Disneyland offers new summer performing arts workshops for kids ages 7 and older

Does your child dream of being a performer in a Disneyland parade or wonder what it takes to act in a Disney stage production? This summer, kids ages 7 and older have the opportunity to find out.

Young performers can learn from the professionals at Disneyland in a new program being offered at the resort. The Disney Performing Arts Open Enrollment program allows individuals to participate for the first time in workshops that previously were only open to groups of students.

The six workshops take place on three days: July 21, 22 and 23. Kids can choose from the following courses:

** Acting 101 (Ages 7 and up): Performers learn how to create characters, improvise and project professionalism onstage using proven performance techniques that will boost the confidence of any actor.

** Dance 101 (Ages 7 and up): Performers learn a Disney production number, develop confidence and receive valuable critique as they learn the importance of individual contribution to the success of an ensemble.

** Soundtrack Session: Vocal (Ages 7 and up): Performers record music from Disney films in a simulated film-scoring studio while learning the importance of sight-reading, listening and rehearsing. (Offered at two times)

** Musical Theatre Premium Workshop (Ages 11 and up): Students will develop performance skills in dance, vocals and acting through performing a scene from a Disney Entertainment offering. Created for intermediate to advanced musical theatre students.

** Parade Premium Workshop (Ages 11 and up): Performers learn a production number based on a Disney Parade, gain insights, and receive valuable information on what it takes to become a performer in a Disney parade.

** Technical Theatre Premium Workshop (Ages 11 and up): Students will develop skills for technical theatre, by taking an exclusive backstage look at the special effects and technical complexities of a Disney Entertainment offering. Created for intermediate to advanced technical theatre students.

The standard workshops last about 90 minutes, and the premium courses have about three hours of learning time.

The cost of each workshop is based on the ticket package a participant selects. The least expensive option is the 1-Day, 1-Park Disney Performing Arts Workshop Package, which is $106 per person and includes one standard workshop. The same package with park-hopping privileges between Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure is $149. A two-day park hopper package with one standard workshop is $187. Add $10 for a premium workshop instead of a standard workshop. Packages that have park-hopping for three, four and five days include two standard workshops. Prices are $223, $269 and $310, respectively. To add a third workshop, each participant pays $20 for a standard course and $30 for a premium class.

Registration is open now. To access an application, go to http://disneyurl.com/PerformingArtsOpenEnrollment

For questions, contact Disney Performing Arts Open Enrollment at 714-956-6454 between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. PST Monday through Friday. You may also email your inquiries to [email protected].

I observed a Disney Performing Arts workshop at Walt Disney World, and it was full of fun and magical surprises. If you want to get an idea of what to expect, you can read my account here.