Spotlight on Seussical JR.!

Gulfshore Playhouse: Hi Veronica! Tell us a little about yourself and why you’re looking forward to directing Seussical JR. this summer at the Conservatory at Gulfshore Playhouse?

Veronica Ostroski: This past year I’ve decided to make Naples my home base after living in NYC while completing my Masters in Directing. For work, I travel mostly along the East Coast and am always drawn to projects with an element of the fantastical. I look forward to working with the Conservatory again as Seussical Jr. certainly has its share of magic and whimsy. 

GP: Can you share some insights into the creative process behind bringing the world of Dr. Seuss to life on stage?

VO: Dr. Seuss has permeated children’s literature for generations and it is difficult not to have a preconceived notion of what it “should look like.”  I am a very visual person and I always start my concept treatments with a few core images. For this production, none were strictly Seussian, but conveyed the tone and texture of the world we hope to build. From there I added supplementary images from his stories to keep the iconic characters and settings recognizable. Much like live theatre, at this stage it’s still a living document that grows with the development of pre production. 

GP: Hi Steven! What opportunities does participating in Seussical JR. offer for students in terms of skill development and personal growth? 

Steven Calakos: Participating in Seussical JR. offers students a unique opportunity to develop essential theatrical skills such as singing, acting, and dancing, while also fostering personal growth through collaboration, creativity, and self-expression in a supportive and inclusive environment. Through this experience, students not only hone their performance abilities but also cultivate confidence, teamwork, and a love for the arts that extends beyond the stage.

GP: What does Gulfshore Playhouse do differently to ensure that its student productions reach a high level of professionalism? 

SC: Gulfshore Playhouse ensures its student productions reach a high level of professionalism by providing guidance from experienced theatre professionals who work in the industry. Many of our directors and teaching artists have worked on Broadway and so they bring their experiences and expertise to Gulfshore Playhouse, elevating the standard of professionalism for our students.

GP: What sets the Gulfshore Playhouse Conservatory apart from other theatre programs in the region?

VO: The main thing I noticed my first summer working with the Conservatory is the dedication from both the students and the production teams. Unlike other programs, Gulfshore Playhouse gives the students the experience of working with professional designers, stage managers, etc to better train and prepare them for future work. It certainly sets a tone for rehearsals about the quality of work we’re doing and the actors rise to the challenge. 

GP: Can you describe the support and mentorship that students receive throughout the rehearsal process? 

SC: At Gulfshore Playhouse, students receive extensive support and mentorship throughout the rehearsal process, guided by experienced directors and teaching artists who provide individualized attention, constructive feedback, and encouragement to help them grow as performers and artists. Additionally, our collaborative environment fosters a sense of community where students learn from each other and build lasting relationships.

GP: How do you approach balancing fun and creativity with the discipline required for a polished performance?

VO: I’ve always found routine allows for the greatest room for creativity. Part of my job is not only directing a show, but creating an environment in which students are free to explore and imagine safely. By providing structure in rehearsals, I hope they learn to find freedom in the guidelines and that personal discipline and imagination really go hand in hand. And at the end of the day, the fun they bring is what makes each show so special. 

GP: For parents considering enrolling their children in the Conservatory, what benefits would you highlight as reasons to get involved? 

SC: Parents considering enrolling their children in the Conservatory at Gulfshore Playhouse can expect their children to benefit from professional training in a supportive and inclusive environment. We offer so many opportunities not only to work with industry professionals, but more importantly to develop essential life skills like building confidence, communicating effectively, and accepting feedback. The Conservatory is really a transformative and enriching experience for young aspiring artists.

GP: What advice would you give to students who are nervous about participating in their first production? 

SC: For students who are nervous about participating in their first production, I would advise them to embrace the excitement of stepping outside their comfort zone and trust in the supportive environment provided by the Gulfshore Playhouse team. By focusing on the joy of storytelling and the camaraderie of the cast and crew, they can channel their nerves into a rewarding and unforgettable experience onstage.

GP: What message would you like to share with our patrons to inspire them to come and experience Seussical JR. at Gulfshore Playhouse this summer? 

SC: I would like to encourage our patrons to join us for Seussical JR. this summer, where they will witness the magic of Dr. Seuss’s beloved characters brought to life by our talented students. Our production is a must-see for families and children of all ages because it ignites a captivating sense of wonder and imagination that resonates with audiences of every generation.

VO: I’d want them to come to see what they recognize and perhaps find something new to love. This show is a great connector between generations because so many people grew up with Dr. Seuss. I hope patrons get to rediscover a little of that childlike wonder that’s still within each of us.

Rehearsals for the Conservatory production of Seussical JR. run July 1 – July 26th and there are currently spots available for students ages 8-18.