EP teens bring ocean magic to life in ‘Finding Nemo JR’

Take a plunge under the sea in Stages Theatre Company‘s “Finding Nemo JR,” where three young actors with ties to Eden Prairie are bringing the underwater adventure to life.

Young thespians Leah Rimstad and Zola Renfroe, who are students at EP Online, and Ella Schumacher, an Eden Prairie resident who will attend Minnetonka High School this fall, are all acting in the production. Rimstad plays Peach the Starfish, Renfroe plays Professor Ray, and Schumacher is Chum the Shark.

The one-act musical is designed for audiences of all ages. Directed by Sandy Boren-Barrett, the show is based on the 2003 Disney/Pixar film “Finding Nemo” and features new music written by the songwriting team from “Frozen.”

The storyline follows Marlin, an anxious father, on his epic journey across the ocean to find his adventurous son Nemo. Along the way, audiences will meet some loveable friends, including the optimistic Dory, laid-back sea turtle Crush, and the supportive Tank Gang.

“This show is 60 minutes of non-stop entertainment,” said Megan Torbert, Stages Theatre’s marketing manager. “The many songs are catchy, toe-tapping worthy, with captivating choreography that immerses you under the ocean with all the sea creatures.”

In addition to the actors’ skillful voice and movement, the creative puppetry, whimsical costumes, and inventive set and staging create an immersive experience that brings Nemo and his friends to life.

“The puppets are beautifully designed and masterfully moved by the young actors, including my favorites, the sharks and turtles,” Torbert said. “A crowd favorite we’ve noticed so far (is) the silly seagulls on a mission for a snack.”

After performances, the actors come to the lobby to sign programs, talk to audience members about their favorite parts of the show, and take photos.

Tickets and more information can be found at this link.

The show runs from June 21 to Aug. 4, although it will hit the road during Hopkins’ upcoming Raspberry Festival, which takes place July 17-21. The cast and entire set will travel to Bigfork, Minnesota, for three days to perform shows there.

Young actors pursuing their passions, looking to the future

Rimstad and Schumacher are familiar faces at Stages Theatre, having been in multiple shows in the past few years. In that time, they have worked hard through many hours of rehearsal and performances to develop their craft and explore their talents and interests.

Torbert spoke highly of both actors. “They are truly inspiring not only for their theatrical talent on stage but their leadership, positivity, and hard work off stage and in the rehearsal space,” she said. “They have become role models for new actors and people joining Stages for the first time and are so good at taking them under their wing.”

Schumacher, a rising high school junior, said one of the things she loves most about performing in children’s theater is “being able to tell a story and connect with the young audience members. It’s also really fun meeting the little kids after the show.”

Torbert praised Schumacher’s enthusiasm and positive attitude: “Ella has a natural ability to make everyone smile and keep the energy up, no matter how hard they have been working that day.”

In “Nemo,” Schumacher plays Chum the Shark, which requires her to wear a costume and operate a large puppet. This is Schumacher’s second time working with puppets, having had previous experience in Stages’ “Spookley the Square Pumpkin” production last fall.

She explained that puppetry requires precise coordination and timing, but through time and practice, the puppet becomes an extension of herself. This enables her to disappear and her character, Chum the Shark, to emerge.

Schumacher said that the creative puppets and the “gorgeous” costumes for “Nemo” use color and movement to create an immersive experience. “The cast also becomes the scenery of the show,” she said. “For instance, even the hats some actors wear have constant movement, so they look like coral waving in the water.”

Rimstad agreed that costuming plays a pivotal role in the show. As Peach the Starfish, Rimstad sports a large star costume that she said “the kids love. The costumes help make everything so joyful and colorful. It’s so much fun to see how the kids react to it. Audiences love to see the characters come to life.”

A rising senior at Eden Prairie Online (EPO), which is part of Eden Prairie Schools, Rimstad said that virtual schooling enables her to actively pursue theater, especially since many performances occur during regular school hours.

Deciding to switch to online schooling “was definitely one of the best decisions I’ve made,” she said. “It gives me a lot more flexibility with high school, especially with my theater schedule. All of my EPO teachers are really supportive and helpful.”

As an EPO student, she also participates in activities at Eden Prairie High School, including drama productions, and plans to graduate with all the other EP Schools seniors in the spring of 2025. After high school, she hopes to earn a degree in fashion design and possibly pursue a career in costume design.

Stages Theatre offers arts education opportunities

Stages Theatre offers many ways for youth to get involved. This includes education classes for ages 2-18 in a variety of styles such as musical theater, playwriting, improv, actor games, and more.

Families can also attend theater performances specially designed for younger children, such as the upcoming performance of “The Dandelion Seed,” which runs Aug. 7-25. Tickets are available at this link.

Young actors can also audition to be part of productions. Torbert said this experience not only offers young people the chance to learn about theater, including acting, singing, and dancing, but it also teaches life skills like public speaking, confidence, collaboration, communication skills, time management, and following your passions.

Many of the off-stage crew are also youth collaborators. “From learning how to use the light board, soundboard, spotlights, and backstage (equipment), there are many opportunities to create art,” Torbert said.

Teenagers are also offered unique and educational experiences by applying to be a First Job in the Arts intern, BIPOC Youth Leaders, and other internship opportunities. In these, the teenagers can shadow a Stages Theatre employee to learn their craft and try it out for themselves. Opportunities include costuming, stage management, directing, marketing, and teaching in the theater classrooms.

Rimstad is a First Job in the Arts intern at Stages in the education space, helping teach young children’s classes. “I’m really passionate about arts education – I think it’s really important for kids to grow up in an artistic environment,” Rimstad said. “Theater helps kids build confidence when they’re younger, and it’s a really positive and supportive community.”

Torbert complimented Rimstad’s teaching abilities: “She does an amazing job.”

More than anything, the Stages Theatre experience is about people. “Many of the youth actors I talk to mention the sense of community that Stages Theatre brings for them,” Torbert said.

“The Stages Theatre actors are such an inclusive and friendly group of students; it makes me proud to do my job knowing that they are cultivating a warm and welcoming environment for all,” she continued. “The staff at Stages absolutely ‘practice what they preach’ by creating a welcoming environment that is educational, professional, and, of course, fun.”