**Stauffer Middle School students perform in “Beetlejuice.” (Photo by Alistair Hunter)**

DOWNEY – Downey Unified School District has announced the free “DFEO Musical Theatre Summer Intensive” for incoming sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-grade students from Doty, Griffiths, Stauffer, and Sussman middle schools who are eager to explore the performing arts.

This free summer intensive offers students the opportunity to develop their talents in acting, singing, and dance within a supportive and collaborative environment.

A terrific team of experienced DUSD certificated performing arts teachers will work to build confidence, strengthen performance skills, and prepare students for a culminating performance of the extremely popular musical “Frozen Jr.” The gym will be transformed into a theater complete with falling snow, thanks to talented longtime volunteer Jeffrey Toussieng, who will design, hang, and run the lighting for the show.

Stauffer drama teacher Andrea Pyle, of Downey’s highly successful and model Musical Theatre Conservatory after-school program, returns as director of the Summer Intensive. Pyle said she has always wanted to do a summer musical theater program.

“It’s my dream job,” she said.

She credits DUSD’s new VAPA coordinator, Russ Heinke, with connecting the right people to make it happen. She is also grateful for the support from Superintendent Dr. Roger Brossmer, the DUSD Board, DFEO, and everyone involved. Pyle has taught drama at Stauffer for 20 years and says she has always received total support from the district.

Pyle is quick to point out that this is not the return of the semester-long Musical Theatre Conservatory after-school program. The Summer Intensive is something different — a fast-paced four-week program designed to keep students engaged during the summer while preparing for performances of “Frozen Jr.” on July 1 and 2.

Heinke has assembled a remarkable team to support Pyle and launch the Summer Intensive. Downey High’s Chris Nelson will teach in-depth acting exercises. Stauffer band director Osvaldo “Ozzy” Zarate will teach voice and vocal music, while Sussman’s Monica Ulloa will teach dance.

Students will be divided into Cast A and Cast B, with each cast rotating through the three teachers before rehearsing two hours a day, Monday through Friday.

Located at Stauffer Middle School, the free program is scheduled from June 9 to July 7, 2026. There will be no intensive on June 19 or July 3.

Performances of “Frozen Jr.” will take place July 1 and 2.

Students interested in joining the program are invited to audition. Auditions are open to all incoming DUSD middle school students who are ready to learn, grow, and take the stage.

Auditions are scheduled for Wednesday, May 20, from 2 to 5 p.m. in the drama room at Stauffer Middle School.

Students interested in auditioning can register online at: http://web.dusd.net/blog/summer-auditions

At auditions, students will present a one-minute monologue and sing a one-minute song a cappella. Pyle said students receive four monologue options by email, though they may also choose one of their own.

“I don’t care if they sing ‘Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.’ It’s not the singing that I’m concerned about. I just want to see kids that are excited and passionate. I care more about personality and commitment.

“They should be ready to go. To be on stage in front of a couple hundred people. Get lines down by week two. We can pretty much teach anyone to sing.”

Parents and students who want to see an example of what the Summer Intensive might look like still have time to attend Stauffer’s upcoming production of “Beatlejuice” on May 7 and 8 at 4 and 7 p.m., and May 9 at 2 and 5 p.m.

Beyond the performance itself, the experience offers students far more than a stage production. It helps build confidence, literacy, communication skills, discipline, and empathy, while introducing them to literature. Through teamwork and collaboration, students learn to overcome challenges and will return to their schools in the fall with additional skills and experience.

The DFEO Musical Theatre Summer Intensive is a fine example of DUSD’s educational leadership and its partnership with the Downey Foundation for Educational Opportunities, whose community leadership helps provide enrichment activities in visual and performing arts programs for Downey Unified students.

DUSD launching free summer musical theater intensive for middle school students