- July 14, 2025
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Foundation Academy introduced “Finding Nemo KIDS” as its summer musical. Since then, children learned the ins and outs of acting in a show and working together. Through only five days of rehearsals, the actors and creative team were able to build a production that supported and encouraged the students.
Out of the many shows that could have been performed over the summer, “Finding Nemo KIDS” stood out to the school. Christina Haak, one of the co-directors, said the large ensemble in “Finding Nemo KIDS” influenced the creative team’s decision.
“We have so many talented kids, and we knew this would show them well,” she said.
Children in third through sixth grades were eligible to send in video auditions. Countless kids did so, and the directors and creative team were tasked with selecting who would receive leading roles. After reviewing the videos, the students were given their roles and were expected to learn their lines in advance of camp.
On Monday, June 16, rehearsals began for “Finding Nemo KIDS.” The actors choreographed musical numbers and blocked scenes.
Additionally, the school included religious lessons in their rehearsals. Every morning, the students would do daily devotionals and prayers. Christianity is a significant part of Foundation Academy’s curriculum, so it was important to the creative team to keep the connection to faith alive in their art. Haak said their worship “isn’t just a part of how we do it, it’s why we do it”.
The camp ended with a performance of “Finding Nemo KIDS” on Friday, June 20.
The show’s cast and creative team embraced the challenge of perfecting a show in five days. Haak said the crew set a schedule for when to block and choreograph each scene, but they also were ready to pivot when necessary.
“We stress the importance of focus and flexibility,” Haak said. “Our team is made up of very creative people and we work well together to think on our feet.”
Theatrical performances take the cooperation and skill of countless individuals. During “Finding Nemo KIDS,” the responsibility to keep everything running smoothly fell upon directors, students and numerous volunteers.
Haak and her husband, Kyle, co-directed the show. Both are experienced in education and entertainment, having performed for major theme parks such as Universal, Sea World, and The Walt Disney Company. They have directed multiple children’s shows in Florida, Georgia and New York. Their assistant director, Ashley Nadeau, is a member of the Foundation Academy Fine Arts Alumni. She currently is a musical theater student at Florida Southern University.
Working alongside these theater veterans were many students. Kids from Foundation Academy’s technology and theater classes were able to participate and volunteer backstage. They made an impact by cleaning choreography, running through music and scenes with the actors, and being the stage crew during the performance. They also had the opportunity to use their talents in a familiar environment, encouraging confidence when working in theater elsewhere.
Putting on “Finding Nemo KIDS” took meticulous work and patience, and the creative team had to rely on each other to pull everything together.
“Live theater is as exciting as it is onstage as it is behind the scenes,” said Haak, who is grateful for the crew and actors of the show.
“Finding Nemo KIDS,” based on the Disney’s “Finding Nemo,” is a show with themes of family and perseverance. A heart-warming piece, the creative team hoped it reached audiences and their actors.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to work with the students at Foundation Academy” said Haak, who is proud of the production and the actors. “Being a part of the students’ artistic development is an honor.”
