The Pops Orchestra’s “It’s the Pits!” Summer Music Camp Gives Young Musicians a Backstage Pass to Disney’s “Newsies Jr.”
The Pops Orchestra is teaming up with the Florida Cultural Group Education Department for “Camping with The Pops: It’s the Pits!” a unique summer music camp funded by the Manatee Community Foundation and The Hecht Foundation. Last year, students packed the house for a sold-out run of Disney’s “Mary Poppins Jr.” Now, the spotlight turns to “Newsies Jr.,” and everyone’s buzzing over what this year’s camp will bring.
Running from July 13–18, 2026, the camp puts middle and high school band and orchestra students in the action: the live pit. They get to perform every night with the Manatee Performing Arts Center’s production of Disney’s “Newsies Jr.,” a musical packed with powerful songs and show-stopping choreography, all inspired by the true story of the 1899 Newsboys Strike. Students don’t just watch the magic; they help make it happen, working alongside singers, actors, dancers, and fellow instrumentalists.
This camp isn’t just about playing music. These students get a taste of professional theater, sharpening their technical skills and building confidence as they play for a live audience.
“Playing in a pit orchestra is often overlooked in music education, even though it’s a valuable skill and a solid career path,” says Pops Orchestra Managing and Artistic Director Robyn Bell. “A lot of musicians earn their living in pits—not just on Broadway but right here at places like Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, the Asolo, Venice Theatre, and Florida Studio Theatre. We’re excited to offer students real experience in this setting, and teaming up with the Manatee Performing Arts Center’s camp is the perfect way to show how exciting pit work can be.”
This collaboration shows a strong commitment to making arts education accessible and opens new doors for young people throughout the community.
The camp wraps up with two public shows at the Manatee Performing Arts Center (502 3rd Ave W., Bradenton, FL 34205): Friday, July 17 at 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, July 18 at 10:00 a.m. These talented kids are bringing “Newsies Jr.” to life, and the entire community is invited to cheer them on during a weekend of live theater and music.
Grab your tickets at ManateePerformingArtsCenter.com or call the Box Office at 941-748-5875.
About The Pops Orchestra of Bradenton & Sarasota
Since 1975, The Pops Orchestra has brought big, crowd-pleasing concerts to Bradenton and Sarasota audiences of all ages. As one of the region’s top performing arts groups, the orchestra draws everyone, year-round locals, snowbirds, vacationers, to its shows, boosting both the local culture and economy.
Led by conductor Robyn Bell, the 65-piece Pops Orchestra brings together top professional musicians, community players, music teachers, and students from area high schools and colleges. It’s a diverse mix that matches the variety of its audience.
Every season, the orchestra dives into all kinds of music: from Broadway to big band, Motown to holiday classics. Along with the main concerts, the Pops supports community events, honoring veterans, spotlighting young musicians from its summer camp, and partnering with local arts groups for special occasions. Local and national guest artists often join the lineup, keeping concerts fresh and exciting for everyone. Each season entertains and inspires with the orchestra’s trademark energy and love for popular music.
For more info, contact Elyza Wylder-Wilcox at [email protected] or 404-218-2478.
Click here for the link to Manatee Performing Arts Center.
