Thank you for supporting your child’s participation in Lion King JR. As you know, we have started rehearsing for our  production, but I wanted to take a moment to highlight some of the countless benefits of putting on a show with students. Having a regular creative outlet is not just part of a well-rounded education – it is essential for a child’s emotional health and well-being. Producing a show brings the arts together and provides growth opportunities for all varieties of learners. For example, kinesthetic learners engage their bodies through dance, linguistic learners dive into the written and spoken word, spatial learners tackle set and costume design, and musical learners revel in the show’s score. Besides being incredibly fun, musical theatre helps young people develop many of the skills necessary for success in today’s world: 

Self-Confidence: Throughout the rehearsal and performance process, young performers discover how to take creative and emotional risks and learn to trust their abilities.

Literacy: Students increase reading and writing skills at their own pace by immersing themselves in the story, reading and re-reading their scripts, memorizing their lines, and taking notes at rehearsal.

Communication: During rehearsals, students learn how to articulate their thoughts and questions and carefully listen to direction in order to improve their performances. 

Imagination: Theater is most dynamic when the imaginations of its participants are fully engaged. Students make countless                interpretive choices in design and performance to create a detailed, fictional world for their audiences.

 Empathy: Through character work and story creation, young performers explore the lives of others. First-hand perspectives of new circumstances challenge prejudices and aid in the development of well-rounded students and citizens.

 Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: The amount of work required to successfully put on a show makes all participants valuable troubleshooters. Whether inventing mnemonics to remember lines, adjusting staging to show off everyone’s faces, or mastering a tricky scene change, students have countless opportunities to creatively tackle challenges.

 Self-Discipline: Through prompt attendance at rehearsals and learning lines, music and choreography on schedule, students acquire valuable self-discipline techniques and become reliable and trustworthy members of an ensemble.

 Community Awareness: A theatrical production provides ample opportunities to connect with our families and neighbours. Students can engage parents, community centres, and local vendors to help create sets, props, costumes and publicity.

Public Speaking: Whether performing for their peers during rehearsal or for their school and local community during a performance, students gain expertise and confidence speaking in front of a group.

Teamwork: Theatre requires extensive creative input from all its participants. Students build ensemble by working together to rehearse, construct, promote, and perform their show.  Every role – whether onstage or behind the scenes – is vital for the show’s success.

As you can see, the students will gain valuable life skills through their participation in this production. I am looking forward to seeing you at the performances if not before!

Thank you for your continued support of your child during this educational experience.

After a soggy Year 6 residential this week the rehearsals for The Lion King Jr start on Monday 10th June.
We will be focusing on the African language and chants during the first two weeks. 

The Year 6 Leavers 2019 production at St Joseph’s will be Disney’s ‘Lion King Junior’!
Disney’s The Lion King has captivated the imagination of audiences around the world and now, for the first time ever, we have the opportunity to produce this one-of-a-kind musical at St Joseph’s. The African savannah will comes to life on the stage with Simba, Rafiki and an unforgettable cast of characters as they journey from Pride Rock to the jungle… and back again, in this inspiring,coming-of-age tale.

About DAZZLE!
“I am Sarah and I founded Dazzle Creative Events for Children in 2005. Dazzle now runs a variety of arts based events for primary aged children within schools and independently ranging from Holiday Clubs, Dance Courses, Theatre Workshops, Birthday Parties, Pre-School Courses and School Wake Up Clubs.
One of the highlights of my work over the last five years have been the amazing opportunities at St Joseph’s. Running the schools end of year production is extremely rewarding, challenging and exciting. It takes over my life!
My aim is to inspire the children, reveal their hidden talents and confidence, create a fantastic team show and positive memories of their experience. I look forward to getting to know all of your children during the rehearsals and sharing a unique time together.”

But before we get started we need a cast!
Auditions and casting will be held on Tuesday 21st June, scripts will be handed out before half term and then straight in to rehearsals after the Year 6 residential.
We need confident and strong singers from the start of rehearsals for certain roles.
There is so much fun to be had, whether in a solo role or in the chorus. So many great songs and dances to be involved in. Everyone plays an equally important role in putting a show together,  everyone is a star.

If your child would like to audition for a particular role please click on this link mtishows.co.uk/disneys-the-lion-king-jr and on the right you will see ‘audition central’ for the character breakdown sheets and short scripts they might like to read when auditioning for a certain role.  Don’t worry, your child is not expected to learn a script.
If they are auditioning for a singing role they are also welcome to sing any song they like (no longer than 1 minute please) but suggested songs from The Lion King are:
Simba-I Just Can’t Wait to be King
Rafiki-Circle of Life
Mufasa-They Live in You
Scar-Be Prepared
Nala-Shadowland
Timon-Hakuna Matata
Pumbaa-Hakuna Matata

To get to know the songs the album of the Broadway musical is available to listen to on Spotify for free ‘The Lion King:Original Broadway Cast Recording’.
If your child would like to show us their dancing skills they are welcome. 
If you can let me know a song they would like to dance to I can include this on my playlist ready for the day.
Auditioning is optional. Lots of opportunities will develop during the rehearsals for extra spoken and singing roles.
Any questions please don’t hesitate to get in touch sarah@dazzleworkshops.co.uk.