Bring Spring Awakening to stage in Brevard County!

"Spring Awakening" at THE ABRA @ The Standard Collective in The Eau Gallie Arts District, Melbourne, FL.

My name is Cooper LaMontagne. I graduated from Satellite High School in Satellite Beach, Florida in 2023, and am currently a freshman in the BFA Musical Theatre program at the University of Florida. I also plan on pursuing my Master of Science in Management (MSM) through the University of Florida.

It has been a longtime dream of mine to produce and perform in a production of Spring Awakening because I see this production as an artistic masterpiece juxtaposing a variation of the Frank Wedekind 1800s classical text with a rock musical score. This show brings awareness to an array of intense social themes such as suicide, abuse, and sexuality, while still leaving the audience with an encouraging message of hope and feeling valued.

Bringing this production to life is a passion project for me. I have been a super fan of this show for years, and am extremely passionate about advocating for awareness of the material it presents. Since I am pursuing a career in the entertainment and theatre industry, learning the steps of the production process while working on a show I am so passionate about is the ultimate learning experience. After my first year in college for Musical Theatre I am yearning to apply my new skills as a performer, while simultaneously learning what it takes behind the scenes. One day I will apply these skills on a larger stage like New York City where I hope to be involved with New Musical Workshops and Original Broadway Productions as both an actor and a businessperson.

Mounting a production requires a significant amount of upfront cost such as buying the rights to the show, the musical tracks, scenic design, technical design, venue rental fee, costumes, and advertising. The message of Spring Awakening needs to be heard, but I need your help to make this dream a reality.

Any profits will be donated to To Write Love On Her Arms and Ways for Life nonprofit organizations!

TWLOHA Mission: A non-profit movement that began in Melbourne Beach, FL dedicated to presenting hope and finding help for people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury, and suicide. TWLOHA exists to encourage, inform, inspire, and also to invest directly into treatment and recovery.

WAYS Mission: Wraparound Youth Services (WAYS) provides our members with the support they need to create a better ways for life. We understand that until immediate basic needs are met, it is nearly impossible to contemplate the future. At WAYS for Life, all young people are worthy of equal opportunities for a successful future.

Thank you so much for your kindness and generosity.

SUPPORT THE ARTS!!!

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What is Spring Awakening and Why is it Important?

"Spring Awakening" explores the lives of several adolescents in a Lutheran German town, as they grapple with the inner turmoil and confusion that comes with their burgeoning sexuality and the rigid societal constraints of their time. The central characters include Wendla Bergmann, a naive young girl desiring to feel something for the first time, and know the pain her classmates have endured; Melchior Gabor, an intelligent and rebellious boy who questions the status quo; and Moritz Stiefel, a troubled and anxious friend of Melchior’s, overwhelmed by the pressures of school and fears about his future.

The musical does not shy away from depicting the harsh realities and tragic outcomes that can arise from ignorance and misunderstanding. Themes of love, desire, rebellion, and suicide are woven throughout, highlighted by the contrasting energetic rock score that brings a contemporary relevance to the 19th century story. "Spring Awakening" ultimately serves as a poignant critique of the dangers of stifling open communication about human sexuality and the importance of understanding and empathy in navigating the journey from youth to adulthood. It places special emphasis on the deafness of adults to the needs, hopes, desires, and frustrations of adolescents, mental health and suicide, domestic abuse, and sexuality.

Despite its intense themes, the audience leaves the theatre with an encouraging message that no matter your hardship, no matter who you love, and no matter how you look, there will be hope. Some days are tougher than others, but it’s just another day that you will have the strength to endure. You matter to people. Your voice matters to people. Let it be heard, and cling to the people that support you.

SUPPORT THE ARTS!