Willy Wonka Kids

Imagine being a 10-year-old girl and breaking out of your comfort zone to join a theater group for the first time only because your best friend asked you to. Now imagine landing one of the lead roles…. Remember this is your first experience in theater. 

You give this new adventure 110%. You practice at home, you rehearse with your directors on your solos, you memorize lines, nail the choreography, and even discuss with your directors’ props/costumes/the performance itself. 

Now imagine the very next day being ghosted by those same directors. Your only communication is an email from the non-profit stating they had closed its doors. No communication to the kids whatsoever, no response to the money spent, or the time and effort put in, or even an “I’m really sorry, our hands are tied”. 

Now as adults, that’s life, right?  Disappointment is experienced and burned into our core. BUT as young kids (not even teens yet), this is crushing. 

The Garden Theatre Inc. promoted and solicited homeschool kids to join their homeschool troupe. They charged $400 per child to star in the production of Willy Wonka Kids. It was to run from August to December with an evening ticketed performance at the conclusion of the semester. The money paid to The Garden Theater, Inc. is gone, and no one will return emails or phone calls, much less the money parents paid for each child in this particular group to participate.

Thankfully, Young Stars Musical Theater has stepped up in a big way!!!! They have offered to help the Willy Wonka Kids play carry on. 

In order for he kids of Willy Wonka Kids to preform they had to repurchase the license to actually be able to even rehearse the play (this is not transferable). This expense was picked up by a couple of the parents to get the ball rolling. Young Stars Musical Theater is allowing us to utilize their space and direct for free (Yes there are still angels among us). However, the kids now must raise funds for their costumes, props, and miscellaneous items specific to this show. 

That’s where we need help. These kids are trying so hard to pick themselves up after being knocked down. We hope the community will rally together around these kids to make this a success for them. They are ready to get their hands dirty by working hard and raising money to see this play become a success. 

We need to raise roughly $1000 to cover additional costs. The Young Stars Musical Theater isn’t asking for funds for themselves and actually refused to take money for their efforts other than through ticket sales for the play itself.  Please consider being a part of this journey and sponsor these amazing kids!!!  

Our donation levels are listed below (but of course any amount is greatly appreciated).  

Please note we can give tax receipts for all donations!!!!!!! 

Bronze - $10 - Name listed on Special Thank you list on the program. 

  Silver - $25 Preferred seating and name listed on Special Thank you list on the program. 

Gold - $50 Preferred seating and name listed  on Special Thank you list on program plus a shoutout on Young Stars Musical Theater Facebook page as well as “Rave” in Winter Garden - Rants, Raves, and. are Reviews.  (If you wish to remain anonymous just let us know)  

Platinum - $100 Preferred seating and name listed on Special Thank you list on program plus a shoutout on Young Stars Musical Theater Facebook page as well as “Rave” in Winter Garden - Rants, Raves, and. are Reviews.  (If you wish to remain anonymous just let us know) plus 2 free tickets to the show in January on the day of your choice.