FAIRFIELD SUMMER STAGE 2025
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ABOUT THE 2025 PROGRAM:
Fairfield Summer Stage is a comprehensive immersive theatre experience for young actors, supported by a professional creative staff of directors and designers, led by longtime directors Christy McIntosh-Newsom, Marcelle Morrisey, and Maggie Meath. This year’s program will be held at two locations: St. Paul’s Episcopal Church (for regular rehearsal weeks) and then we will shift up to St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church (for tech week/performances). See below for specific location information week by week. During our summer sessions, we will mount a full production of a show, starting with the initial audition and followed by a rehearsal process, culminating in an exciting performance where family and friends can enjoy your hard work. No previous experience required!

Session 1 (Fri June 20-July 11):
Entering Grades 1-6* (in fall 2025)
Peter Pan Jr.
3 week session
dates: Fri June 20 - Fri July 11
live performance for families: Thurs July 10 @ 7pm (performance held inside the sanctuary of St. Timothy Church; no camp Fri July 4th.
times: Mon-Fri 9:30am-3pm, plus one mandatory evening tech rehearsal Tues July 8 from 5-8pm and the performance for families on Thurs July 10 (5pm call time for the 7pm show.)
(*6th graders may choose between Peter Pan Jr. OR Shrek Jr. (see below)
location: weeks 1 and 2 (June 20-July 3) will be held at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 661 Old Post Rd. Fairfield for regular rehearsals; week 3 (July 7-11) will be held at St. Timothy Episcopal Church, 4670 Congress St. in Fairfield, where technical rehearsals and the performance will be held.

Cost: $1,400 $1,300 EARLY BIRD SPECIAL THROUGH JAN 19 ONLY ($250 minimum non-refundable deposit due at signup to reserve your spot, or pay-in-full option; any remaining balance due by May 2. Includes the camp, a camp t-shirt, and up to and including 4 tickets per performer to the performance (see further down on this page for ticketing, costume and tuition/refund policies).
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Entering Grades 6*-10 (in fall 2025):
Shrek Jr.
3 week session
dates: Fri June 20 - Fri July 11
live performance for families: Friday July 11 @ 7pm (performance held inside the sanctuary of St. Timothy Church; no camp Fri July 4th.
times: Mon-Fri 9:30am-3pm, plus one mandatory evening tech rehearsal Wed July 9 from 5-9pm and the performance for families on Fri July 11 (5pm call time for the 7pm show.)
(*6th graders may choose between Peter Pan Jr. OR Shrek Jr. (see below)
location: weeks 1 and 2 (June 20-July 3) will be held at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 661 Old Post Rd. Fairfield for regular rehearsals; week 3 (July 7-11) will be held at St. Timothy Episcopal Church, 4670 Congress St. in Fairfield, where technical rehearsals and the performance will be held.

Cost: $1,400 $1,300 EARLY BIRD SPECIAL THROUGH JAN 19 ONLY ($250 minimum non-refundable deposit due at signup to reserve your spot, or pay-in-full option; any remaining balance due by May 2. Includes the camp, a camp t-shirt, and up to and including 4 tickets per performer to the performance (see further down on this page for ticketing, costume and tuition/refund policies).

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Entering Grades K*-10 (in fall 2025):
Session 2 (TWO WEEKS ONLY!: July 14-25):
Mary Poppins Jr.
2 week session
dates: Mon July 14-25
live performance for families: Friday July 25 @ 7pm (performance held inside the sanctuary of St. Timothy Church).
times: Mon-Fri 9:30am-3pm, plus one mandatory evening tech rehearsal Thurs July 24 from 5-9pm and the performance for families on Fri July 25 (5pm call time for the 7pm show.)

location: week 1 (July 14-18) will be held at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 661 Old Post Rd. Fairfield for regular rehearsals; week 2 (July 21-25) will be held at St. Timothy Episcopal Church, 4670 Congress St. in Fairfield, where technical rehearsals and the performance will be held.

