In rehearsing Disney’s Finding Nemo JR., young actors have embarked on their own journey of discovery as members of the Young Professionals camp presented by the Broward Center for the Performing Arts and The Performance Project.

Like their older professional counterparts, each actor who is in the ninth grade or higher, had to pass an audition performing a one minute monologue and singing one minute of a showtune. Once accepted, the campers have been in seven-hour day rehearsals and classes to prepare for opening night.

Rehearsals are under the direction of Nina Felice, who founded the Performance Project following a career as a professional actress. She recalls the experience of directing Schoolhouse Rock Live, her first musical using a mix of adult professionals and child actors.

“From the first rehearsal to final performance, I saw a transformation in the young actors,” Felice recalls. “Those that were overactive became more focused, some who were reserved had blossomed out of their shell, students who were apathetic now had a sense of purpose, and individuals who were unorganized were now goal oriented.”

In 2006, Felice began renting space at The Broward Center prior to entering into a full-fledged partnership with the venue in 2008 to create the Summer Theater Camp program that now offers age-appropriate camps during two sessions each summer at the Rose Miniaci Arts Education Center at the Broward Center, the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center in Miami-Dade and at the Rose and Alfred Miniaci Performing Arts Center at Nova.

The Young Professionals are getting ready to take the stage in the Amaturo Theater at the Broward Center from Thursday, July 6 – Saturday, July 15, 2023, in this 60-minute adaptation for young audiences of the beloved 2003 Pixar movie Finding Nemo. Described as plucky, resilient and heartwarming, the musical follows the adventures of Marlin, a timid clownfish, and his son, Nemo. After Nemo is captured in the Great Barrier Reef and taken to Sydney, they both face challenges on the journey to be reunited. 

In addition to rehearsing the work, the young cast has also been collaborating on a  sensory-inclusive version to be presented on Saturday, July 15 at 11 a.m. for children and adults on the autism spectrum as well as individuals with other sensitivity issues or developmental challenges. Slight adjustments have been made to the production including reduced sound levels, no flashing or strobe lights and minimal special effects to create a welcoming and supportive environment.

Spaces are also still available for the second session of Summer Theater Camp 2023. Each camp session, regardless of location, culminates in a live performance on a professional stage at the Broward Center. Registration for Summer Camp 2023 is available online at BrowardCenter.org/EducationPrograms/Camp, by phone at 954-468-2689 or by emailing registrar@browardcenter.org.