SummerSong
Youth Theatre Program
For the first time ever, Goodspeed is launching a summer program for kids! SummerSong is a weeklong performance-based program culminating in a showcase of Annie Jr. at Goodspeed's Terris Theatre in Chester.
Designed for youth ages 9 to 14, Goodspeed SummerSong is taught by Goodspeed Musicals’ highly-regarded professional staff. Each day will be filled with classes focused on singing, dancing and acting skills as the students prepare for an end-of-the-week showcase of Annie Jr. for family and friends. Throughout the program, artisans and other experts from the Goodspeed staff will provide opportunities for students to learn about what happens behind the scenes to bring a musical to life.
SummerSong is perfect for rising stars of all experience levels and abilities.
The Details:
When:
Session I: July 6 - 10, 2026 (Session is filled. Join waitlist)
Session II: July 13 - 17, 2026 Register
Hours: 9am - 5pm
Where: Goodspeed's Terris Theatre, 33 North Main Street, Chester, CT
Who Can Attend: Children ages 9 - 14
Cost: $550 per person (Save $50 if registered before 3/1!)
Extended Hours: Early drop off and late pick up are available at an additional cost.
- Early Drop Off is 8am - 8:45am ($50 per week)
- Late Pick Up is 5pm - 6pm ($50 per week)
Session I is full. Click below to register for Session II.
Questions? Please contact Goodspeed's Education & Engagement Manager Nick Palazzo: npalazzo@goodspeed.org
Here's a sample schedule of what a day at SummerSong might look like:
| 8am-8:45am | Early Drop Off |
| 8:45-9am | Regular drop off period |
| 9am-10am | Warm Up & Games |
| 10am-11am | Music Rehearsal |
| 11am-11:30am | Snack Break |
| 11:30-1pm | Staging & Choreography |
| 1pm-2pm | Lunch Break |
| 1:30-2pm | Special Guest Presentation |
| 2pm-3:30pm | Staging & Choreography |
| 3:30-4pm | Snack Break |
| 4pm-4:30pm | Staging & Choreography |
| 4:30-5pm | Review Show |
| 5pm | End of Day |
| 5pm-6pm | Late pick up |
The first day of SummerSong will include a quick and low pressure audition to determine roles for Annie Jr. All singing material will be taught to the students prior to auditions, the acting audition will be cold reads from the script. Nothing needs to be prepared in advance. By the end of the day, all students will either be assigned a named role or be part of the Annie Jr. ensemble.
The final day will culminate in a showcase of Annie Jr. for family and friends at 6pm. Information about purchasing tickets to the showcase will be sent out the week before SummerSong.
The following is included in the tuition for SummerSong:
- 5 full days (9am-5pm) of fun and engaging activities and learning focused on singing, dancing and acting. An extra hour of care before and after regular hours is available at an additional cost.
- A SummerSong t-shirt that the students wear for the closing showcase of Annie Jr.
- 2 snacks and water bottles each day.
Here's what to bring for a day at SummerSong:
- Comfortable clothes and sneakers for moving and dancing!
- Nut-Free Lunch
- Quiet activity for breaks and downtime
Where is the program located?
SummerSong will take place at Goodspeed's Terris Theatre, 33 North Main Street, Chester, CT
How long is the program day?
9am to 5pm.
Will you be offering early drop off and late pick up?
Early drop off (8:00-8:45 am) or late pick up (5:00-6:00 pm) is available. The cost is an additional $50 for early drop off for the week and $50 for late pick up for the week.
Will the students be inside or outside?
Classes and rehearsals will take place inside. Breaks will be given throughout the day where students can enjoy the outdoors. It is recommended that your children apply sunscreen before the program and pack their own sunscreen to reapply.
Do students need to bring their own lunch?
Yes, students will need to bring their own lunch. To ensure all students are safe, we ask the lunches be nut-free.
How are roles for Annie Jr. determined?
- There will be a quick, low pressure audition process on the first day of the program to determine roles in the show. All singing material will be taught to the students prior to auditions, the acting audition will be cold reads from the script. Nothing needs to be prepared in advance.
- All SummerSong participants will either be assigned a named role or be in the Annie Jr. ensemble.
- Roles will be assigned and announced by the end of the first day of the program.
What will the performance entail?
The students will perform on Goodspeed’s Terris Theatre stage. Goodspeed will provide each student with an Annie Jr. t-shirt that will also serve as their costume. Students will need to provide their own pair of jeans and shoes for the performance. Each day will end at 5pm. However, Friday July 6 will have a performance at 6pm that is open to families. Tickets will be $15 each with a guaranteed 4 tickets per family. Tickets will go on sale the week before the program begins.
Are there drop off/pick up procedures?
A curbside drop off line should begin at The Terris Theatre entrance. Pick up will be done in a similar manner, with guardians driving up and students being brought out to cars. All drivers picking up students must be on their approved pick up list and should have ID ready to be shown.
SummerSong is full. Is there a waitlist?
Yes, we will have a waitlist. If someone drops out, we will contact those on the waitlist in the order they asked to join the program. To be placed on the waitlist, please email npalazzo@goodspeed.org. Depending on popularity, we may add an extra session for those that are on the waitlist.
Is there a refund policy?
If you would like to withdraw from SummerSong, Goodspeed must be notified by May 1 to receive a full refund. If notice is given between May 1 to June 1, you will receive an 80% refund. After June 1, no refunds will be given, unless the spot can be filled. If the spot is filled, we will be happy to make an 80% refund. All notice must be sent to npalazzo@goodspeed.org.
Are children with special needs welcome to join SummerSong?
Goodspeed Musicals welcomes all children with special needs and health conditions into SummerSong. We pride ourselves in maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for all. It is paramount that we receive full disclosure of any needs or special accommodations upon registration to determine alongside guardians what accommodations and support we are able to provide during SummerSong and to allow us to create a successful and positive experience for everyone involved. We must provide a staff-student ratio that is safe for everyone involved and unfortunately we are not able to provide 1 on 1 support. If your school provides an aide or other special accommodations for your student, those same accommodations should be provided at guardian’s expense. Please contact our Education and Engagement Manager, Nick Palazzo to discuss.
Does my child need to be part of this if they want to audition for Goodspeed’s production of Annie?
No. This is a summer theatre program and is separate from our production of Annie in the fall. If your child wants to audition for Annie, we will host audition workshops in the spring. More information will be posted on our website in the next few weeks.
Any additional questions, may also be directed to Nick Palazzo at npalazzo@goodspeed.org or 860-615-0352.
The SummerSong staff will be comprised of 5 full time professionals led by Goodspeed's Associate Artistic Director Michael Fling and Goodspeed's Education & Engagement Manager Nick Palazzo.