Special Gallo Center production puts Modesto region youngsters at center stage

They’ll sing, they’ll dance, they’ll take over the stage with childlike exuberance at the Gallo Center for the Arts.

That’s because all 65 of the performers actually will be children.

The production “Giants in the Sky: A New Children’s Musical” will be the culmination of 10 weeks of learning for students in the Gallo Center Youth Academy.

It’s an introductory program offered by the downtown Modesto performing arts venue for students in grades one through eight who have an interest in musical theater.

While not advertised to the public in the same way as the center’s other shows, the musical in its Foster Family Theatre is nonetheless nearly sold out.

“We have enthusiastic family and friends who support the students,” Cortney Hurst, director of arts education, said.

But the public is invited to purchase remaining seats to see the “magical story (that) explores the world of giants who live above the clouds,” as described on the Gallo Center website.

Presented with Beat by Beat Press, the musical is written specifically for child performers, Hurst said.

GCYA started during the center’s 2018-19 season, she said, born from its other arts education programs as a supplement for younger students.

The academy takes place during the school year. The center’s Creation Station program is a weeklong, summer-only program for grades one through six — an option for “dipping your toe in the water of trying musical theater,” Hurst said.

GCYA provides a bridge between that program and its YES Academy and YES Company, both for older students, grades seven to 12.

For Kenna Middleton, joining GCYA was a way to keep her interest in performing going during the school year, her mom, Diana Middleton, said.

Now a 15-year-old sophomore at Gregori High School, Kenna started GCYA while in the eighth grade, after she’d already been part of YES Academy and YES Company.

“She didn’t take the traditional route,” Diana Middleton said. “(But) as one of the older kids in GCYA, she got to do more.”

Kenna “really, really enjoyed GCYA,” her mom said, and it fit well into her student schedule. “She got some great roles, got some great experience.”

The teen now goes back and volunteers to help the younger students.

“We were so impressed as a family,” Diana Middleton said. “We were just really impressed with the whole program.”

Offering “something the community is wanting”

Hurst said the 65 students in GCYA are the most it can accommodate. The popular program is held twice a year — spring and fall.

“We’re clearly providing something the community is wanting,” she said.

Registration is first come, first served for grades one through five. Those in grades six through eight audition to be included.

Tuition is $275 for the younger students; $330 for grades six to eight, who get more instruction and class time, Hurst said.

Semesters have a variety of focuses. “We’re obviously working on all the musical theater fundamentals — singing, moving, acting,” Hurst said.

But academy leaders also pinpoint specific theatrical areas for more in-depth instruction at each grade level, so what the students learn can be applied to their final performance.

“They’re not just showing up and rehearsing for a show, but they’re learning something they’ll be able to build on ... whether back at GCYA or at school theater programs,” Hurst said.

The youth learn “how to process and apply all that thinking in their own way,” at each grade level, such as learning why they’re entering the stage at a specific time, she said.

One week is dedicated to teaching about specifics such as lighting, sound, set design and costumes, Hurst said. The Gallo Center’s own professional technical team helps with this instruction.

The specialized learning helps lessen nervousness for kids who previously have not been in a public performance, she said.

The program, which is held along with the Stanislaus County Office of Education, has two teachers: Laura Martinez, who is the show director, and Ally Munson, the music director and instructor.

“We’re really proud of the work the GCYA team does,” Hurst said.

Students rehearse in class settings, based on grade levels, at the SCOE building until the 10th week, when they move to the Gallo Center to rehearse together on stage.

And, at the end of the week, comes that big performance.

“Giants in the Sky” will be presented at 6:30 p.m. Friday, April 17, at the Gallo Center. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at tickets.galloarts.org/10493.

“I feel like GCYA has really solidified itself as a place for young people to explore their interests in the performing arts,” Hurst said. “I’m looking forward (to doing) more of that and to continue to create a place and a space for these young people.”