The Community Arts Ensemble offers a summer escape into community theater.
By DONG-PHUONG NGUYEN
Published June 3, 2003
TAMPA - Looking for your first big break?
There's a play coming to town, and you don't have to audition. Everyone gets a part, and you don't even need a publicity photo.
For the 12th year, community theater is coming alive in the basement of the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center.
On Monday, the first day of rehearsals, more than 200 people lined up to take part in this year's Community Arts Ensemble production.
Fred Johnson, vice president of education and humanities for the center, led the rehearsals by beating on a drum and singing a song he wrote for the play Children of the Sun.
In a large room reminiscent of a school gym, assistants taught the group their first choreographed dance steps, which included claps, stomps and fluid arches of the back.
While most of the participants were young - there were plenty of missing teeth - a handful of teenagers and adults were seen singing and dancing in the back rows.
"I know you're excited," Johnson told his chattering charges, most no taller than 3 feet. "Don't use your mouth. Use your mind. Pay attention. Concentrate."
All the hard work will continue every weekday for about two months and will culminate in three shows at the center in late July.
It's a chance for kids to stay active for part of the summer, and maybe even fulfill a dream.
"I've wanted to be an actress my whole life," said Timara Judkins, all of 7 years old. "I want to be in movies."
Although most of the kids were dropped off by their parents, 5-year-old Tamara Nevins was being watched by her parents, siblings and a camcorder.
The once-shy girl was slowly emerging from her shell, and her parents saw the production as an opportunity.
"She used to be a big introvert," said her father, Thomas Nevins, his camcorder in one hand. "I love it, watching her interact."
For Wanda Daniel, a 39-year-old Lakeland mother of three, participating meant spending quality time with her kids.
"This is not play school. It's not a babysitting service. And it's not very often that you get to be in a play with your kids," said Daniel, who enjoyed acting and the rehearsals so much last year that her family returned for an encore. "It's quite an experience when the lights come on and you're on stage. Mr. Johnson gives everyone a chance to be in a spotlight they can shine in."
The Daniels aren't the only veterans of the stage. According to Maria Soriano, one of Johnson's assistants, "we've raised a couple of kids here."
That includes 14-year-old Chantel Copeland, who is participating for the seventh year, and 16-year-old Elishia Coleman, now in her fifth year. "We only see each other during the summer," Chantel said. "But we always have fun."
Performances, which are free and open to the public, are scheduled for 7 p.m. July 30 and 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. July 31 at Carol Morsani Hall. Those interested in participating have until tomorrow to register.
