Goodspeed Musicals to launch summer youth program with ‘Annie Jr.’ showcase

Annie Jr. at Goodspeed Musicals in east haddam, connecticut — Photo via Goodspeed Musicals

Goodspeed Musicals announced plans to launch a new summer youth theater program in July, offering young performers the opportunity to train with professional theater artists and present a showcase production of Annie Jr.

The inaugural program, called Goodspeed SummerSong, is a weeklong intensive designed for students ages 9 to 14 of all experience levels. The program will run July 6–10, 2026, at Goodspeed’s Terris Theatre in Chester, with daily classes held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Participants will receive instruction in singing, dancing and acting from Goodspeed Musicals’ professional staff while rehearsing for an end-of-the-week performance of Annie Jr. for family and friends. In addition to performance training, students will learn about behind-the-scenes aspects of theater through sessions led by artisans and other members of the Goodspeed staff.

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The closing showcase will be directed by Michael Fling, Goodspeed’s associate artistic director, and will take place at 6 p.m. Friday, July 10. Tickets will go on sale at a later date.

Managing Director Vanessa Logan said the new program reflects Goodspeed’s ongoing commitment to arts education.

“Launching a summer youth program is a natural extension of Goodspeed’s mission and our commitment to arts education,” Logan said. “We envision a week filled with youthful creativity and joy, as kids from across the state build new skills and confidence under the guidance of Goodspeed’s exceptional professional staff.”

The cost of the program is $500 per child for registrations received before March 1, 2026, and $550 after that date. Extended care is available for an additional fee. Registration opens Feb. 3, and enrollment is limited.

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Goodspeed Musicals to launch summer youth program with ‘Annie Jr.’ showcase