Broadway Dreams for Papua’s Youth

In an industry where competition is cutthroat and opportunities can be scarce, Camp Broadway Indonesia (CBI) stands out as a beacon of hope for young Indonesian performing art hopefuls. 

This year, CBI, managed by PT Asa Pentas Mahakarya, made a remarkable impact by awarding scholarships to 10 students from Sekolah Asrama Taruna Papua, offering them a chance to shine at the Mainstage Jakarta Summer Camp 2024. This initiative, in partnership with PT Freeport Indonesia, underscores CBI’s commitment to nurturing talent from all corners of the country and providing these young artists with a platform to showcase their skills on a global stage.

Camp Broadway Indonesia is no ordinary training ground. It’s the only licensed institution in Indonesia affiliated with CAMP BROADWAY®, dedicated to training children aged 10-17 in singing, dancing, and acting. Their mission is clear: to build confidence, hone skills, and uncover each child’s unique talents through the magic of theater.

This year’s Mainstage Jakarta Summer Camp was a six-day whirlwind of fun, but also hard work. Under the expert guidance of Kristine Bendul, a seasoned director and choreographer from Broadway, New York, 30 young performers dived into the world of ensemble singing, acting, and dancing. Kristine’s return to the program for the second time brought an extra layer of excitement and expertise.

The highlight of this year’s camp was undoubtedly the inclusion of the Papuan students. These 10 talented children and teens, supported by PT Freeport Indonesia, were able to sharpen their performance skills intensively. Moreover, their presence was a powerful reminder of the importance of equal opportunities in the arts, and their performances added a rich, new dimension to the camp.

The program also saw collaborations with some of Indonesia’s finest performers. Robertus Darren Radyan, known for his role as Shrek, Ajeng Sharfina Adiwidya as Fiona, Bernice Nikki as the vocal director, and Wishnu Dewanta with his Wishnu Dewanta Orchestra, all played key roles in guiding the children through their training.

For six days, these young artists trained at Gripastudio, mastering songs and scenes from the Broadway hit Shrek Jr. Their dedication and hard work was evident in a spectacular Finale Showcase at Teater Salihara on June 29, 2024. This final performance was not just a display of their newfound skills but a celebration of their journey and growth.