A stage for everyone
By Joan Tupponce CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Elli Morris/Chesterfield Observer McKinley Hughes auditions for Disney's "High School Musical."

Three years ago, Kirsten Harmon of Chesterfield was a shy, self-conscious 11-year-old who hadn't considered acting in a play. Today, the 14-year-old steps onto the stage like a pro.

What happened to bring about this change? Harmon's participation in Chesterfield Children's Theatre.

The theatre was founded in 1998 by a small group of thespians who wanted to provide a training ground for beginning actors. Artistic Director Tracey Frame, one of the original founders, grew up with an eye toward acting.

"I was fascinated by it," she said. "When I tried to audition with community theaters, I didn't get cast. After high school, instead of auditioning, I decided to volunteer with theatres. I realized there needed to be a theatre where it didn't matter if you had past experience, it only mattered that you wanted to get started in acting."

The theatre produces family shows for children with casts that include both adults and children, presenting four or five main-stage shows a year along with a couple of touring shows. Students perform at different festivals and fairs as well as nursing homes, malls and other locations. The theatre also holds a twoweek mini-Broadway camp.

Everyone who auditions is placed in a show.

"We don't discriminate," Frame said, noting that she works with several special needs children. "Anyone can be part of the theatre."

But, Chesterfield Children's Theatre isn't just a theatre. "It's a mentoring facility where kids can come and be part of a show," Frame explained. "It's a place where they can learn about the magic of the theatre."

Frame challenges her students in the hope that they will learn more about the theatre and themselves.

"A lot of our students are shy when they come here," Frame said. "Once they are here, they open up and start making friends. It helps them with their social skills."

Frame's passion for helping children build self-esteem through acting was recently noted by Children's Hospital who presented her with the 2006 Spirit of Advocacy Community Partner Award. She was floored when she heard about the award. "I was happy that someone had recognized our efforts at the theatre," she said.

Harmon appreciates how Chesterfield Children's Theatre has helped her.

"I'm more confident now," she said, "and I've realized I really like acting."

Chesterfield Children's Theatre will present Disney's "High School Musical" in late January. For more information, call 691-7235 or e-mail ChesterfieldChildrensTheatre@ hotmail.com.