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Conservatory for the Performing and Technical Arts

Consisting of year-round in-depth theatrical educational opportunities for ages 7-99


DraMature

dramature performing troupe

DraMature is a performing troupe of actors ages 55 and over. Troupe members are committed to serving the diverse culture of Manatee/Sarasota counties seniors and the community at large by presenting live theatrical programs that will entertain, inspire, and educate audiences while showcasing its members’ talents and promoting a more positive image of older adults. They perform in two bi-annually cabaret style productions and provide numerous community outreach programs in a variety of venues.

Theater has a profound positive impact on health and well-being and the benefits of involvement are apparent almost immediately.. Studies have shown decreased anxiety and loneliness, increased sense of value and purpose, and other emotional benefits including fun, happiness, and a sense of freeing of the imagination. Cognitive benefits include improvements in memory, word generation, and comprehension and problem solving through memorizing scripted lines and stage direction. Lung capacity is increased through the breath control involved in blocking exercises and singing and through the physical exertion of movement, muscle strength and flexibility are improved.

DraMature meets on Wednesdays from 11 AM – Noon – Call Rick Kerby at 941.749.1111 for details


Youth Education

Youth Education consists of training in singing, dancing, acting and technical design for ages 7-17. Program includes learning how to audition, rehearsals, and a minimum of two full-staged performances. Directed by our professional teaching artists and musical directors. One of the primary goals is to build a community of young performers and provide a safe environment for children to develop teamwork skills and confidence in front of a live audience. One show of each camp is provided complimentary for area youth-at-risk as part of the For Kids By Kids program.

In addition to building social and communication skills overall, involvement in drama courses and performance has been shown to improve students’ self-esteem as well as their confidence in their academic abilities. The act of performing can help students and youth recognize their potential for success and improve their confidence. (American Alliance for Theatre and Education)

Celebrate Broadway!

This Spring, our Youth Education Program will help celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the Manatee Players by putting together a tribute to the biggest and best shows of Broadway. Performers will sing and dance numbers from a variety of decades of entertainment and wow you with some razzle-dazzle.

Sign your child up today for this Saturday program to develop their vocal talent, dancing skills, and knowledge of production, performance, and teamwork.

  • The Spring Program begins on Saturday, January 20th
  • The Spring Program runs on Saturdays from 9 AM-12 PM
  • Due to holidays and school breaks, there will be no classes on February 17, March 23, and March 30
  • Cost of the Spring Program is $350
  • Celebrate Broadway! performance will be Saturday, May 11, 2024. Tickets are not included with registration and must be purchased separately.

Disney’s Winnie the Pooh KIDS Camp

Disney’s Winnie the Pooh is a delightful show
based on the beloved characters of A.A. Milne
and the 2011 Disney animated feature film.
Featuring favorite songs from the film, as well
as new hits by the Academy Award-winning
Robert and Kristen Lopez (Frozen), this honey-
filled delight is as sweet as it is fun.

  • Camp Dates are June 3-14.
  • Camp is 9 AM-5 PM Monday-Friday.
  • Cost of the camp is $500.
  • Scholarships are available. Application deadline is 5 PM on May 13th.
  • Camp performance is June 14th at 7 PM.

Disney’s Finding Nemo KIDS Camp

Disney’s Finding Nemo KIDS is a 30-minute
musical adaptation of the beloved 2003 Pixar
movie with Marlin, an anxious and overprotective
clownfish, lives in the Great Barrier
Reef with his kid Nemo, who longs to explore
the world beyond their anemone home.

  • Camp Dates are June 17-28.
  • Camp is 9 AM-5 PM Monday-Friday.
  • Cost of the camp is $500.
  • Scholarships are available. Application deadline is 5 PM on May 13th.
  • Camp performance is June 28th at 7 PM.

Disney’s The Little Mermaid JR. Camp

Journey “under the sea” with Ariel and her
aquatic friends in Disney’s The Little Mermaid
JR.
, adapted from the Broadway production
and the movie. The Little Mermaid JR. is an
enchanting look at the sacrifices we all make
for love and acceptance.

  • Camp Dates are July 8-19.
  • Camp is 9 AM-5 PM Monday-Friday.
  • Cost of the camp is $500.
  • Scholarships are available. Application deadline is 5 PM on May 13th.
  • Camp performance is July 19th at 7 PM.

Penguin Program

What is The Penguin Program? The Penguin Program consists of two projects (Penguin Project for ages 8-22 and Penguin Players for ages 23 and up) which involves musical theater productions that cast children and adults with disabilities in all roles. Those individuals (Artists) will get assistance from on-stage peers (Mentors).

Participants

Artists with Special Needs

The Penguin Program is open to any individual with a disability. The program includes those with cognitive, learning, motor, hearing and visual impairments; genetic disorders; and neurological conditions. There are no restrictions based on the level of cognitive ability, restriction of mobility, or lack of communication skills. Because of concerns for safety, we are unable to accept anyone with a severe behavioral disorder that might endanger the themselves or others.

Peer Mentors

The Penguin Project utilizes a “peer mentor” system, linking each artist with an age-level peer who does not have a disability. The peer mentors work side-by-side with their partners, assisting them throughout the entire rehearsal process and on stage. The mentors are responsible for knowing their partner’s lines, songs and blocking. They are on stage during the production, costumed to match or compliment their partners. They participate in the group production numbers but are trained to remain “in the background” and provide direct assistance to their partners only as needed. You must be willing to commit to all rehearsals and performances.

Parents or partners of participants

Family of the participants is an essential part of the program. They will need to assist their artist with learning lines, songs and dances OUTSIDE of the rehearsal times. This is critical, since rehearsal times are limited and need to focus on interactive processes rather than memorization. Family may also be asked to participate in additional capacities based on their interest and are encouraged to stay for rehearsals.

For more information or to get involved please contact us at artisticdirector@manateeperformingartscenter.com or call 941.749.1111.



The Technical/Theatre Management Internship program is designed to offer upper class high school students and college/university enrolled students with a pre-professional experience in technical design (lighting, costume or scenic) or theatre administration. High school students who are highly involved in drama demonstrate an elevated self-concept over those who are not involved.

The Manatee Performing Arts Center strives to make its program, performances, and facilities accessible to everyone and adheres to all federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and guidelines with respect to providing reasonable accommodations as required to afford equal opportunity to qualified individuals with disabilities.