JULY 7 – 18 • 9am – 4pm • $375
We are proud to launch our summer camp for kids, “Stagerats!”
What’s a Stagerat? Anyone who loves being onstage or backstage at a theatre. A Stagerat loves the smell of the greasepaint and the roar of the crowd. A Stagerat loves telling stories, and making an audience smile…or laugh…or maybe even touch a heart.
Crafted by a team of educators and arts professionals, the Stagerats program is designed for students entering grades 6, 7, 8, and 9. This exciting new program will expose our participants to all areas of the theatrical arts: acting, singing, dancing and improv, as well as scenic design, costuming, props and makeup!
The Stagerats program is a two-week experience, concluding with a full production of “The Magic Treehouse: Pirates Past Noon” for family and friends on the morning of Saturday, July 19. Based on the best-selling book series, two friends take a journey via their magical tree house to the eighteenth-century Caribbean.
Enrollment in Stagerats is limited to approximately 40 students.
HOW TO APPLY
Application may be made by clicking the button below! The cost of the program is $375 for the two week experience; families who participate in a Flexible Spending program with their employer may be able to use those child care funds for the Stagerats program (consult your benefits coordinator).
Let’s go, Stagerats!
MEET THE TEAM
SAMANTHA MOOL
Samantha Mool holds a BM in Music Education from Millikin University. She recently spent two years on the arts faculty in the Phoenix area, and has recently returned to Central Illinois to teach Music and Band in the Tri-City School District (Pre-K thru 12). She enjoyed directing their recent production of Annie.
Samantha has been an active member of the Springfield arts community, participating in many shows on stage and behind the scenes. Some of her favorites include Hairspray (Penny Pingleton) and The Music Man (Children’s Vocal Director) at the Legacy Theatre. She served as the vocal director for the Legacy’s production of Hello Dolly last summer, and will step onstage again this summer in our production of Grease!
Samantha loves working with young people, and has been excited help create the curriculum for the Stagerats program. She is looking forward to sharing the arts with our “Stagerats” this summer.
JEREMIAH BROWN
Currently based in New York, Jeremiah Brown is an actor with a background in dance. He got his start in the Springfield theatre community, from ensemble roles to leading performances, including appearances in The Legacy’s Newsies, Hairspray (Link Larkin), and Mamma Mia! (Sky). He was proud to return to his hometown in 2022 to make a successful debut as Choreographer/Assistant Director for The Legacy’s acclaimed production of Kinky Boots. He will return to the Legacy stage this summer as the “Teen Angel” in our production of Grease!
A distinguished alumnus of Dobbins Conservatory, Jeremiah earned his BFA in Musical Theatre in 2021. Pursuing his passion, he relocated to New York City to immerse himself in the vibrant world of Choreography and Directing.
With a vision that transcends the boundaries of conventional theatre, Jeremiah continues to contribute to the arts, nurturing a legacy of excellence and creativity, and is excited to spend this time working with our young artists soon to be known as the “Stagerats.”
SQUIRE PRINCE
Squire Prince is thrilled to return to the Legacy Theatre this summer as part of the Stagerats team, helping to craft a transformative and meaningful theatrical experience. A proud Chicago native, Squire holds a BA in Music and Theatre from Illinois College (2018), where his passion for performance and storytelling was deeply nurtured.
A dynamic presence on stage and behind the scenes, Squire will be returning to the Legacy stage this summer, in our production of Grease, and then this fall, as Bob in our production of Come From Away. He adds those appearances to his appearance in our 2021 production of The Music Man, where he charmed audiences as the beloved Ice Cream Man and other ensemble roles. His other notable stage credits include Newsies, Mamma Mia, and Bright Star. In 2018, Squire showcased his directorial talents at the Legacy with a powerful production of Violet.
Theatre has always been more than entertainment for Squire — it’s a vehicle for connection, empowerment, and transformation. He believes deeply in the power of storytelling to inspire empathy and encourage people to embrace their own narratives with courage and authenticity.
Outside the theatre, Squire serves as the Assistant Director for Student Engagement and Belonging at Illinois College, where he champions inclusivity and student leadership. He also leads with faith as the Pastor of Mason City United Methodist Church.