Camp Rock Cast Gears Up for Opening Night

Students from the North Kingstown Creative Dramatics Program will debut their rendition of the musical "Camp Rock" this weekend at the auditorium. 

Dozens of elementary and middle school students from public, private and homeschool classrooms have been rehearsing for weeks to bring "Camp Rock" to life, said Mari Dias, former director of the North Kingstown drama program.

Sponsored by the North Kingstown Arts Council and the North Kingstown Recreation Department, "Camp Rock" is now under the direction of Ms. Dias' daughter, Lindsay Dias, a graduate of Salve Regina University and a theater aficionado. 

"The main reason for me to become the director was the kids," said Lindsay Dias. "All of the kids who have ever been in this program have made a major impact on my life," she said. "And knowing that this program is a strong influence on the social and emotional development of the kids, and helps them with the transition to the High School, I couldn't say 'no.'"

Dias handed the North Kingstown drama reins to her daughter after being hired as a full-time psychology professor at Johnson & Wales University.

"It's been all her since then," Dias said of her daughter. "She does the whole thing herself," Dias said, adding her daughter deals patiently with the students and that the program is a great way to keep kids of of mischief.

"In this day and age—where there are so many problems with kids—these kids can't get in trouble," she said. "Talk about keeping them off the street; they are in rehearsal every single night for months," Ms. Dias said.

That is the case for Jack Petit, a 13-year-old homeschooled, soon-to-be freshman from North Kingstown who plays Shane Grey, a lead characters in the musical. "I get to play a Jonas brother," said Petit. "You can make the character anything you want—it's fun."

As for the stereotype that paints homeschooled students as anti-social and shy, "That is a horrible rumor," said Petit. "We're all different," he said. "Some people could be homeschooled and could be totally out there; someone could be public schooled, or go to school, and they could be sheltered, they could be shy—nothing to do with school."

Asked whether they're similarities between Petit and his character, Petit said, "We've got a little bit of like a hidden ego. Though, it's not like we're really vain or self absorbed," he added.  "Plus, we're both kind of rock stars," Petit said, alluding to his participation in a boy band.

Dias feels her entire cast is made up of rock stars. "I'm confident that my kids will not only meet, but exceed everyone's expectations and will put everything they have into their performances," she said. "These kids are beyond amazing, talent and otherwise and this weekend is going to be phenomenal."

"Camp Rock" shows tonight at 7 p.m. and tomorrow, Sunday, June 26, at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10 at the door for regular admission; the student rate is $8. Both performances will be held in the auditorium at North Kingstown High School.