The production is the culmination of an ambitious two-week training program hosted by the Spotlight Center, which invites aspiring young performers to experience the rigor and rewards of a professional theater environment. From June 23 to July 3, students participated in a full-day camp where they studied acting, vocal technique, improvisation, choreography and character development.

The first week was devoted to training and workshops led, in part, by Broadway-seasoned instructors, while the second week integrated campers directly into the adult-led rehearsal process. 

When the curtain rose on July 11, these students weren’t just prepared - they were transformed, stepping into roles alongside adult actors with a sense of confidence and craft that belied their ages. 

“This is the first year we wanted to do a show where our campers joined the professional adults on stage,” said Curtis Reed, the center's creative director. “I wanted to choose something that would appeal to the kids as much as it would to the adults. Roald Dahl is always a good bet for stage shows that have a message for everyone. Matilda was a show I had done years ago and remembered the audiences and cast loving it, so it seemed like a perfect fit.” 

Matilda’s themes of empowerment, resilience and brilliance blooming in unexpected places were a fitting choice. The title character’s quiet determination echoes the journey of many campers, some of whom were performing for the first time. 

“For this camp in particular, we had a handful of campers this was in their first stage show,” Reed said. “Some have performed on stage in school or other community theater productions, but this was their first professional experience. Despite the different skill levels, they came together as a team, worked hard and were mesmerized after the first week of camp, putting all the adults to shame. They have learned difficult choreography, have all had to learn how to speak in a British accent, and are performing the show each night with such confidence and ease. We are extremely proud of all of them.” 

The center’s unique approach to youth development blends training with opportunity. Unlike many camps that conclude with informal showcases, this intensive culminates in a full-scale, ticketed production. Students weren’t just learning lines and steps. They were navigating stage cues, lighting transitions and the high stakes of a real audience. The result is a polished, joyful performance filled with moments of surprising depth and theatrical precision. 

“Having the campers work alongside adults who have done theater professionally for years allowed them to get a sense of what working in the world of theater would be like,” Reed said. “They had a much shorter rehearsal process than most school or community theaters would have, challenging the experience but pushing them to learn and grow in ways they had not done before. Every camper rose to the challenge and performed beautifully in the show.” 

One of the biggest challenges, Reed said, was managing the production’s scale. With 24 performers, this show marks the most extensive cast the Spotlight Center has ever staged.

“That is a lot of people to keep in line, make sure they are getting what they need, and learning and growing,” he said. “Sometimes, working with professional adults and kids, there is a lot of downtime for one group or the other. For this show, however, we had a lot of instances where the adults were working alongside the campers more often than not, and they all stepped up to become extensions of the director, choreographer and stage manager.” 

The community has taken notice. Early performances have drawn enthusiastic crowds, and several remaining showtimes are already nearing capacity. Audience members have praised both the technical execution and the emotional heart behind the performances — a combination that speaks not only to the strength of the cast, but to the intention behind the camp’s design. 

“We hope that the audience gets an amazing night of entertainment and is blown away by the talent these kids bring to the table,” Reed said. “Quite a few of the children’s roles are just as big, if not bigger, than some adult roles, and are rising to the occasion. I hope the actors walk away with a newfound sense of confidence and love for live theater. And of course, I hope they have caught the theater bug and will want to continue pursuing this.” 

As Matilda the Musical continues its run, the Spotlight Center’s stage has become more than a place for performance. It is a launchpad, a learning lab, and a celebration of what happens when young people are treated like professionals and given the tools and the stage to rise.