Stagedoor (NR)

synopsis

"Stagedoor" is certainly overdramatic, at times hilarious, and often sad. Alexandra Shiva follows these campers for 3-weeks and in doing so reveals the pain of not making the cut, the glory of a standing ovation, and the interactions between each other and the professional staff. On the very first day of camp, the children are cast in 1 of 12 full-scale drama and musical productions, which are to be mounted exactly 20 days later. The camp is fiercely competitive, ranging from theatrical novices to Broadway veterans; however every camper lands a part. While living, working, and playing together these children do more then just hone their vocal and acting skills. The time spent on and off the stage builds friendships that will last a lifetime. The movie culminates with each child's moment in their show, as they find their own balance of talent and community, on stage and -- more importantly -- off.