Jedi Training Academy

Jedi Training Academy is a live stage show currently being performed at the Tomorrowland Terrace Stage at Disneyland Park. Based on the teachings and practices of the fictional Jedi Knights from the Star Wars films, the show depends heavily on audience participation, focusing on children. Each participant is given a lightsaber and Jedi robes and taught a routine set of swordfighting moves.

The show was introduced as part of the "Year of a Million Dreams" Disney Theme Park campaign.

ynopsis

The Padawans approach the stage and give the Jedi Master and the Jedi Knight their lightsabers. After showing his skills in a kata, the Jedi Master asks the audience, "Who wants to be a Jedi?" Children in the audience are selected by the presiding Jedi Master at random to begin Jedi training. They are given training lightsabers and Jedi robes. After a few Jedi Jests and some Jedi mind tricks, the Jedi Master demonstrates what the children will learn in a combination. With the direction of the Jedi Master, visual guidance by the Jedi Knight Tiere Kai or sometimes Jedi Knight Cytana, and the support from the Padawans, the children are then taught a simple combination of lightsaber attacks.

After the last combination practice, the Jedi Master suddenly feels a disturbance in the force. Two Stormtroopers burst through the door behind the crowd and run down a cleared-out ramp leading to the training area as on states 'There they are, halt!' and upon reaching the training area 'Alright, nobody move!' Suddenly, the stage rumbles. The sculpture at the center of the stage rises to reveal Darth Vader. The Jedi Master and Jedi Knight herd the students to the left side of the stage. As the stage rises, the two Stormtroopers take position on each side of the rising stage standing to attention facing the crowd. Once the stage has finished rising, Darth Vader steps off of his 'throne' and one Stormtrooper approaches him to say 'Lord Vader, the area is secure.' Darth Vader approaches the group of potential padawans with an offer to teach them the ways of the Dark Side of the Force. The group refuses and the Jedi Master points out that Vader is out numbered. Just then, Darth Maul emerges from a compartment in the rear of the stage. After a demonstration of his skill, Maul begins pacing the stage, glaring at the audience.

The Jedi trainees face off with either Maul or Vader. With the help of the Jedi Master and Jedi Knight, the children use the fight combination they were taught to engage the two villains. One child is singled out as being a force sensitive and is rushed by the two Stormtroopers. The Jedi Master instructs him to use several force pushes on the Stormtroopers, which sends them flying back to the wall.

After all the children have had their chance, Vader still tries to seduce them. The Jedi Master addresses Vader with 'See, I told you they'd never turn to the Dark Side, as you did!' Vader has a small fit of anger trying once more to seduce them when suddenly, the ghostly voice of Jedi Master Yoda tells the villains that the children are strong in the Force and to stand together. With that, the Jedi Master tells all the children to activate their lightsabers. Outnumbered, Vader and Maul retreat back to the stage. The stage lowers again and the villains disappear.

After the stage lowers, the Jedi Master uses a Jedi mind trick to make the stormtroopers leave. With all the villains gone, Yoda declares the children padawans and students of the Force. The children then give back the training lightsaber and robe, and are given an official Jedi diploma.

Jedi Training Academy Photography

* Photography from the Jedi Training Academy show can be found on a website called 'Disney Cast Magic' which features photos taken at Disneyland from all areas of the theme park by guest photographer Britt Dietz.
** [http://disneycastmagic.com/galleries/2006-10-01-britt/ Jedi Training Academy Opening Day Photos]
** [http://www.disneycastmagic.com Disney Cast Magic Website]

ources

* [http://disneyland.disney.go.com/disneyland/en_US/parks/entertainment/detail?name=JediTrainingAcademyEntertainmentPage Official Disneyland Website]