form, a creative process through improvisation into words, movements, and actions.

For information, call DSN 634-8734, comm. 0444-61-8734.

Related Links:

USAG Italy Facebook page

USAG Italy Flickr site

USAG Italy webpage