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ELLEMERCITO LEARNING COMMUNITY

PERFORMING ARTS PRESENTS

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ellemercito.org/performing-arts

WHAT LEARNERS WILL EXPLORE

More than a show — a full year of theatre training

Every student in the program gets a full-length theatrical production as their year-long practical project. Along the way, rehearsals double as workshops in the skills that make an actor and a great production team.

Daily Practice

Warm-ups & ensemble building

Voice, body, and focus exercises that open every rehearsal and build trust across the cast.

Writing

Monologue writing

Students write and workshop their own monologues as a tool for character development.

Physical Work

Movement exercises

Staging, choreography, and physical storytelling — how a body communicates a character.

Vocal Work

Voice-acting

Projection, articulation, and character voice, applied directly to their roles in the show.

On Your Feet

Improv

Quick-thinking games that build confidence and responsiveness on stage — and much more.

Coming Soon

Full curriculum

Our week-by-week theatre curriculum will be posted here shortly — check back soon for the complete scope and sequence.

THE SEASON, START TO FINISH

From Seed to Peach: Our Year Together

The production grows the same way the story does — one stage at a time, all the way to opening night.

Sept

Seed

Ensemble building, theatre foundations, and script read-through. The full cast meets the story.

Oct – Dec

Sprout

Character work, acting technique, blocking, and the first songs on their feet.

Jan – Mar

Bloom

Choreography, design, dramaturgy, and the first full run-throughs of the show.

Apr – May

Ripen

Full production runs, technical rehearsal, and performance-readiness.

June

Harvest

Tech week and performances — the whole company takes the stage.

WHO'S IN THE STORY

MEET THE CHARACTERS

This show does not stop moving — with at least 10 featured ensemble roles and constant ensemble numbers, every actor is put to work, lead or not.

Narrator · Trickster

Ladahlord

A magical trickster who guides the story’s events.

Insect

Centipede

Bold, loud, mischievous, full of arrogance and angst — but develops a soft spot for James.

Insect · Father Figure

Grasshopper

Wise, dignified, and very musical. James’ father figure — calm, encouraging, and optimistic.

Lead

James

A gentle, imaginative boy who starts out lonely and uncertain but grows brave and resourceful.

Insect

Earthworm

Nervous and timid, often doubts himself, but loyal and kindhearted. Comedic relief and unexpected bravery.

Insect · Mother Figure

Ladybug

Warm, gentle, and nurturing. James’ mother figure, bringing kindness, patience, and stability.

Aunts

Spiker & Sponge

James’ cruel, selfish aunts — greedy, revengeful, and lazy.

Insect

Spider

Graceful, clever, and caring. Protective of James and confident in her abilities.

10+ Featured Roles

Ensemble

News reporters, a gardening committee, pick-pocket victims, seagulls, sharks, and more — packed with featured singing and dancing moments.

SEE THE CHARACTER
BREAKDOWN HERE!

AUDITIONS

GETTING CAST

AUDITIONS HAPPEN RIGHT IN CLASS

No separate audition day or time-slot sign-up needed — auditions are built into our first few rehearsals.

How auditions work

01
No separate audition day or sign-up — it happens during our first few in-class rehearsals.
02
Everyone does a classic cold read from the script, done together in class.
03
Everyone also does a short singing audition — 30 seconds to 1 minute of a song of the actor’s choice, in the style of the show (pop or up-tempo musical theatre). Singing a song from the show is welcome too.
04
Auditioning for a lead or featured role? Prepare the sides for that character below. Auditioning for ensemble? Read for Matron.
05
Casting is announced after these first rehearsals — no callback slots to book, no waiting on a separate list.
Every role gets stage time — this is a show built for a dedicated ensemble as much as its leads.
Beyond the Stage

Behind-the-scenes tracks

Students with an interest can also explore the artistic side of production:
  • Prop-making
  • Costume design
  • Stage managing

PREPARE AHEAD

AUDITION MATERIALS

Sides are grouped by character. Everyone prepares a 30 second–1 minute song ready to go.

AUDITION SIDES - INSECT

AUDITION SIDES - LAHDALORD

AUDITION SIDES - SPIKER SPONGE

AUDITION SIDES - ENSEMBLE - JAMES

James
Any side may be used for this role.
Ladahlord
Narrator / trickster material.
Spiker & Sponge
James’ aunts.
Centipede, Earthworm, Spider, Grasshopper, Ladybug
Shared insect scene — read for the character you’re targeting.
Ensemble
Auditioning for ensemble? Read for Matron and choose a monologue from this packet.
Full character breakdown
Personality notes for every role, for actors deciding what to prepare.
Prepare your song and side for your audition.

NEXT STEP

REGISTER FOR THIS Year's PRODUCTION

Registration is handled through our Omella form.

Registered families will be asked to share their child’s experience level, and may optionally upload a headshot, résumé, reel, or performance clip (if available).

REGISTER Today!