In Tampa, students bring SpongeBob and pals to life

TAMPA — College and high school students may not live in a pineapple under the sea, but a three-week theater camp will bring “The SpongeBob Musical” to life this weekend.

“The show is rapid fire,” said Ryan Began, Patel Conservatory theater department manager. “There are a lot of locations, costumes, a lot of costume changes, we have actors playing seven, eight, nine, 10 roles and they have to be in 15 seconds a completely different character.”

The student campers spent the last few weeks learning about sound, lighting, set and costume design from professionals.

Vivian Riffe, a senior at Grace Christian School, worked on props and assisted with quick costume changes. She said it’s been a fun environment. “It’s a welcoming experience for everybody,” Riffe said.

There are 23 students in the cast and 10 backstage. This is the first time “The SpongeBob Musical” will be performed at the Straz.

“To see that twinkle in their eye when they discover the magic of the theater is really special,” Began said. “It’s a reminder of why we do what we do.”

The musical can be seen at 7 p.m. Friday (June 21) and 2 and 7 p.m. on Saturday (June 22) in Ferguson Hall. Ticket prices start at $29.25 and go to $74.25. Visit www.strazcenter.org to learn more.

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