Children's Theatre

Wanting to Act is one thing, but discovering your specialty takes time. 
 Annika and I frequently are asked about what type of Acting she desires to get into.  My dream for Annika would be for her to pursue THEATRE...a noble and historical form of performing and one to which I feel a kindred nature.  My daughter however, does not share my kindredness...so to speak.  She is nearly ten years old and has not had the exposure I have to musical theatre nor has she developed any taste for it.  It feels like it is an art form that is losing it's following.  I realize that in many places around the country live theatre (like Broadway) are fully operational and draw plenty of audience.  Here in Rhode Island for example, as I have blogged about before, we do have some wonderful local theatre.  Rhode Island College and University of Rhode Island also both offer great shows.  There are several wonderful Children't Theatre groups here, like Kaleidescope and Theatre by the Sea, as well as Trinity Rep.  I would love to see Annika get more involved with any one of these.  But first things first, there needs to be developed a LOVE of theatre...an interest in it.

Going into her fourth grade year, Annika was unaware that she would be placed under the direct tutelage of the perfect lady, Mrs. Anita Boyd.  Annika's school is full of lovely and bright educators.  In fact, district-wise, Annika's particular school is highly desired by Warwick Teachers!  And so, on her first day of fourth grade, she met the woman who would change her course, her destiny.  You see, as a Law-of-Attraction believer, I had spent my summer pursuing avenues where Annika could gain instruction and training in theatre and Stage-Acting.  More importantly I applied faith and certainty to the fact that she would soon receive what she needed in this way!

The jobs she has worked through her Talent Agency have been on camera, and in a production setting like that, you can be a soft-spoken actress and still give a performance with great impact.  After all, that is what microphones are for!  But when you do live theatre, it's a totally different animal.  When I met Mrs. Boyd at the School Open House, I liked her straight away.  She had a no-nonsense air about her and a sweet nature.  She also came across as being tremendously intelligent and caring.

Annika with Mrs. Boyd at the Auditions

A month after that first meet, Annika had circulated a petition and brought it to her school principal, Ms. Dambruch.  the petition was to request a drama club for the elementary school.  A month after her petition, Mrs. Boyd and another teacher decided to take the lead on producing a school play!  Only grades 4-6 were allowed to audition.  The play would be the beloved story by Roald Dahl, James and the Giant Peach!  Mrs. Boyd had informed me upon our first meeting that her own daughter had been involved in a lot of theatre and that this was a passion of hers (Mrs. Boyd's).  She wasn't sure if they would be able to make it happen, after all, school teachers these days wear a LOT of hats!  But happily, it was all coming together!

Auditions proceeded and were amazing...WoW the talent there at Annika's School!  Our very close friend David also tried out and was cast in the lead role of JAMES!  What an amazing honor!  And to my knowledge there was no one more worthy to play the part.  David is an excellent reader, writer and actor.  He listens and picks up on cues well.  He is extrmely bright, imaginative, innocent and charismatic.  As an Actor, David has a way of really bringing out the subtle emotion of James.  Annika was cast in a major role also, as the LADYBUG!  She is delighted!  She has a natural softness and motherliness about her and this what Ladybug is in the play.  The cast will begin rehearsing in December of 2011 and will have the production in late May 2012.

Annika's Agent, Andrew at Model club, was so proud of Annika.  He hopes to be able to come down in person and see her perform.  Playing the role of Ladybug will be an excellent way for her to get the practice, exposure and experience that she needs to perform in a theatrical way.  I continue to look for training and one-on-one teaching for her to become a more well-rounded theatrical performer, but this will certainly help the process.  The only other experience Annika has with this is from my Home Daycare, YGA.  Each year, on the Friday at the end of April vacation, the children produce a Talent Show.  This April is our 3rd Annual YGA Talent Show.  Here are some photos from last years' show:

David Yabut and Annika both have been putting on Theatrical Performances together for a few years now.  They formed a band last year with their friend from these photos, Nicolas...they called the band Oceanside.  For the reason of artistic differences, Oceanside is currently not together, but the three friends, all who meet regularly at my house and daycare, YGA, are gaining a lot of exposure to theatre by producing this show each year.  Nicolas is our show's Director and offers great insight on props, sets and costumes. 

So now, the gang will have 2 great theatrical events next Spring.  Winter will be a lot of work, but then the shows will really be great!