Sorry it has been a week since I have blogged. Got a little busy dealing with the traumatic passing of the kitty so now this week brings us the Showcase at Sooner Theatre.
This week I also have been busy watching Glee-Season 1. I remember last year when it came out and everyone said how awesome it was but of course I was like ‘Whatever..Show choir…really?”. Well, how wrong was I? It is a wonderful show. It makes you feel good and the music is awesome! Best of all I love how it is bringing back the rise of musical theatre. If you live in OKC or the Norman area you would be remiss not to enroll your child in Sooner Theatre!
Basically, Jennifer Heavner Baker (along with countless volunteers and minimally paid teachers) has brought the theatre to our youth! Sooner Theatre is a non-profit community run theatre that focuses on teaching our youth (starting at age 3-?) the multi-discipline of theatre life. They have something for everyone. Singing, dancing, public speaking, acting, set design and theatre management 101. Where I have seen the most growth in Caytie is her confidence. She will probably never be a prima ballerina, or a famous actress but she has learned confidence and to believe in herself.
For 4 years I paid handomsly a dance studio to teach my daughter the basics of dance. Each year she had a $100 + costume, hairpieces and shoes but could not do the dance. Sad part is that she was not alone. Then, we enrolled in a 3 week Sooner Theatre Camp where she attended m-w-f for 2 hours. After 3 weeks the entire camp performed Willy Wonka the Musical. It was a 2 hour show that featured all age groups. Their costumes cost less than $25 and they sang, danced and spoke. Guess what?…they all knew their steps, words and looked like a million bucks! All of this from a community theatre that has a mission to help build children’s confidence and to help them find their inner star!
The point to all this is: support your local theatre. Give it a try. You will be amazed that children do not need sequins, rhinestones and matching hairpieces to feel like a star. Sometimes homemade tutu’s and tie-dye t-shirts can be enough. The clincher to the last one is that your child knows what to do and are excited to show the audience. They are the star not the outfit!
Side note: Glee has made me see that show choir is cool! Watch it! You will not be disappointed!!