It is an ambitious schedule, but for founder Cami Zimmerman, it’s a vital part of the studio’s mission.
"I graduated from ACU and music education. I kind of wanted to help kids find their confidence at a young age, but to like give kids a place to like feel like they have a community and other people who share the same passion,” said Zimmerman.
Zimmerman’s passion for creating that community started long before she opened a performing arts studio.
Her mom, Karen Weirseig, remembers that even as a young girl she demonstrated the determination to improve.
"She would work diligently, and you have to practice. And she, I didn't even have to tell her, she just go practice and cultivate her, her talent and her love,” said Weirseig.
For the last decade Zimmerman has been able to work on instilling that passion and dedication to the younger generation.
Twelve-year-old Avyn Kershner has performed with Zimmerman since second grade. He says he’s also learning to be flexible.
“I have learned that sometimes I feel like it's not always about what you want in theater. Basically, sometimes you have to adjust, put aside what you want, and become your character pretty much. And when you have to adjust, you should gotta roll with it,” said Avyn.
For all of the students at Zimmerman’s studio, which they lovingly call ZPAS, the experience goes beyond improving their performance skills. They’re exposed to valuable lessons about teamwork, dedication and growth.
And the longer students engage with the ZPAS those lessons continue to level-up. Students who have been part of the community take on bigger responsibilities, and Zimmerman says over the years, many of the children who started in those early shows become reliable members of the production team.
"But I kind of did it all for a while and wore all the hats. And then as we grew, my students that grew with me in the studio, they started taking honor roles. So now Braxton Paris has been choreographing for us the past three years. And he's like, absolutely insane and phenomenal. Just fun fact, found out Brody Paris also can so and design costumes. And so he actually, this is his first show he's doing for that too. And then just a lot of my students just stepping up into leadership roles,” said Zimmerman.
That choreographer -Braxton Parris- started performing with Zimmerman in fourth grade.
This summer after graduating high school, he choreographed Finding Neverland for the studio.
"I also just loved Braxton’s choreography”
For Braxton—he’s appreciated the opportunity to develop professionalism—which he says means even more to him than putting on an excellent production.
"I think the thing I've Learned the most and has helped me the most from this studio is the balance of professionalism in putting on a good show in, but also having a good work environment. Um. I think there has to be accountability for the cast to, you know, practice in well, everybody pulling their way to put on a show, but also making sure we're being good humans and just having a supportive environment,” said Braxton.
Braxton and his twin brother, Brody, will be attending the Norwalk Conservatory of the Arts in Connecticut this fall.
Brody, who played the lead in this musical as J-M Barrie, says the expectations set by Mrs. Z’s studio prepared him for conservatory long before he ever auditioned.
"No matter what the ages are, for the kids, if you give them difficult things and hold them to a standard that is like what you want, they will rise to the occasion if they have the passion, the level of professionalism. And that really, it truly has prepared me so much,” said Brody.
The audiences can enjoy the high level of excellence the studio produces on the stage. And even the experts who help out backstage recognize that the hard work and high expectations create top-level shows.
Josh Hervey is the production and backstage coordinator for 83 Entertainment in Abilene. After nearly a decade of working alongside Zimmerman Hervey says the studio consistently delivers stand-out performances.
"I've always considered them one of the best in Abilene, even though it's all younger people,” said Hervey.
The two weeks of rehearsals wrapped up with a weekend of performances of Finding Neverland. And it marked another milestone for the studio which celebrated the seniors who were among the company’s first performers.
But for Zimmerman, the most meaningful moments happen long after the final curtain call. She loves having the chance to help young people discover their confidence, their creativity and their ability to succeed.
It was clear when the cast gathered before a recent performance that this lesson has landed with senior Amaya Myers.
“I just realized how much theatre has like helped me find my confidence. So yeah I love you guys,” said Amaya.
And Cami Zimmerman will continue to cheer their success no matter how far away the stage is where they’re performing with the passion and dedication they first learned from her.
More Information on Mrs. Z’s Performing Arts Studio - https://www.facebook.com/MRS.ZPAS