Cost: grades 1-10: $1,000 $950 EARLY BIRD SPECIAL THROUGH JAN 19 ONLY ($250 minimum non-refundable deposit due at signup to reserve your spot, or pay-in-full option; any remaining balance due by May 2)

*Due to popular demand, we are NOW OFFERING A KINDERGARTEN HALF-DAY OPTION for Session 2 MARY POPPINS JR! This program will be for kids ages 5/6 (or entering K in fall 2025). There are limited slots available for this special experience, which is only offered for Session 2 (Mary Poppins Jr), July 14-25. This younger group of performers will attend camp from 9:30am-noon for two weeks and will be featured in 3-4 songs in the performance of Mary Poppins Jr. Veteran staff member Marcelle Morrisey will serve as the dedicated director for these young performers, and will guide them through the rehearsal process, as this may be their first introduction to theater. The children will also get to work with the older kids and other staff members like Director Christy McIntosh-Newsom and staff choreographers and counselors. The cost for this half-day kindergarten option is $700 ($650 EARLY BIRD SPECIAL through JAN 19 ONLY) and is limited to 10 students.

Locations:
for regular rehearsals:
Session 1 weeks 1 & 2 (of 3): June 20-July 3
Session 2 week 1 (of 2): July 21-25
Session 3 week 1 (of 1): July 28-Aug 1
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
661 Old Post Rd Fairfield
(St. Paul’s is on the Fairfield Town Hall campus; St. Paul’s will be our location for “regular rehearsal” weeks—see each Session info for specifics).

for tech week-rehearsals & performances:
Session 1 week 3 (of 3): July 7-11
Session 2 week 2 (of 2): July 21-25
St. Timothy Episcopal Church
4670 Congress St. Fairfield
(St. Timothy will be our location for tech week and the performances—see each Session info for specifics).

Times:
Drop-off: 9-9:30am
Rehearsals/Activities: 9:30am-3pm
Pick-up: 3-3:30pm
no camp Fri July 4th

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Session 3: SUMMER STAGE JUNIOR SHOWCASE (Shorter rehearsal hours, ONE WEEK ONLY!)
Entering Grades 1-10 (in fall 2025):
Summer Stage Junior Showcase
1 week session
Mon July 28-Fri Aug 1
Live performance for families: Fri Aug 1 @ 12pm: Mon-Fri 10am-1pm, and the performance for families on Fri Aug 1

Cost: grades 1-10: $400 (full payment due in full to reserve spot)

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Available Discounts:
Both-session Discount: Save $150 if you sign up for both sessions! This discount can be stacked with sibling discount!
Sibling Discount: Save $100 for each additional sibling per session. Can be stacked with 'both session' discount!

Sample Day: 
9:30-10am Vocal and physical warm-ups 
10-10:45: Rehearsal 
10:45-11: Snack Break 
11-12pm: Rehearsal 
12-1: Lunch 
1-2pm: Improv and theatre games, some smaller group breakout rehearsals 
2-3:30 Workshops/classes schedule fluctuates throughout the week/program

Costume/Makeup gameplan/policies:
Tuition fee will cover the performer’s costume and fun makeup for the show, however, families are expected to provide appropriate footwear (style tbd) for rehearsals and the performance (FCS does not provide footwear), and on occasion may also be expected to provide basic ‘base garments’ such as white shirts or black leggings/pants to be worn under costumes. Any allergies please alert us, meanwhile we will communicate along the way the gameplan for costuming and makeup.

Performance/Ticket Policies:
Performances will take place indoors in the sanctuary of St. Timothy Episcopal Church, 4670 Congress St in Fairfield. Ticket allocations: Each camper will be allocated 4 free tickets per camper, included with camp tuition. After initial tickets have been allocated to families, we historically release additional tickets for purchase @ $15 each, typically with a limit of +4 per family. We always try to get in everyone who wants to come support your little one. Families will be provided a link to reserve their tickets sometime during the first week of camp. There is no charge for the first 4 tickets, but we are grateful for donations (cash/check/venmo/paypal/square accepted) which directly support our scholarships that are granted to financially challenged families interested in participating in our program.

Pick-up / drop-off:
Daily drop-off time: 9am-9:30am 

Daily pick-up time: 3pm-3:30pm (pickups later than 3:45pm will incur a $25 late fee*). 

Address: for regular rehearsals: St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 661 Old Post Rd. Fairfield.
for tech week/performances: St. Timothy Episcopal Church, 4670 Congress St. in Fairfield.
See each Session details for specific location info. We will also clearly indicate along the way when to be at each location.

There is a loading zone for drop-off as you enter the church parking lot.

Audition guidelines (more audition guidelines and audition materials will be sent close to the start of camp), for now here are some basic philosophies we share here at our program:
We know that auditions can be scary, and we want to make them as fun and not-scary as possible.

● Auditions will take place on the first day of your camp session. We will send this material out sometime in early June (date tbd). There will be songs and scenes to choose from (you will choose one of each).

● You may either sing the song along with the guide vocal (the singer on the track) or sing with the backing track (karaoke track).

