Students of Red Bank Regional’s Visual and Performing Summer Camp learn steps for the musical HOLLYWOOD HILLBILLIES, premiering August 6 at the school auditorium.

Press release from Red Bank Regional High School

Back to School time may be another month away, but on Thursday, August 6, the students Visual and Performing Arts Summer Camp program at Red Bank Regional High School will be eager to take the school stage, as they present the musical comedy Hollywood Hillbillies. Inspired by the TV classic Beverly Hillbillies, the show (book by Tim Kelly, with music and lyrics by Scott Keys) features a comical collision of simple American mountain folk with Hollywood types, and nefarious oil and gas-seeking interlopers.

Over 70 students will take part in the musical production, and a special preview art exhibit will feature the creative art work of other campers.

Supervised by RBR music teacher Kristopher Zook, the VPA summer program provides an exploratory visual and performing arts experience for middle school students and rising freshmen. Many of RBR’s own Visual and Performing Art Academy students have attended this program, offered over five weeks in the summer and divided into a first half, two-week rotation of all arts disciplines including dance, drama, crafts, creative writing, piano, percussion, recording arts, visual art and vocal music.

During the final three weeks, campers choose to concentrate on either the musical theatre tract (including acting, dancing and singing) or the visual arts tract, which includes fine arts and handcrafts.

The program operates with staff members who teach in the RBR Visual and Performing Arts Academy during the school year, as well as guest artists. Many RBR VPA students and graduates return each summer as counselors to the campers. The program is totally self-sustained by tuition, and there is always some funding available to provide scholarships for those who demonstrate a strong desire to participate but cannot afford the program.

Showtime for the August 6 performance of Hollywood Hillbillies is at 7 pm inside the RBR auditorium. Tickets are $5 per person and are available at the door.