COLUMBUS, Ohio — Shadowbox Live returns to the stage this month with two all-new productions, but for some young, aspiring performers, excitement is building for a completely different performance.
Studio 8 is Shadowbox Live's after-school program that affords high school students the opportunity to work alongside the professional performance and production crew of Columbus' 35-year-old performance art institution.
"They are able to explore eight different disciplines," explained Stacie Boord, Shadowbox Live's CEO and one of its many "metaperformers" - the members of the theater's resident ensemble. "They can do the performing arts of singing, dancing, acting and music; they can also do the production arts which are: backstage, lights, sound and costumes."
The program itself is an eight-day camp. Students will have one-on-one instruction from professionals in a chosen discipline. At the end of the week, students will go through tech rehearsals with the company which will lead into the live public performance on Monday evening.
"What's different about this versus other student productions is that they're doing the show alongside us," explained Boord. "So, it's not just a student production, it is them working alongside professional artists in the field so it really gives them insight into the industry."
An insight that many of Studio 8's past participants have put to good use. Boord estimated that around 25% of the troupe's current cast and crew came up through the after-school program.
"Anytime you have an opportunity to share your passion and your expertise with the younger generation that is coming up and curious to maybe explore whether this is a passion for them as well, we feel so blessed to be able to do this," said Boord. "We take this opportunity and we really throw our hearts and souls into it."
The deadline for registration for the Studio 8 after-school program is Jan. 25.
In addition to this program, Shadowbox Live has two shows debuting in January.
"Pillow Talk" is a composite show that features some of the favorite hits from 2023. It's on stage now. And "The Dream and Beyond" returns for the first time since 2018 and features the stories, champions and victories of the Modern Civil Rights Era. Both of those shows run through the spring.
For more information on either of those show or to get more details on the Studio 8 after-school program, just visit their website: https://shadowboxlive.org/.