● If you are not feeling super confident and/or think auditions are the scariest things EVER, don’t fret! You may audition with a buddy! You can sing together as a duet for your audition.

● We will divide the actors into groups to practice their audition scenes, which they will perform together

● After auditions, the staff will confer and cast the show. You will find out which role you are playing later that day.

Now, we know that getting the script and reading your lines for the first time is exciting! What is NOT exciting, however, is hearing the person next to you counting how many lines they have and comparing with their friends. A wise man once said “There are no small parts- only small actors.” That means that your role is only “small” if YOU decide that it is. We are an ENSEMBLE and every single person in an ensemble is important.

Full audition details to come in June!

Behavior & Participation: All campers are expected to have appropriate behavior at all times. All campers are expected to participate in camp activities (choreography, singing, acting, camp games, etc.). Full policies will be sent via email as part of the welcome pack (or can be requested ahead of time by emailing maggie@fairfieldcenterstage.org).

Medical Forms:
Camp staff will be in touch at some point in March/April regarding standard medical forms and other waivers. Please remember that your child’s forms must be filled out before 9:30am on the first day or your child will not be able to participate on Day 1. Please remember to pay your balances before 9:30am on the first day or your child will not be able to participate on Day 1. 

*Late pickups: most of our staff do have other commitments immediately following the rehearsal day -- if you are later than 3:45pm, we will require a $25 late fee, which goes directly to the affected counselor/staff member.

refund/cancelation policy policy:
We understand that sometimes plans change in life. The demand of our camp is strong, but if a cancelation happens too close to the start of camp, it is challenging or even not possible for us to fill the spot, resulting in a situation that is not fair to our hard working staff and business. Here is the cancelation policy for 2025:
• Deposits are non-refundable at all times. These deposits hold your spot and allow us to plan to hire the appropriate # of staff. Your spot is not officially held until deposit is received. Full tuition is due by May 2. If full tuition not received after May 2, the deposit and spot is forfeited.

• If you need to cancel/withdraw:
  * Deposits are not refunded in any cancelation scenario:
  * cancel by May 2: 100% of any tuition paid in excess of the non-refundable deposit will be refunded
  * cancel by May 16: 50% of any tuition paid in excess of the non-refundable deposit will be refunded
  * cancel by May 30: 25% of any tuition paid in excess of the non-refundable deposit will be refunded
  * cancel after May 30: no refunds

• No Refunds can be considered after May 30, 2025.

PLEASE NOTE: Camp Registrations are non-transferable, with the exception of transferring to a sibling.

In the unforeseen case that the program needs to be canceled, a full refund will take place.

Questions?:
christy@fairfieldcenterstage.org

About the Shows:
SESSION 1: PETER PAN JR. entering grades 1-6, Fri June 20 - Fri July 11)
Based on J.M. Barrie's classic tale and featuring an unforgettable score by Morris "Moose" Charlap and Jule Styne with lyrics by Carolyn Leigh and Betty Comden and Adolph Green, Peter Pan is one of the most beloved and frequently performed family favorites of all time.

Peter and his mischievous fairy sidekick, Tinkerbell, visit the nursery of the Darling children late one night and, with a sprinkle of pixie dust, begin a magical journey across the stars that none of them will ever forget. In the adventure of a lifetime, the travelers come face to face with a ticking crocodile, the fierce Brave Girls, a band of bungling pirates and, of course, the villainous Captain Hook.

Featuring the iconic songs, "I'm Flying," "I've Gotta Crow," "I Won't Grow Up" and "Never Never Land," and a rousing book full of magic, warmth and adventure, Peter Pan JR. is the perfect show for the child in all of us... who dreamed of soaring high and never growing up. Peter Pan JR. is a dream come true for groups looking to bring magic to their stage and entertain countless families.

SESSION 1: SHREK JR. (entering grades 6-10, Fri June 20 - Fri July 11)
Beauty is in the eye of the ogre in Shrek The Musical JR., based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film and fantastic Broadway musical.  It's a "big bright beautiful world" as everyone's favorite ogre, Shrek, leads a cast of fairytale misfits on an adventure to rescue a princess and find true acceptance.  Part romance and part twisted fairy tale, Shrek JR. is an irreverently fun show with a powerful message for the whole family.

