Arsht Impact Camp Arsht

A Summer Theater Adventure

Registration for Once Upon a Time at Camp Arsht is now closed. Please note that the tuition and registration fees are non-refundable.

Camp attendees will showcase their musical numbers in a final performance on Friday, August 1, at 6 p.m. The performance will be free and open to the public.

Click HERE to RSVP for the final performance.

During Camp Arsht, students collaborate with theater professionals to build an original theatrical performance. Through improvisation, writing, movement, music and group creativity, campers devise a completely original show from scratch and perform it live at the end of camp!

Classes are taught by South Florida-based choreographers, musicians and directors. No musical theater experience is required.

Please reach out to education@arshtcenter.org with any questions.

Staff Bios

Nora Pantoja

Camp Director

Nora Pantoja is an actress, performer, theater instructor and a Master of Fine Arts theater student at Juilliard Group 55. She has performed in productions such as The Amparo Experience, an award-winning show that ran in Miami for nine months. Pantoja has been a teacher for over eight years, educating elementary, middle and high school students in the performing arts.
Maru Letona Holloway

Musical Director

Pianist and composer Maru Letona Holloway is a native of El Salvador. She fulfilled her musical studies at the New England Conservatory of Music and the University of Miami Frost School of Music. She has dedicated most of her professional career to working as a collaborative pianist and music coach. Holloway has collaborated with schools throughout Miami-Dade County, as well as with YoungArts, New World Symphony, Miami Children’s Chorus, Miami Children’s Theater, Greater Miami Youth Symphony, Hued Songs, Telemundo and Orchestra Miami, among others. For the past several years, Holloway has served as musical director for the Arsht production Kitty Hawk.

Besides music, Holloway has done a bit of acting and film directing. Recently, she self-published her first book, Sea Story: A Gift From the Mystic Man, and directed the indie short film Eighth Notes. In her spare time, Holloway loves watching all things Star Wars and Marvel.
Gentry George

Choreographer

As the artistic director of the Zest Collective and a professor of dance at Miami Dade College’s New World School of the Arts, Gentry Isaiah George has cultivated a remarkable journey in the world of dance. George has captivated audiences across the globe with his performances in prestigious companies such as the Dance Theatre of Harlem. He continues to share his passion for dance with young dancers through his teaching and leadership roles.
Lauren Lopez

Lead Instructor

Lauren Lopez is a Cuban American actor, singer, dancer, director and choreographer with a Bachelor of Arts from Florida International University. Since 2015, she has been acting and singing professionally as well as teaching, directing and choreographing with performers of all ages. Born and raised in Miami, she is honored to bring her experience and love of performing to Camp Arsht!
Vanessa Thompson

Lead Instructor

Vanessa Thompson is an actress, singer, stage manager and director. She is the founder of AV Kids Miami Theatre, and has produced, directed and performed in a multitude of shows. Thompson’s students have gone on to attend colleges and magnet schools around the city. She is thrilled to be returning to Camp Arsht and excited to inspire this year’s talented students.
Sara Jarrell

Supporting Instructor

Sara Jarrell has been teaching in Miami for the past 10 years and is the drama magnet teacher at South Miami K-8 Center. Jarrell received their Bachelor of Arts in theater performance from New World School of the Arts. When not teaching, they can be found onstage. Jarrell is thrilled to bring their knowledge and love of theater to Camp Arsht.
Trey Harell

Supporting Instructor

Trey Harrell is a senior at Valdosta State University working to obtain his Master of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre. He trained at the African Heritage Cultural Arts Center under the tutelage of Jazmin Jones-Oliver and Jamel Booth. His professional performance credits include Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella, Sister Act and The Brothers Size. This is Harell’s third time working with the Adrienne Arsht Center.
Carlos Realegeno

Assistant Choreographer

Carlos Realegeno, a professional dancer, was born in Fresno, California, and grew up in Miami, Florida. His dedication and passion for dance led him to the New World School of the Arts, where he pursued a BFA in Dance. During his studies, he honed his skills in diverse techniques, including Horton, Graham, Taylor, Jazz, and Classical Ballet. Currently, Carlos is in his third year performing with the Peter London Global Dance Company and is also a member of Zest Collective while actively freelancing in Miami’s vibrant dance community. Over the past two years, his talent and versatility have made him a sought-after artist, enabling him to work with prominent figures like Bali Boi, Mikey Woodz, and Jowell y Randy. He has also performed in celebrated works by renowned choreographers such as Robert battle, Jamar Robert’s and Paul Taylor.

In 2024, Carlos served as an assistant choreographer for Camp Arsht and is excited to return for another season. Deeply grateful for his journey thus far, he looks forward to continuing his artistic evolution. Each performance reignites his excitement and fuels his commitment to sharing his passion for dance with the world.
Crystal Carbonell

Administrative Assistant

Crystal Carbonell is a recent graduate of Barry with a BFA in Theatre & a minor in management. She’s thrilled to be back with Camp Arsht! Recent works include: Doubt, POTUS, Fiddler on the Roof (Zoetic Stage), The Nutcracker (Miami City Ballet), Frozen Jr., Eurydice, The Odd Couple, The Glass Menagerie (Alan and Diane Lieberman Theatre), Animal Farm, Marie Antoinette, Actually, Sister Act, 70 Scenes of Halloween, JUDE World Premiere, All In the Timing (Shepherd & Ruth K. Broad Center). Crystal is a Senior Tech Connect Instructor, K-12 Tutor, Strengthening Families Program Coach, and skincare enthusiast (even backstage, you gotta glow). She thanks her family for their endless love & support! @carbonell_crystal