Bring the whole family to enjoy and be inspired by a theatrical music program performed by talented young Northwest Indiana thespians! Students from the Regional Performing Arts Company will act, sing, and dance on stage on Saturday, July 20th, at 5:00 p.m., at the Indiana American Water Company Pavilion at Founders Square Park. This free entertainment event is a special Saturday bonus show, all part of the 2019 Portage Summer Music Series of FREE concerts at Founders Square Park, which continues with music concerts on the first Sunday in August and September. The Indiana American Water Company Pavilion at Founders Square Park is located on the north side of Portage Fire Station #3 (6300 Central Avenue).
Dedicated to serving youth in and around Porter County, the Regional Performing Arts Company (RPAC) is a non-profit theater group that showcases young talent in its productions. Requiring students to regularly fill out roles intended for actors of all ages, RPAC provides an outlet for the performing arts to area youth and helps build confidence and interpersonal skills in their young actors.
Benjamin Leonard-White, RPAC's Summer Program Director, notes that the July 20th program at Founders will, "include performances of a few numbers from Disney's ‘The Little Mermaid,’ as well as students showcasing their Summer Camp acts." Leonard-White adds that, "RPAC provides a supplementary performance experience to the youth of The Region - an educational environment for young people to grow artistically as well as form long-lasting connections with peers that may be outside their school network. We love to add new students to our group - student musicians, student actors, stage managers, anything that interests them as far as production. We really have a high standard for our student performances and RPAC really tries to give our kids an authentic production experience. Also, we've been working to build relationships with other adults who would like to see a successful youth performing arts program in the area, as well as business and community partners, so we're always looking for more volunteers and for more support from the community."
To become involved with RPAC, or receive upcoming audition announcements, visit www.regionalperformingarts.org, or contact the organization at admin@regionalperformingarts.org.
Although admission is free, RPAC will be collecting goods for the Trinity United Methodist Paper Pantry. Please consider donating any of the following new, unopened products: shampoo, conditioner, soap/body wash, toothpaste, toothbrushes, feminine products, razors, toilet paper, paper towels, napkins, dish soap, or cleaning products.
Those attending the Summer Youth Theater Showcase may wish to bring a blanket or lawn chair. For shade, or if rain threatens, bring an umbrella. All 2019 Summer Music Series programs at Founders Square Park will be held in all but violent weather.
Save these dates for the remaining 2019 Portage Summer Music Series of FREE outdoor concerts at Founders Square Park, scheduled for the first Sunday in August and September from 3:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m:
August 4:
- Overdue: 60s alternative rock
- Vintage Postcard: a vintage-modern band with today’s hits and yesterday
- The Newports: blues, rock, and soul
September 1:
- Jerica Paliga: country pop
- Jamrose: rock, pop, and soul
- Soundz of Santana: Latin rock, Santana Cover Band
The 2019 Portage Summer Music Series is produced in collaboration with Portage Township Live Entertainment Association (PTLEA), the Greater Portage Chamber of Commerce, and the Portage Department of Parks and Recreation. The Founders Square Park concert series is made possible by the City of Portage Founders Fund, a 501 (c)(3) fund held by Porter County Community Foundation and Indiana Dunes Tourism
The 2019 Portage Summer Music Series Committee includes: PTLEA board members Jose Moreno, Terry Hardin, Linda Hardin, Paul Panicali, Dushanka Milatovic, and Joe Shukstor; Nancy Simpson, Executive Director of the Greater Portage Chamber of Commerce; and Lori Wilkie, Assistant Superintendent of the Portage Department of Parks and Recreation.For more information about the 2019 Portage Summer Music Series at Founders Square Park, contact: the Greater Portage Chamber of Commerce at (219) 762-3300, Portage Parks and Recreation at (219) 762-1675, Terry Hardin of PTLEA at (219) 762-5025, or visit the PTLEA website at www.portagemusic.com.