The Kingston Performing Arts Camp, organised by Full Circle Productions, officially concluded its successful second season with an energetic staging of the children’s musical We Are Monsters. The highly anticipated summer 2026 production came to life on Friday, July 31 at 6:00 PM and Saturday, August 1 at 2:00 PM at the Shortwood Teachers’ College in Kingston.

From Audition to Stage in Four Weeks

The annual four-week intensive day camp targeted aspiring young performers between the ages of seven and 11. Founded by director and Western University Music major, Alexandra Toupikov, the initiative aimed to bridge the gap for high-calibre musical theatre training for young children in Jamaica. Throughout July, the 15 campers (including a few scholarship recipients), underwent a rigorous theatrical educational process, moving swiftly from initial auditions to a complete musical showcase, learning about projecting voice, acting and stage presence, scene blocking, and choreography.

“The real magic about this camp,” Toupikov explained, “is getting to watch a show come together in less than four weeks. From casting to painting sets and fitting costumes, it’s an incredible thing to watch. It’s a real testament to how hard the campers have worked. We aim to put on a show that’s as close to the professional standard as possible: only using live piano accompaniment as opposed to tracks, full lighting, etc., to enhance the experience and ensure children are getting high-quality theatrical training.” 

It wasn’t all core rehearsals. The daily schedule packed in a wide variety of theatre arts activities, sports and hands-on crafts to keep the children fully engaged without screens. To ensure personalised attention and safety, the camp maintained an intimate ratio of about three campers per counsellor. Every staff member was strictly required to pass a police background check and possess prior experience in the performing arts.

Co-director and choreographer, and Harvard Anthropology major, Maria Greenland, highlighted the immense growth of the participants during their intensive training. “Many have never acted, danced and sung all at once before, so we introduce them to the joy of musical theatre and teach them that they are all stars in their own right. The best part of camp is getting to see their confidence blossom from the very first day to the very last show. We are so proud that they went out there and did their best.”

A Monster Cabaret of Friendship

The production, licensed through Beat by Beat Press, followed a group of human children who accidentally stumbled into a hidden monster cabaret. The quirky cast of characters—including vegetarian vampires and howling werewolves—delivered a heartwarming story focused on friendship and inclusivity with expert accompaniment on piano by Toupikov. The vibrant, monstrous world came to life on a colourful stage with custom scenery designed by Abigail Richards, built by Dmitiri Toupikov and well lit by seasoned theatre lighting director Daniel Gordon. 

The intensive process left a lasting impact on the young cast. As Zariya-Elizabeth Rowe shared,”This camp has been a truly tremendous experience for my brother and I. It broadened our theatrical horizons and to be on stage at the end of it all was electrifying!”

Parents were equally moved by the rapid transformation of their children over the four-week period. “I’m amazed once again, that in a month, they can bring such an engaging show to life, showcasing all the kids’ talents,” Melissa McMillan added. “As a second-time camper, our son spent the whole year counting down to this summer. As a young boy, he’s found the perfect fun and creative space to explore his interest in the performing arts.”

The Full Circle Productions team hopes that some of these children will go on to join the Jamaica Musical Theatre Company (JMTC), participate in the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission’s annual Speech and Drama competitions, and continue to explore the world of musical theatre in a framework that uses performance to give back to schools, children’s homes and community organisations. Full Circle Productions, again this year, was proud to host close to 40 children with support from the Seprod Foundation and individual donors. For Toupikov and Greenland, as JMTC alumni, this element was very important and will remain a staple of all future productions.