They're ready! They're ready! They're ready! Concord Theatricals has awarded 10 schools and youth groups in Title 1 and under-resourced communities with free licensing packages for The SpongeBob Musical. Each has been named a winner of the Sing Like a Sponge contest, part of the theatrical licensor's celebration of the Nickelodeon cartoon character's 25th anniversary. See the full list of winning groups below.
The contest was open to schools and youth groups in the U.S. (including Washington, D.C., the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico) and Canada (excluding Quebec). Entrants were asked to write an essay on how their students show the SpongeBob spirit of endless positivity in their school community. Winners were chosen based on financial need and creativity of answer. Winners are receiving a three-performance licensing package for either The SpongeBob Musical or The SpongeBob Musical: Youth Edition, including all rental materials. Winning performances must be scheduled between September 2024 and December 2025.
The winning groups are 23 Miles South Theatre in Homewood, Illinois; Athens High School Theatre in Athens, Texas; Bristol-Plymouth Regional Technical School in Taunton, Massachusetts; Brunswick High School in Brunswick, Georgia; Conemaugh Valley Elementary in Johnstown, Pennsylvania; Forest Grove High School Theatre in Forest Grove, Oregon; James E. Allen Jr/Sr High School in Dix Hills, New York; Pauline Johnson Collegiate and Vocational School in Brantford, Ontario; PS 41 in Brooklyn, New York; and Upson-Lee High School in Thomaston, Georgia.
“We are thrilled to have partnered with Paramount to bring this opportunity to educational programs, especially those that are under-resourced, across North America,” says Concord Theatricals Vice President of North American Amateur Licensing Billie Davis in a statement. “No title better represents how determination, perseverance, and positivity can accomplish anything. These educators and students set an example of how coming together can strengthen us all.”
“SpongeBob SquarePants is all about creativity and being yourself, which makes bringing SpongeBob to schools such a unique and rewarding opportunity,” adds Paramount Vice President of Experiences and Live Stage Rachel Karpf. “We’ve seen how much students all over the U.S. and Canada enjoy using their creativity to bring SpongeBob and his friends to life onstage. We were blown away by the submissions for the Sing Like a Sponge: The SpongeBob Musical Contest, and can't wait for the winning schools to put on their productions.”
Based on the long-running animated series, The SpongeBob Musical opened on Broadway (then titled SpongeBob SquarePants The Broadway Musical) in 2017, earning 12 2018 Tony nominations, including Best Musical. Originally starring Ethan Slater in the title role, the musical ran through September 16, 2018, when it closed to make way for renovations to the Palace Theatre. The musical, which centers on SpongeBob, Patrick, and Sandy as they attempt to save Bikini Bottom from an apocalyptic volcano explosion, features a book by Kyle Jarrow and a score comprising original songs penned by a group of artists including Steven Tyler, Yolanda Adams, Sara Bareilles, They Might By Giants, Cyndi Lauper, and more. A filmed stage performance was released in 2019 featuring much of the production's original Broadway cast.
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