Children's academy brings Snow White to life

In a low and eerie voice, 10-year-old Nala Price delivered her lines. As Lacy the Wicked Queen, she slowly walked toward Snow White, played by 15-year-old Rebecca Luepschen.

On Thursday afternoon Nala and Luepschen rehearsed for the Children's Academy of Theatre's "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" that will have two show dates at the Avon Park Community Center on Saturday, Feb. 20 and March 6 at 11 a.m.

The academy is also hosting a fundraising gala set for Friday, Feb. 19, which will be the last day to purchase tickets for the play. The gala's tickets are $50 and it includes dinner, a private premier of the play and a silent auction.

"We are doing this to support the kids and the program," said Krista Flores, business manager for the academy.

In the Community Center's first floor hall room, volunteers and staff painted stage props for the upcoming opening night.

Upstairs students branched off into groups rehearsing lines and delivery. The seven dwarfs sat in a circle singing their songs and on the other end, drama coach Larry Moore gave the main character actors coaching lessons.

"Sing that song the way you did last time," Moore said to Luepschen.

He asked the actors to evaluate themselves - what was good and not so good about their performance.

"I had a lot of emotion. But I need to sing louder," Nala said.

Flores is impressed with how well the students are picking up on their new-found talents.

"They are coming along fabulously. The degree of confidence they had when they first started out is much higher now. It's what I expect because kids exposed to arts are able to develop talents they never knew they had," Flores said

The students' ages range from 5 to 18, and many were given scholarships through the Children's Academy.

The academy is a non-profit organization that teaches children about a variety of arts including music, dance, drama and studio art.

Flores, a certified drama teacher, created the school 11 years ago. She recently partnered with Children's Services Foundation of Highlands County Inc. to bring arts to students who have had little to no exposure to it.

In September, Children's Services CEO Kevin Roberts contacted Flores on partnering for a children's arts initiative.

Through grants from Children's Services and Avon Park Community Redevelopment Agency, the initiative has 35 enrolled students since it began in January. The play is the first of the programs' partnership.

"It helps them become a more well-rounded individual and gives them a cultural perspective of the world around them. So even a child who may think they are not for the arts they develop a higher appreciation for it," Flores said.

The program's next enrollment begins March 9 to 11.

Students interested in auditioning for the next production should contact Children's Academy of Theatre Inc. at www.catarts.org or call Krista Flores 863-446-1757 or Alli 863-381-2648.

Event Information

Fundraising Gala, includes dinner, private premiere and silent auction, begins at 5:30 p.m. tickets are $50 per person or $300 for a table.

"Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" shows will be Feb. 20 and March 6 at 11 a.m. tickets are $5.

All events are scheduled at the Avon Park Community Center 310 W. Main St.

Fundraising Gala

Includes dinner, private premiere and silent auction, begins at 5:30 p.m. tickets are $50 per person or $300 for a table.

"Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" shows will be Feb. 20 and March 6 at 11 a.m. Tickets are $5.

All events are scheduled at the Avon Park Community Center, 310 W. Main St.