Of the many things we’ve learned over the past year during the pandemic, a major endeavor is the importance of giving kids a creative outlet. Too often, kids and adults are trapped looking at screens of various sizes all day long. Children need the chance to engage in the arts and express themselves. They need that interaction with peers. Luckily, Anne Arundel County, and the surrounding areas in the region, have a plethora of children’s theater groups to give kids the opportunity to let their creativity flow, while building new skills and growing confidence.
In Annapolis, the Children’s Theatre of Annapolis (CTA) has offered performances, educational classes, and workshops for kids since it’s founding in 1959. “It is magical to see the transformation of kids over the course of their time at CTA,” says Kelsey Casselbury, President of CTA. “When they start, they are often nervous, shy, withdrawn. It’s incredible to see how they blossom over weeks, months and years.” In a typical season, CTA will produce a teen musical in the fall, followed by a traditional play during the winter, and a junior musical in the spring. In addition, they offer a camp in the summer, which culminates in a large-scale production at the end of the three weeks.
All photos courtesy Children’s Theatre of Annapolis/Wendy Hickok Photography, Stage & Screen Studios, and Avalon Children’s Theatre
“Kids get the chance to learn all aspects of a production, and if they audition and don’t make a show, they help in other ways, with lighting, or as a stage manager. Everyone working together creates a wonderful family atmosphere,” Casselbury says.
“The community is so inclusive. I can really be myself there. I’ve made really good friends and it has made me love theater even more,” says Liam Devries, a student and participant with CTA for the past three years. His mother, Natalie Devries, who also serves on the board, says that Liam’s experience with CTA has been life changing. “He has more confidence. He’s happier and more motivated. It is so much fun as a parent to watch your child when they find their passion. He lights up onstage. And off the stage, he is more open when talking with peers and adults. He’s learned new skills. He’s open to new ideas. And he’s learning how to be a positive mentor, as the older kids have been to him.”
The Avalon Children’s Theatre (ACT) in Easton offers programs and production opportunities for kids starting at age four, through high school. In addition to their regular productions, ACT puts on an annual holiday production for all ages that is a massive community event. Often the casting reaches well over 90 actors. Last summer they managed to produce and record an outdoor production of The Lion King, in a large field, and send videos and recordings to families since they could not have regular audiences. The Avalon also offers kids the chance to learn other skills in sound and production by assisting with concerts and outside acting groups that come through the venue. “I cannot express the level of growth I see in these kids,” says Kimberly Stevens, Director of ACT.
All photos courtesy Children’s Theatre of Annapolis/Wendy Hickok Photography, Stage & Screen Studios, and Avalon Children’s Theatre
“Not only do they learn to express themselves, but also they learn to step outside the box. It also helps their academics because they learn to speak up more and share their thoughts. This translates to how they interact with teachers and others at school. It’s also really beautiful to watch all kinds of kids come through here. Theater is not just for the artsy kids. Sporty kids love it, and they can be flexible by participating when they are not in their sports season.”
Stage & Screen Studios in Millersville offers students small group and individual coaching, as well as stage production and screen opportunities. Director Pete Garvey and his wife, Julie Ann Garvey, started the studio three years ago and are already helping kids enjoy amazing opportunities on stage, in commercials, and in a recently produced TV pilot. Both Pete and Julie Ann have extensive acting credits and were so excited to bring that experience to kids in this region. “I am profoundly impressed with the talent of these kids and it is amazing to see their growth,” Garvey says. “At our school, not only do kids get excellent acting coaches, but we are always striving to provide professional opportunities, and skills in the technical infrastructure of various productions.”
Guest artists who work with students at Stage & Screen include Allison Bailey, who plays Glinda in the Broadway National Tour of WICKED!, and Sixx Orange, a Maryland native, who has taken Hollywood by storm, starring as the lead on Amazon’s The Kicks! “By having high-end talent teaching at our studio, the kids can see, and interact personally, with someone who’s done it and succeeded. It brings a whole different air to the studio. These actors are gentle, helpful, and informative to the children. It’s inspiring to watch,” Garvey says.
All photos courtesy Children’s Theatre of Annapolis/Wendy Hickok Photography, Stage & Screen Studios, and Avalon Children’s Theatre
Participants at these various children’s theaters are sometimes finding such a love for acting and production that they hope to continue with it into the future. Jackson Anderson, age 16, has pursued coaching at Stage & Screen, and has auditioned and performed at numerous productions at Anne Arundel Community College. “I really love the community aspect of theater. I enjoy meeting different kinds of people, getting to know them, and learning where they come from,” Jackson says. Kids can also take part in summer programs in theater through AACC’s Kids in College Programs.
All photos courtesy Children’s Theatre of Annapolis/Wendy Hickok Photography, Stage & Screen Studios, and Avalon Children’s Theatre
“Children’s and community theaters are amazing because there are so many personalities. Kids really learn about themselves and it’s so affirming for them to receive the applause from the audience, and even more exciting when they are recognized out in their community for their performance. It’s a springboard to so many other opportunities,” says Lisa Anderson, Jackson’s mother. Jackson has taken these experiences and had success in getting parts in film and television.
One thing all the theaters and studios have in common is a sense of inclusiveness. “At CTA, we value the importance of diversity and inclusion in everything from hiring staff, to the productions themselves. We look to choose productions that will be open to all, and love the idea of extending our reach to neighboring counties. And very importantly, we are a safe space for the LGBTQ community,” Devries says.
Whether the kids simply take acting classes, or go right into auditioning for productions, they learn important skills along the way. Auditions can be anything from cold reads of a piece, to singing a few bars of a song, to setting up individual times to be filmed and evaluated, as their audition. Each aspect of auditioning helps the kids to build confidence. If they don’t make a particular show, all the theaters and studios have options for backstage work.
Children’s theater programs in Anne Arundel and neighboring counties work to enhance what the kids have access to in their local schools. Many county and private schools have wonderful departments, and students will often split their time participating in school productions and children’s theater productions. “We work with kids so that they can participate in both, based on the season at CTA,” Casselbury explains. Kids in public schools also have the opportunity to audition to be part of the Performing and Visual Arts Programs at magnet schools. It’s exciting for kids to be a part of their school and their private theater. Many of the local children’s theaters, like CTA, also offer scholarships for kids who might not otherwise be able to participate. “We don’t want money to be an obstacle for our programs and camps,” Casselbury says.
Children’s theater has always been a remarkable way for kids to discover a passion and get more creative. Now more than ever, after a year of separation, and activities done in a modified capacity, it seems even more crucial for the kids who love it, or others looking to discover it. The community can expect excellent productions from all the local children’s theaters in the near future, like Frozen Junior from CTA. Some studios may still be working on virtual productions but, as safety allows, staffs and participants are eager to get on the stage and perform for their usual large audiences. “It’s been hard on these kids, not having this artistic outlet,” Devries admits. “I’ve seen my son struggle by not having it around.”
Says Stevens, “I just love watching them grow, shine, and come out of their shell.”
For children interested in pursuing theater, this area has an abundance of high-quality options to be part of a community that feels like family. All of them have received local, regional, and, even, national accolades, and provide a multitude of options for beginners all the way to those seeking professional opportunities. Now all you have to do is get out there. Break a leg!
