Artista Academy closes off second season

When Gabriela Gallo, president of Artista Academy, gauges success of her recent production of Aladdin Jr., it’s not the numbers that first comes to mind, it’s the cast of children.

“They were thrilled with so much pride when audiences were cheering for them and laughing with them,” she said. “When they said a line and they got the feedback they wanted from the audience I could see them physically getting taller and that was just the cutest thing.”

The numbers are impressive as well.

Aladdin Jr. played six sold-out shows, with a total audience approaching 2,000 people.

The set was elaborate featuring an elephant the young actors could actually ride on and a remote-controlled flying carpet that appeared to float across the stage. Close to 500 costumes were needed.

While it’s the second year for Artista Academy, Gallo has been leading groups of young people in a musical theatre program through Steinbach Arts Council for eight years now.

This year was the first time she assembled two casts, allowing different actors to take lead roles while taking part in the chorus in alternating performances.

“Obviously two casts is two times the work, but honestly every second of it is worth it because that many more kids get the opportunity to shine and be on that stage and grow in their confidence, their musicality and stage presence and all those things,” she said.

Artista Academy operates on three pillars including creativity, confidence and community.

While the first two are acquired on the stage at performances, it’s community that Gallo said is their strongest pillar.

She said there were many tears at the end of the run, as friends say goodbye and reflect on the program.

But a 13-year-old cast member said it best in a note to Gallo after the final curtain.

“She said, ‘I think you don’t realize that you’re not just creating a community, but a family,” Gallo recalled.

Artista Academy is an intensive musical theatre experience for students in Grades 2 to 8 as of September for the following season.

Lumina is for students in Grades 9 to 12.

Interested parents and students who want to know when auditions are approaching can send their name, phone number, email, child’s name and grade to accounts@artistaacademy.ca.