Once upon a time, in a far away swamp, there lived an ogre named Shrek.  One day, Shrek finds his swamp invaded by banished fairytale misfits who have been cast off by Lord Farquaad, a tiny terror with big ambitions. When Shrek sets off with a wisecracking donkey to confront Farquaad, he's handed a task — if he rescues feisty princess Fiona, his swamp will be righted. Shrek tries to win Fiona’s love and vanquish Lord Farquaad, but a fairytale wouldn't be complete without a few twists and turns along the way.

SESSION 2: MARY POPPINS JR.
(entering grades K-10, July 14-25)
Based on one of the most popular Disney movies of all time and the Broadway musical that played for over 2,500 performances and received multiple Olivier and Tony Awards nominations, Cameron Mackintosh and Disney's Mary Poppins is capturing hearts in a whole new way: as a practically perfect Broadway Junior musical!

The jack-of-all trades, Bert, introduces us to England in 1910 and the troubled Banks family. Young Jane and Michael have sent many a nanny packing before Mary Poppins arrives on their doorstep. Using a combination of magic and common sense, she must teach the family members how to value each other again. Mary Poppins takes the children on many magical and memorable adventures, but Jane and Michael aren't the only ones upon whom she has a profound effect. Even grown-ups can learn a lesson or two from the nanny who advises that "Anything can happen if you let it."

SESSION 3: Summer Stage Junior Showcase: Join us for this special ONE WEEK session, July 28-Aug 1, 10am-1pm. Fairfield Summer Stage Jr. Showcase will culminate in a performance on stage, open to friends and family. Together, we will design a simple show featuring Broadway songs and scenes chosen by the kids themselves, and put on a show that will feature every participant in whatever way they feel comfortable (singing solo, acting in a scene, dancing, or just singing together with their friends!)

About the Directors:

Christy McIntosh-Newsom, Director “Shrek Jr.” & “Mary Poppins Jr.”: Christy is the Artistic Director of Fairfield Center Stage. As a voice teacher and audition coach, her students have appeared on Broadway, Off-Broadway, regionally, locally and on national television and feature films. Christy is proud to have helmed BTC Jr. (which then merged into DCT Jr. at the Downtown Cabaret, we she served until 2018 as Associate Artistic Director). In her tenure with these programs and Summer Stage, she has produced over 30 children’s productions. She is currently the Drama Director at Fairfield Ludlowe High School, where she recently directed “Pride & Prejudice”, “Singin in the Rain”, “Romeo & Juliet,” “RENT,” and “Peter and the Starcatcher.” Some FCS directing highlights include “HAIR”, “Mamma Mia,” “Matilda,” “The Music Man,” “The Secret Garden,” and “Barnum.” Christy is a former member of the Actors' Equity Association, having appeared Off-Broadway and regionally (and recently as Adelaide in FCS’s “Guys & Dolls!”) but is now a full time theatre educator and proud mommy to CJ and Melody.

Marcelle Morrisey, Director “Peter Pan Jr.”; Director, Kindies of “Mary Poppins Jr.”
Marcelle is thrilled to be back at Fairfield Summer Stage again this year! She is a 4th grade teacher at St. Thomas Aquinas School in Fairfield, and has been a theatre educator in various capacities all over CT for nearly 15 years now. She is currently the Drama Director at Joel Barlow High School, and John Read Middle School. She has worked alongside Christy and Eli for years now as an actor, director, stage manager, and so much more, and can’t wait to work on these productions. Some of her directing highlights include, “Elf”, “Aladdin JR”, “Seussical the Musical”, “Carrie the Musical”, “Once Upon a Mattress JR”, “Addams Family JR”, "Twelfth Night", “Peter and the Starcatcher”, “You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown”, “Cinderella JR”, “Beauty and the Beast JR” Marcelle likes to hang out around Fairfield and Black Rock with her family and friends and spend time with her two fur babies! 

Maggie Meath, Parent Liason & Director Session 3 “Jr Showcase”: Maggie has been a part of Fairfield Center Stage since its inception. She is FCS’s Parent Liaison throughout the year and the Junior Showcase Director for Fairfield Summer Stage. She has worked in theatre education across Fairfield County for over 20 years, including: Youth Theatre Director for Darien Arts Center, Camp Gan Izzy and The Bijou Theatre; Drama Club at Fairfield Ludlowe High School as Music Director (formerly) and Costume Designer (currently); counselor with Broadway Bootcamp and Summer Arts. Recent onstage credits include “Miss Honey” in FCS’s first production of Matilda, and as a singer with all of the FCS: Rocks productions. She sings professionally with 4 local bands, owns an Etsy shop, and is a proud mom to Lucky and Xandre.